The annual holiday gathering is a chance to get to know colleagues better and celebrate the end of a successful year. Instead of serving humdrum wine and beer, ring in the holidays with a festive selection of seasonal cocktails. From gingerbread molasses to creamy eggnog, hotels and restaurants are spreading holiday cheer with a few winter favorites, sure to keep guests jingling all the way.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Make merry with this frosty red and green spritzer, decorated with cranberries and fresh sprigs of rosemary. The Pine Barrens cocktail is offered at Deca Restaurant & Bar, Dec Rooftop Lounge & Bar and Club Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, located along downtown’s upscale Magnificent Mile.
The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
Toast to 12 Days of Christmas at this landmark hotel. The holiday menu from Top of the Mark penthouse lounge boasts a signature cocktail for each of the lyrical days, including Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree. All drinks come with a wine charm to commemorate the hotel’s 90th birthday.
The Pearl Hotel
South Walton, Florida
Pack your bags for warmer temperatures and a flight of eggnog spiked four ways at The Pearl Hotel on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Havana Beach Bar & Grill concocts a decadent sampler of the sweet winter drink. Try Eggnog Brulee, Havana Nog, Merry Cherry Eggnog and Eggnog Espresso.
Harvest by Kelly Liken
Edwards, Colorado
This community-centric establishment serves seasonal cuisine and imaginative cocktails, such as the Gingerbread Man, a spicy-sweet mix of Stranahan’s bourbon, spiced syrup, molasses and Champagne. It’s best enjoyed after hitting the slopes next to Vail and Beaver Creek resorts.
Hotel Lucia
Portland, Oregon
There’s nothing like curling up by the fire with a piping mug of hot chocolate. Imperial restaurant inside Hotel Lucia makes the Tiny Prancer with house-made hot cocoa mix and steamed milk. Becherovka liqueur and Carpano Antica add notes of holiday spice, amplified by heat from the drink.
