Tis’ the season for a little festive cheer and a boozy evening.
Holiday cheer isn’t just about decoration-lined streets and trees twirled with lights. It’s about incorporating all the best flavors of the holidays into our food and drink menu as well. In Charlotte, there’s no shortage of eloquent cocktail bars doing their thing and making magic. We wanted to highlight 8 of our favorite holiday cocktails from 8 lovely different spots that you can sip on all season long. Read on to find out more.
1. Midwinter Sherry Cobbler, The Hobbyist
The Hobbyist is Charlotte’s go-to spot for quality coffee, tea, and wine, but this year, they’ve got a little extra holiday fun going on with specialty holiday beverages to accompany live music performances. Every Friday from 6:30-9:30, Scott Smith will be performing live while you can sip on these joyfully concocted beverages–their Mulled Wine, three variations of hot chocolate, Apple Port Spritz, and Midwinter Sherry Cobbler.
Where: 2100 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
2. Yule Log Grog, The Royal Tot
The Royal Tot has finally docked in Charlotte, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them. For the rest of the month, they’ll be hosting Charlotte’s only Sippin’ Santa holiday tiki bar which come with fun and festive over-the-top, wow-factor cocktails. Pictured above, the Yule Log Grog will be featured alongside the Mistletoe To-toe, which is shaped like a tropical jacuzzi, and the Regifter, which comes in a cup shaped like Santa Claus the Mermaid (if he existed). Come get wowed at our new favorite holiday party.
Where: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204
3. The Drop It Like It’s Hot Chocolate, Bocado
Return to Bocado Bar & Diner to sip on a warm beverage straight from Santa’s round belly. Their ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot Chocolate” is their adult version of the classic hot cocoa, but you can still get the normal version if you like. Their holiday menu is a playful rendition of Santa’s List, with 7 unique drinks under ‘Nice’ and 7 under ‘Naughty.’ Try their Let’s Get Blitzen if you’re feeling nice, with gin, campari, lemon, sparkling wine, and grapefruit essence or their Griswold Gluhwein if you’re feeling naughty, with mulled wine, brandy, pressed orange, and spices.
Where: 2000 South Blvd Suite 530, Charlotte, NC 28203
4. Coquito, Dot Dot Dot
Holiday cocktails don’t just have to be full of cranberries and spice. Instead, this luxurious and creamy white Coqutio is a beautifully, elegant version of winter wonderland in a martini glass. Made by Dot Dot Dot, this award winning cocktail is back (but only for a limited time) and features a 3 Rum Blend, Cream of Coconut, Condensed Milk, Cinnamon and Vanilla. The perfect dessert cocktail.
Where: 4237 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28209
5. Vegnog, Oh My Soul USA
Oh My Soul USA is an amazing vegan restaurant here at Charlotte that’s doing an amazing vegan “eggnog” this season. Even if you’re not vegan, we’d highly recommend giving it a shot. This lovely beverage comes with a Housemade, creamy vegan egg nog, bourbon, vanilla syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Starting tomorrow, they’re also doing their 12 Days of Christmas, where each day, they’re offering a Christmas special like half off drinks specials or buy one, get one free burgers.
Where: 3046 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
6. Billy Toddy, Billy Sunday
The return of the Billy Toddy at Billy Sunday is back this season, and we think this is the perfect pick me up for a cold winter’s day. Made with bourbon, housemade spiced honey, and fresh lemon, it’s simple and tasty and best of all, soothing. We love it.
Where: 1115 N Brevard St UNIT 1, Charlotte, NC 28206
7. Espresso Martini, Dilworth’s Tasting Room
Not a traditional “Christmas” drink, the espresso martini has had its moment in 2021. Creamy with that energizing flavor of coffee, you can’t really go wrong when you cap a great meal off with an espresso martini. The one at Dilworth’s Tasting Room is especially yummy, with a lovely crema and topping to give it an extra finish.
Where: 300 E Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
8. Help, Me I’m Feeling (Mulled Wine), Spindle Bar
At Optimist Hall, you can head over to Spindle Bar for an array of special, holiday drinks, all with their own unique name and flair. Their Sweater Weather might have you reaching for yours since it’s a frozen drink but that shouldn’t stop you. The bourbon and spices are likely to warm you up a bit after. Their 4 Food Groups cocktail also comes with Bourbon plus apple butter, cinnamon, and apple bitters. Don’t skip out on their Help Me, I’m Feeling (Mulled Wine) that comes in a lovely festive mug that has red wine, spices, orange, and brandy and is served warm.
Where: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
[featured image via shutterstock]