We know it's not even Halloween yet, so holiday parties might seem eons away. But hear us out. Sips and Sweets, returning to the Reef on Dec. 12, is more than just an excuse to wear a bowtie or a sparkly party dress. Think of it as the best cocktail and dessert party in L.A., one that just happens to take place around the holidays. For the second year of this L.A. Weekly event, we've again invited some of the best mixologists and pastry chefs in the city for an evening of drinking and nibbling. Tickets go on presale today. 

Sips will be coming in the form of craft cocktails from a lineup of respected bartenders: Mikki Kristola from the Varnish, Robin Chopra from Corazon y Miel, Karen Grill from Sassafras Saloon, Ryan Wainwright from Terrine, Darwin Manahan from Osso and Cliff’s Edge, Ben Scott, Avery Underhill from Butchers & Barbers, Christiaan Rollich from the Lucques Group (A.O.C., Lucques and Tavern), Josh Goldman from Julian Cox's Soigné Group, Mike Lay from Broken Spanish and B.S. Taqueria; Addam Reagan from Sonny's Hideaway, Gabriella Mlynarczyk from Birch and the Loving Cup, Jesus Gomez from 1886 Bar, Edwin Osegueda from Faith and Flower, and Adam Nystrom from E.P. + L.P.

Sweets from more than a dozen of L.A.'s best bakers, confectioners and pastry chefs also will be on hand, including treats from Shannon Swindle from Craft, Clemence Gosset from the Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories, Mariah Swan from BLD Restaurant and ICDC, Beth Kellerhals from Ledlow, Luis Ayala from Broken Spanish, Paige Russell from Hatchet Hall, Elizabeth Belkind from Cake Monkey Bakery, Megan Potthoff from WP24 by Wolfgang Puck, Sherry Yard from Helms Bakery, Courtney Reed from Belcampo Meat Co., Zenai Leal from Salt's Cure and Monica May from Nickel Diner and McConnell's Fine Ice Creams.

Tickets are $35 for general admission and $55 for VIP, which gets you entry an hour early and a gift bag. Enter the code SIPSBLOG to purchase tickets.

Sips & Sweets, Dec. 12, 8 to 11 p.m. at Magic Box@The REEF, 1933 S. Broadway, downtown.

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