5 Cocktails That’ll Put You in a Holly Jolly Mood
Leave the mixology to the pros this season! Newport Beach’s best restaurants are whipping up an assortment of festive holiday cocktails that are sure to make your season merry and bright. From hot mulled cider to cranberry concoctions topped with prosecco, these crafty drinks are sure to put you in a jolly mood. Here’s what we’re sippin’ this season!
Drink: SoCal Grasshopper
Order at: The Mayor’s Table
This winter, Executive Chef Partner Riley Huddleston at Lido House is pouring up a variety of innovative cocktails using unconventional ingredients. Each beverage features a combination of seasonal flavors and is served in a unique vessel, making the presentation oh-so Insta-worthy. For a spiced yet sweet sip, order the SoCal Grasshopper—a delightful blend of mint ice, white chocolate syrup, crème de cacao, Herradura tequila, burnt cinnamon and spice.
Drink: Holiday Wassail
Order at: Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Muldoon’s seasonal Holiday Wassail will warm you up from the inside out! This festive libation is crafted with slow-cooked red wine with a spice blend, orange zest, cider and cranberry and is served in a snifter with a lady apple and cinnamon stick. You can add a shot of Captain Morgan or Tuaca brandy for $5. However, if you prefer sweet over spiced, Muldoon’s Guinness Shake with Guinness, Kahlua, Irish whiskey, vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauce and whipped cream is a must!
Drink: The Santa
Order at: Malibu Farm
Nobody does seasonal drinks quite like Malibu Farm! This farm-to-table restaurant at Lido Marina Village is offering three different cocktails this month: Gettin’ Blitzen, The Grinch and our favorite, The Santa, made with gin or vodka, cranberry rosemary agave, fresh lemon juice or prosecco. Malibu Farm is also offering a “Sleigh Bell Combo” this season, where you can get two of these cocktails for $25!
Drink: Apple of My Pie
Order at: Olea
Olea may be known for its fresh seafood and extensive wine list, but boy, are they bringing the heat this season with their Apple of My Pie cocktail. Featuring a blend of Gentleman Jack, Cutler’s apple pie liqueur, Frangelico liqueur, walnut bitters and a crispy cheddar cheese chip, this festive concoction is a warm slice of apple pie in a glass! It’s also a great pick if you prefer to sip your dessert rather than eat it.
Drink: D4 Irish Coffee
Order at: Fable & Spirit
You can’t go wrong with an after-dinner Irish coffee, especially in the winter. There’s something about this classic drink that’s oh-so cozy and festive. And if you like yours sweet and creamy, you’ll love Fable & Spirit’s D4 Irish Coffee. This dessert-y drink features a mix of Roe & Co Irish whiskey, an espresso blend, coffee, brown sugar and hand-whipped cream. Sip this bad boy after dinner and pair it with Fable & Spirit’s Callebaut Chocolate Budino made with vanilla bean crémeux, brûléed banana and hazelnut streusel—the sweetest way to end the evening!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
