10 Bars That Make Phenomenal Holiday Cocktails 2018

‘Tis the season to be boozy! Check out these ten locations and, if you can, go to one or two to test out their incredible holiday cocktail menus, curated by some of the world’s most innovative mixologists. And have one for Santa while you’re there.

Sip into the winter season at Cabo Wabo Cantina, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, with holiday cocktails, available now through Monday, Dec. 31. Seasonal libations include Santa’s Sangria, made with sauvignon blanc, D’usse Cognac, white cranberry juice, blackberry puree, topped with club soda and garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary; the pomegranate margarita, made with Cazadores Blanco tequila, triple sec, pomegranate juice, lime juice and sweet and sour; and Cabo Wabo’s warm apple cider, made with Bacardi Cuatro, Fireball, salted caramel syrup, lemon juice and apple cider. All holiday cocktails are priced at $12.

Cabo Wabo Santa’s Sangria

There’s nothing quite like spending the holidays in Sin City! Top of the World restaurant, located on the 106^th floor of Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, will celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the ‘Sin’amon cocktail, made with Bulleit Bourbon, Pama pomegranate liqueur, Fireball cinnamon whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters. Guests can enjoy the holiday cocktail, priced at $17, from 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip with 360 degree revolving views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Top of the World – ‘Sin’amon Chris Wessling

Candles are lit and drinks are poured! MB Steak, located in Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, will serve the Hanukkah Gelt Martini from Sunday, Dec. 2 through Monday, Dec. 10. Inspired by Hanukkah tradition, the cocktail is made with Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate vodka, Kahlúa liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream and fresh espresso, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, priced at $15.

MB Steak – Chocolate Gelt Martini

Pancho’s Peppermint Pancho, found at Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin in Las Vegas, will sweeten up the season with the dessert cocktail that includes Bailey’s Irish Creme, Kahlúa Liqueur, Peppermint schnapps, and equal parts whole milk and light cream. All ingredients are shaken over ice and strained into a chocolate syrup drizzle martini glass. Priced at $10.25, the Peppermint Pancho is available through the holiday season.

Pancho’s – Peppermint Pancho

The Winter Old Fashioned is a spin on a beloved classic, available at Marshall’s Landing in Chicago. Made with mezcal, a mix of winter spices (cinnamon/star anise/nutmeg) and Angostura Bitters, the cocktail is priced at $12 and served amid views of the Chicago River from the city’s famed Merchandise Mart.

Marshalls Landing – Winter Old Fashioned

Havana 1920, located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, encapsulates the feel of a Cuban Christmas with its Buena Noche, a combination of Havana Club Anejo rum, caramelized plantain purée, fresh lime, fresh-pressed sugar cane and R&D aromatic #7 bitters.

Havana 1920 – Buena Noche

Mezé Greek Fusion will debut its new specialty holiday cocktail inspired by Greek mythology, Merry Medusa, available through the month of December. The cocktail is made with Ketel One vodka, house-made pomegranate reduction, freshly squeezed lemon juice and St. Elizabeth allspice dram, giving it a combination of both sweet and spice flavors ideal for winter season spirits.

Meze Greek Fusion – Merry Medusa

Christmas in Thailand, the new holiday cocktail at Monkey King available exclusively through the month of December, combines tropical fruit and spice flavors in a Southeast Asia-inspired take on winter libations. Christmas in Thailand is made with Kaffir lime leaf-infused Tanqueray Gin, lime, coconut liqueur, spiced milk syrup and topped with ground cinnamon, and is guaranteed to make you feel merry and bright.

Monkey King – Christmas in Thailand

San Diego’s award-winning BANKERS HILL BAR + Restaurant gets in the holiday spirit with Dad Ate The Cookies, a seasonal cocktail poking fun at the long-time Christmas Eve tradition of leaving treats for Santa. Crafted by lead bartender Colin Berger, Dad Ate The Cookies is made with rye whiskey, lemon juice, orgeat and cassis, topped with house-made whipped cream and cookie crumbles.

BANKERS HILL BAR + Restaurant – Dad Ate the Cookies

El Chingon, a lively restaurant-bar serving elevated Mexican cuisine in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, takes the reigns this season with its holiday cocktail, Gettin’ Blitzen. Named after one of Santa’s favorite reindeers, Getting’ Blitzen mixes Azuñia blanco tequila, house-made watermelon cordial, lime and tajin, and topped with a green and red paleta.