The post-Thanksgiving holiday stretch is known for its trays, piles and plates of chocolate, gingerbread, sugar cookies, yule log cakes, fruitcake and all things covered in peppermint.
But don’t underestimate a tasty alternative for seasonal sugar: holiday drinks. They often come in the same flavors as holiday desserts, but they’re spiced up with a bit of booze or sprinkled with marshmallows.
Leave the cookies to Santa Claus. Here are some of the options for finding a sweet drink to celebrate.
From left, the Winter Paradise Pomegranate Margarita, Tipsy Snowman and cinnamon sugar espresso martini from BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.
(Courtesy of BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse)
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: The holiday season brings with it the return of the Grand Cru beer at BJ’s. It’s a Belgian-style ale with secret spices and Belgian malts that will be flowing on tap. Three new cocktails will be available, including the Tipsy Snowman, which is made with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, Disaronno Amaretto, Frangelico, Bols Butterscotch Schnapps and whipped cream. A cinnamon-sugar espresso martini and a Winter Paradise Pomegranate Margarita round out the menu. BJ’s can be found throughout San Diego County. bjsrestaurants.com
Kona Kai: At Vessel Restaurant at Kona Kai, starting on Dec. 14, there will be an ongoing “12 Days of Cocktails” event with a special cocktail for each day for 12 days in a row. Reflecting the lyrics of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the list of drinks includes a spiced pear martini to represent “a partridge in a pear tree” and turtle coffee to represent “two turtle doves,” among other creative offerings. Available from Dec. 14-25. Vessel Bar + Restaurant, 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. resortkonakai.com/local-experiences/#!/e/12-days-of-cocktails-d59d85d6
Queenstown Bistro: As part of Westfield UTC’s Peppermint Beach Club holiday experience, Queenstown Bistro will have a unique menu of cocktails, with names like Rum Pum Pum Punch, Honeyed Hot Toddy and Pine Paradise. There will also be alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot cocoa options. Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive #9028, San Diego. westfield.com/united-states/utc/events-detail/queenstown-bistro-holiday-menu-
A view of some of the options for the 12 Days of Cocktails event at AVANT.
(Courtesy of Rancho Bernardo Inn)
AVANT: This “12 Days of Cocktails” event begins Dec. 8 with PEAR NOËL, continues with DARJEELING IT’S ME, carrying on with a unique drink on select days through Dec. 23. Sundays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. AVANT at Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego. ranchobernardoinn.com/12-days-of-cocktails-2023