During the holiday season, Christmas-themed drinks become the talk of the town, and the Ann Arbor area leads the charge. From classics like Hot Toddies receiving a seasonal upgrade to new drinks making their holiday debuts, this article highlights where to find seasonal cocktails in the area to enjoy.
Blue Leprechaun
1220 S University Ave #109, Ann Arbor
The iconic college campus favorite is in the holiday spirit as they offer a short menu of Christmas-themed drinks like Santa Specials like the Mistletoe, made with Cherry Vodka, lemonade and Sprite; Grinch Juice, made with vodka, gin, rum, tequila and melon liqueur sour sprite; and Thin Mint made with creme de cacao, creme de menthe and Irish cream.
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Pretzel Bell Basement Bar
226 S Main St, Ann Arbor
While the Pretzel Bell has its fair share of drinks to enjoy, this holiday season, take a trip downstairs to their basement bar, as they have gone full-throttle with holiday spirit, turning the business into a full-Christmas themed bar with decorations of Santa, reindeer and green and white tassels hanging along the walls. Regarding the cocktails, you can enjoy drinks like their Mele Kalikimaka, made with rum, blue curacao and pineapple, or the Uncle Lewis Old Fashioned, made with bourbon and cinnamon!
The Garage Bar
618 Church St, Ann Arbor
The Garage Bar changes the classic Hot Toddy, making it with black tea, honey, lemon wedge and Jameson. You can also order a Caramel Apple version with bourbon and hot apple cider in place of tea. Their menu also includes their Peppermint Bark and Brew made with Rumchata Peppermint and Crème de cacao!
Lowertown Bar & Cafe
1031 Broadway St, Ann Arbor
Lowertown Bar and Cafe brings the holiday cheer with their innovative Happy Together drink made with house-made peppermint and mocha syrups!
The Ravens Club
207 S Main St, Ann Arbor
The Ravens Club makes every season an unforgettable cocktail experience, and this holiday season is no different. While utilizing their array of winter ingredients, Ravens Club crafts a winter wonderland of beverages, like the Three Woodlarks made with Bourbon, cardamom, and sfumato! Or enjoy the Figgy Smalls, made with Rye Whiskey, dry vermouth, and orange bitters. This drink is nothing less than Notorious. You can also enjoy The Old 45’s with vodka, Averna, cinnamon, allspice dram and lemon.
Peridot
118 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor It’s rare to have drinks based on lore. At Peridot, their drinks each have a background for their inspiration, such as their Frost Point, made with Bitter Bianco and Comoz Blanc, which they say was made to feel like the crunching of snow on a winter’s day. You can also enjoy their Wisdom Check, made with vodka, alpine spices, lemon and seasonal honey; their winter drinks are plentiful and as delicious as they are seasonal.
Water Tower Distilling Co.
23 N Washington St, Ypsilanti
This season, the Ypsilanti distillery company offers a unique collaboration with The Neighborhood Theater Group, and their performance of A Man for Christmas: Original Musical Parody, creating a series of drinks based on the play. Enjoy their Pinny’s Christmas Miracle made with Caramel vodka, bourbon creme and cocoa powder, or the Whispering Pines made with Gin, lime juice, rosemary, and cranberries! Afterwards, enjoy the feature presentation play hosted by NTG next door!
Regents Field
204 S Main St, Ann Arbor
While offering fantastic service and a home base for all things sports and entertainment, this holiday season, Regents Field is serving their Chata made with house vodka, over almond milk and cinnamon simple syrup. Their list of seasonal favorites also includes their Tito Cranberry Mule, which will make any day festive and full of joy.
The Last Word
301 W Huron St, Ann Arbor
The Last Word is constantly shifting, and this festive season is no different, with its rotating cocktails. To fully grasp the immersive winter experience, try their Jupiter and Mars made with Espolon Reposado, Norden Black, Raspberry, Strawberry Balsamic and Fresh Lime. You can also treat yourself to their Rosie made with Rose-infused Mammoth Gin, Norden Flader Elderflower and Fresh Lemon. While the Ann Arbor area has plenty of bars to enjoy, there is no wrong choice as to which seasonal drink to try! From Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor, there is a winter cocktail for everyone. Happy holidays!
Alley Bar
112 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Spend “Thirsty Thursday” at Alley Bar and enjoy $5 holiday drinks, including a Cranberry Mule, Santa’s Sipper and more.
Antonio Cooper is a freelance journalist from Detroit, Michigan. His coverage of music festivals and interviews with local celebrities appeared in The E-Current Magazine, The Detroit Metro Times, XXL Magazine, RichMagDigital, The Ann Arbor Observer, and Pop Magazine.
