These Holiday Cocktails in Syracuse Will Make Your Spirits Brighter
If you know me, you know I love a good cocktail – particularly if there is a fun theme to them. This time of year all the local bars and restaurants are announcing their wintry special drinks. And my list of holiday cocktails in Syracuse that I need to try just keeps growing. It only seemed fitting that I share the list with all of you.
The best part? There are mocktails too! Perhaps you’ll be inspired to craft your own holiday cocktail at home. Flavors of pomegranate, mint, cranberry, and allspice shine throughout these drinks.
Beak & Skiff
Lafayette
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards and 1911 Established have over 100 years of treating the local community to great food and drinks. So of course they have some of the most appealing holidays cocktails in Syracuse! They took social media by storm when they announce this year’s special: Boozy Hot Cocoa Flights. Yep, you read that correctly.
I immediately made plans with some friends to head down to Lafayette to try them for ourselves. The result? Worth every penny. The bartenders at the 1911 Tasting Room craft the flight with four different house spirits. Each is mixed in a small mug of cocoa and then topped with whipped cream and a unique topping. The selections include Vanilla Chai Vodka, Col Brew Coffee Vodka, Cider Donut Bourbon, and original Bourbon. Honestly, I liked them all so much, I’m not sure I could choose a favorite!
It goes without saying that the tasting room has other drinks to enjoy as well. Plenty of ciders and other house drinks are available. That includes another signature holiday cocktail: The Grinch. This green drink is made with Cold Brew Coffee Vodka, Creme de Menthe, Half and Half, and topped with a mint chocolate rim. Delish!
Brian’s Landing
Jamesville
Of all the cocktail menus in Central New York, the choices at Brian’s Landing in Jamesville never disappoint. So of course their holiday selections are just as creative as ever. Sweet, tart, traditional – there’s a drink to suit any palate. It starts with the CLAUSmopolitan, a punny take on the classic cocktail. Then there’s the Roku’n Around the Christmas Tree, made with Roku Gin, Rosemary Simple Syrup, Pomegranate, and Lime Juice. Don’t miss the chance to finish you meal with a Gimme S’more. This spiked hot chocolate includes Baileys S’mores, Toasted Marshmallow, and Graham Cracker Crumbs.
Crazy Daisies
Syracuse
There’s a reason Crazy Daisies recently won “Best Cocktails” and “Best Craft Beverages” in CNY. Using all fresh, local ingredients, the family-owned farm & nursery continues to create the most delicious and beautiful drinks. Their seasonal winter cocktail menu embodies that exact spirit. There are festive mimosa flights and boozy hot chocolates. Then there are some deliciously to herbaceous cocktails, including the Honey Figtini, Peppermint Martini, Mulled Cranberry Whiskey Smash, and others.
Crazy Daisies is now closed for the season.
Gilded Club
Syracuse
It only makes sense that a speakeasy-style bar in downtown Syracuse would have a selection of creative holiday cocktails. And they do! Not only does Gilded Club have 4 new wintry cocktails, they also have festive shots to enjoy as well.
First up is Jingle Juice. Made with Vodka, Ginger, Grapefruit, and Orange Juice, it’s the fruitiest of the bunch. Then there is Mistletoe Mule, a festive take on the classic cocktail with Pomegranate and Cranberry flavors. The most unique of the quad is Berry Blizzard Fizz, featuring Dragonberry Bacardi, Blueberry, Pineapple, Oatmilk, and Egg White. Lastly, Cranb-Merry Marg is exactly what it sounds like… with a pear twist.Try them each on their own, or sample them all in a flight!
A half-dozen shots round out the holiday choices. Many of them include creamy additives and coffee liqueurs like Rumchata, Baileys, Kahlua and more. In other words, my favorite types of drinks.
Kitty Hoynes
Syracuse
We all know that Kitty Hoynes knocks it out of the park when it comes to Irish whisky and Guinness. But they also make some killer cocktails! Their holiday specialties feature notes of Brown Sugar, Maple, Pomegranate, Cloves, Cranberry, and S’mores. Need I say more?
Le Mélange
Syracuse
It should come as no surprise that Le Mélange has outdone itself with their holiday cocktails. The posh, new restaurant stands out in the crowd downtown. Two giant golden nutcrackers flock the entrance, with lights and flowers filling the dining space. As for the cocktails, there are 6 seasonal specials, each just as delicious as the rest. I immediately was drawn to the Ferrero Rocher White Russian, while my friend chose the Sugar Plum Dance (both pictures below). Other choices include a Very Merry Margarita, The Lodge Old Fashioned, Peppermint Martini, and even a Morning Sex Espresso Martini! No matter your choice, you can’t go wrong.
Oh My Darling / The Fitz
Syracuse
In addition to some of their staple signature cocktails, Oh My Darling mixes things up a bit with their holiday flavors. For a limited time, enjoy a Holiday Cheer Spritz, Pom-Cran Margarita, or Winter Spiced Sangria, each featuring prominent notes of Pomegranate and Cranberry. Don’t miss the chance to end your meal on a sweet note with the Biscotti Espresso Martini. Made with Biscotti Liquor, Espresso Liquor, Baileys, and 1911 Cold Brew Coffee Vodka, it’ll put a kick in your step! A very delicious kick.
Peacock Bar & Grill
Cicero
The most creative cocktail bar north of Syracuse has done it again. This time, Peacock Bar & Grill is featuring a Christmas cocktail flight with 4 unique creations. It’s Cold Outside was designed for those chocolate mint lovers that can’t get enough of their peppermint bark this time of year. Oh Christmas Tree is the fruitiest of the quad, features notes of Melon and Peach. For the traditional dessert cocktail, try the gingerbread-based Run Run as Fast as You Can. Lastly, for a boozier, more traditional cocktail, there’s the Santa Baby, made with Amaretto, Sour Mix, and lots of Cherries.
Salt City Bar
Syracuse
Salt City Bar (and Salt City Coffee) has quickly become on of my favorite drink spots in Syracuse. For both morning and evening specialties! Both drink menus are constantly featuring seasonal flavors, and they are always delicious. This holiday season that have a few clever creations. Not Far from the Tree is a Vodka-based cocktail with Apple, Thyme, Lemon, and Ginger Beer. Or you can opt for a coffee cocktail, their specialty! Snow Owl features Bourbon, Maple, Hazelnut, and Cocoa – all your favorite cozy flavors.
Oh, and they have Eggnog. On nitro. It’s homemade and you can have it served with Bourbon or in a Latte. You’re welcome.
XO Taco
Syracuse
Like any good taco bar, XO Taco is known for its selection of tequila and creative margaritas. But this winter they are also featuring two seasonal cocktails. Winterberry Spice is Bourbon-based with warm notes of Cinnamon, Chai, Pomegranate, Lemon, and Walnut. To complement it, Merry & Bright is bright and botanical with Gin, Rosemary, Fig, Lemon, and Ginger Beer.
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