It’s a Wonderful Life! in Austin this holiday season, and there's no better way to celebrate in true Austin-style than by going out-on-the-town to share your favorite drinks and memories with friends. You’re sure to have a Holly Jolly Christmas when you sample these holiday-inspired cocktails at Austin’s best bars and eateries.
The Backyard is the place to lounge outdoors on a clear, cool day and warm up with its signature winter drink, the Russian Gingerbread. A decadent take on the White Russian cocktail, it features Cuban expresso, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and eggnog. For a lighter, fruity drink, try their luscious Cranberry Whiskey Sour. The holiday kick is in the apple-cinnamon syrup, a twist on the classic whiskey sour. The Backyard is located at the Sheraton Austin Hotel and boasts 11,500 square feet of outdoor wonder.
You'll enjoy an array of spectacular hot toddies on the drink menu during the holidays and winter months at Contigo. Warm up on your evening out with Contigo’s Classic Toddy, a lemon-honey spiced cocktail based on your choice of bourbon or rum. If you like a drink with cinnamon and apple cider spice, opt for the Teacher’s Pet, an applejack brandy cocktail.
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Geraldine's has a reputation as one of Downtown Austin’s premiere anytime-cocktail destinations. Slip in and sip the Brown Sugar, which tastes like bread pudding in a drink and highlights a Plantation Pineapple Rum. Their classic Hot Toddy can warm even Santa’s toes. Add a fragrant cinnamon stick for an extra kick, and you’ll be toasted in no time!
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What's in the attic? You'll hear Jingle Bells in the air at Swift's Attic when you try these delicious cocktails that would tempt Santa. Make sure to try the Fuzzy Boots, a bourbon cocktail dressed up with pumpkin pie simple, rich cream, and a dash of nutmeg. Or you might decide to pucker-up with the Fig Pucker, a tart BuffaloTrace Bourbon cocktail spiked with fig jam, pecan vinegar, and a dash of cinnamon.
For a devilish spin on your holiday outings, stop by The Prohibition Creamery. You'll be in hot water when you indulge in the decadent Diablo Hot Chocolate, an angelic blend of Patron Incendio tequila, chocolate, whipped cream, and honey marshmallow toppings. Not in the mood for something hot? You can also enjoy a frozen treat: alcoholic Eggnog Ice Cream, which will definitely add a tingle to your taste buds.
The perfect holiday cocktail tribute awaits you at Icenhauer's, a bar that pays homage to Christmas movies in the form of cocktails. Try the You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out cocktail if you dare! It's a themed cocktail based on a reference from The Christmas Story made with candy cane chocolate vodka (yum!) and Bailey’s Irish Cream liquor. Another slow-sipper, show-stopper cocktail (say that twice really fast) is their Griswold’s Eggnog featuring fresh nutmeg, spiced rum, and Kahlua.
If you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer while out on the town this year, check out these bars for the best holiday-inspired cocktails in Austin. Whether you're grabbing a quick drink with a friend or hosting the company work party, these bars are the perfect place to kick back and let loose this holiday season.
Find more Austin bars plus information about Christmas in Austin on 512area, your free guide to everything in Austin.
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