Seeing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skating and doing a holiday window-display tour are probably on your December bucket list, but we have something else to add.
Indulging in a festive (and very photogenic) holiday cocktail!
Lots of bars and restaurants in the city are rolling out their holiday drink menus, and we’ve rounded up all the coziest, yummiest cocktails full of the best winter flavors.
Plus, they are very Instagram-friendly — but taste just as good as they look!
1. Boozy Black & White Hot Chocolate at The Loreley
The Loreley Beer Garden has the largest heated patio on the Lower East Side, so you can sip on toasty drinks while sitting outside and not catch cold! Their Boozy Black & White Hot Chocolate is homemade hot chocolate spiked with bourbon and topped with torched marshmallows. They also have holiday drink options like spiked egg nog, mulled wine, a Jameson hot toddy, and spiked hot apple cider.
Address: 7 Rivington St.
2. Christmas Carol Barrel at The Miracle Pop-up
Pretend it’s Christmas in July with this blend of rum, coconut water, carrot, carrot cake spice blend, cream and lemon at the beloved pop-up “Miracle on 9th Street,” this year taking over The Cabinet bar.
Address: 649 E 9th St.
3. Frozen Peppermint Slide at Industry Kitchen
This shareable frozen cocktail is perfect for two. It’s made up of Tito’s Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Crème de Cocoa, heavy cream and ice blended together, and is topped with crushed candy canes and pretzel sticks for a heavenly sweet-and-salty combination.
Address: 70 South St.
4. Provincetown at Rare & Fine
This drink was created to elevate the classic vodka-cranberry. This version has black peppercorn infused vodka for a spicy twist, along with Pimm’s No. 1, fresh cranberry puree, thyme-infused simple syrup, and fresh lime. Fresh cranberry and thyme garnishes gives it quite a Christmas tree look.
Address: 9 E 37th St
5. Adult Spiked Hot Chocolate at Good Enough to Eat
You have two choices for these rich, “adult” hot cocos at Good Enough to Eat and its sister restaurant Harvest Kitchen. Both are a blend of coco, with a hint of vanilla, thick chocolate syrup, and Godiva chocolate liquor. The s’mores variation is served with a graham cracker rim and garnished with graham cracker, chocolate swivel and toasted marshmallows, and the candy candy version is served with a marshmallow fluff and candy cane rim with toasted marshmallows.
Address: 520 Columbus Ave. (Good Enough to Eat) and 269 Columbus Ave. (Harvest Kitchen)
6. The Fir Tree at Bluebird London
This cocktail was actually inspired by a candle! Bluebird London’s holiday cocktail menu was created through a partnership with home goods store The White Company’s holiday candle scents. The Fir Tree includes with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Cranberry, Ginger, Citrus, Zirbenz and Brut.
Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Third Floor
7. The Rising Star at Ophelia
This decadent concoction of cognac, rum, cinnamon simple syrup, and lotus cookie infused cream was created for Ophelia’s winter pop-up, designed as a “snow globe in the sky.”
Address: Beekman Tower at 3 Mitchell Pl, Fl. 26
8. La Mela at Serra Alpina by Birreria
Have you been to the Eataly rooftop’s new gorgeous winter wonderland? Remember to order “La Mela,” a sweet and sour blend of Neversink Apple Brandy, St. Germain, honey syrup, lemon juice, and apple cider.
Address: 200 Fifth Avenue
9. Grinchy Tavern Grinchhopper at East Village Tavern
Beginning, Friday, November 29 “Grinchy Tavern” will take over the East Village Tavern (EVT) space with themed-cocktails and Whoville-inspired decor. The pop-up will run through the remainder of the holiday season and is led by owner Stephen Choi with cocktails created by Christine Tripi and Alexandra Sedhegian. Expect yummy cocktails like the “Grinchhopper,” with creme de cacao, green creme de menthe and cream.
Address: 158 Loisaida Ave
10. Cranberry Sauce G&T at Jimmy at the James
Why not add cranberry sauce for a holiday spin on your classic gin and tonic?
Address: 15 Thompson St (The James New York)
Featured image: Instagram / @loreleynyc