The Best Seasonal Cocktails In Atlanta
Atlanta's artisan cocktail scene is flourishing with a new energy thanks to constantly emerging new experiences. Here are some of my favorites for the holiday season.
Miracle on Monroe (Midtown Atlanta)
Just through Christmas Eve, Miracle on Monroe, a pop-up in the Tapa Tapa space on Monroe in Midtown Atlanta, is offering creative holiday cocktails with provocative names. My favorite, the "Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r," references that classic Christmas flick Die Hard. It features multiple types of rum, pumpkin-almond syrup, and lime — perfect for making you feel warm and tingly inside.
Other tasty options include the "Christmopolitan," a seasonal twist on the classic Cosmo with elderflower liqueur, spiced cranberry sauce, and fig bitters; and the "Bad Santa," a hot milk punch with rum, spices, pineapple juice, almond milk, and coconut water and oil. These decadent drinks are destined to bring out your holiday spirit.
If you don't get to try this place out this year, the creative minds behind the pop-up (Darren Carr and Eric Simpkins of The Lawrence) will hopefully bring it back in December 2017 — perhaps with a new twist!
Cast Iron (Inman Park)
Cast Iron, a brand-new entry to Atlanta's Inman Park restaurant scene, has seasonal cocktails to lure you in. If you like watching your drinks catch fire (like I do), try the "Linus and Lucy" comprising Four Roses Bourbon, Curaçao, cocoa-honey syrup, and lemon. The drink arrives in a small glass pitcher, then beverage director Brad Tolleson torches the liquid to add a smoky flavor and serves it in an adorable cup.
Nine Mile Station & Skyline Park (Old Fourth Ward)
Situated on top of Ponce City Market, these new destinations for holiday fun host some delicious drinks as well. Nine Mile Station is a restaurant and beer garden on the corner of the rooftop, and, along with picnic baskets full of gourmet prepared sandwiches and savory bites, it offers an "Old-Fashioned Toddy," which includes 1792 Bourbon, and a "Skyline Coffee," a succulent mix of Rittenhouse Rye and Kafka Coffee Liqueur.
Neighboring rooftop bastion Skyline Park is also featuring hot cider spiked with Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and laced with rosemary and lemon. These warm holiday specials will keep you toasty as you enjoy the Atlanta skyline and Skyline Park's myriad of carnival-esque games and mini golf.
If you get too cold on the roof, pop down to Biltong Bar, inside of Ponce City Market, where the seasonal craft cocktails will get rid of any chill. Try the "Harvest Moon," which is prepared with bourbon, pecan vermouth, lemon, a house-made pumpkin syrup, Pommeau de Normandie, pie spices, and bitters.
Iberian Pig (Decatur)
For the butterscotch-lovers out there, The Iberian Pig offers a seriously rich and chocolaty cocktail called "The Gold Watch" that is made with Papa's Pilar dark rum, rye whiskey, averna, yellow Chartreuse, and lemon. Complement a few savory tapas with this sweet holiday indulgence.
The Mandarin Oriental Bar (Buckhead)
After a hectic day of holiday shopping at nearby Lenox and Phipps Malls, seek refuge inside the bar at the Mandarin Oriental. This intimate lounge is a gem inside of this elegant hotel in the heart of Buckhead's shopping district. Shake off your shopping stress with a "Spiced Nashi," a tasty blend of Grey Goose La Poire vodka, house-infused cinnamon syrup, lemon, and prosecco for a bubbly kick. Or, check out one of my all-time favorites, the "Bonita," which is made with jalapeño-infused tequila, blood orange purée, simple syrup, and a hint of basil. Pair your drinks with oysters and cheese to stave off that shopping-generated hunger!
With new spots continually emerging on the Atlanta cocktail scene, I do a round-up of cocktails worth checking out every quarter. If you have suggestions, send me an email (foodistagirl@gmail.com). I am always interested in sipping new flavors!