December is the ultimate month for celebrating, gifting, and gathering with friends and family. Between the pine-scented candles, twinkling lights, and holiday playlists, a festive cocktail can transform any winter party into something magical. This season, we went around town to experience holiday cocktails worth sipping—and sharing. So wear the (faux) fur and get stomping, or create your own at home!
1. Blitzen’s Pop-Up Bar: A Festive Collaboration with A Netflix Drink Master
Omni Hotels and Resorts has brought back its beloved Blitzen’s Pop-Up Bar, this year in partnership with Julie Reiner, the celebrated mixologist and judge from Netflix’s Drink Masters. The Manhattan launch event was an extravagant holiday-themed celebration showcasing her inventive seasonal cocktails and thoughtfully crafted mocktails.
While every drink at Blitzen’s is festively garnished and designed to surprise, here are some standout cocktails to try:
- The Blitzen – Woodford Reserve Rye, Ginger/Apple Spice Syrup, Angostura Bitters
Served in a holiday ornament that pours over a large ice cube—pure holiday magic. - Sleigh Ride – Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, Lime, Cranberry Syrup, Soda Water
Featuring flashing ice cubes and fresh cranberries for extra sparkle. - Espress-Ho Ho Martini – Don Julio Reposado, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Espresso
Complete with a dangling mini Moon Pie—both whimsical and delicious. - Merry Spritz-mas – Curious Elixir #4, Fluère Bitter, Lemon Juice, Cranberry Syrup
Garnished with cranberries and fresh rosemary for a bright, herbal twist.
2. A Gin Lover’s Dream: Seasonal Cocktails Made with Fords Sloe Gin
For those who enjoy gin-based cocktails, Fords Sloe Gin (29% ABV) is a flavorful addition to your holiday bar cart. This sloe gin liqueur offers a tangy, dry, herbaceous profile with notes of cassis and juniper. Its long, complex finish makes it ideal for winter cocktails. Here’s what you can concoct at home with Fords:
- Sloe Glow – Fords Sloe Gin, Fords Gin, Verjus, Lemon, Egg White, Club Soda
- Charlie Chaplin – Fords Sloe Gin, Apricot Liqueur, Lime Juice
A classic recipe created at the Waldorf-Astoria in 1920. - Velvet Tuxedo – Fords Sloe Gin, Fords Gin, Maraschino, Dry & Blanc Vermouth, Orange Bitters, Absinthe
Smooth, elegant, and perfect for holiday nights.
3. The Baccarat Bar at Bloomingdale’s: Luxury Holiday Drinks in Crystal Glassware
Bloomingdale’s Manhattan flagship is elevating holiday shopping with its Baccarat Bar, a glamorous pop-up created in partnership with the iconic French crystal maker. Each cocktail is served in luxurious Baccarat glassware (leave that glass on the table!). So if you are looking for that relaxed, elegant evening, here’s what to order:
- Chateau Baccarat – Bourbon, St. Germain, Champagne
- Jardin de Baccarat – Calvados, Amaretto, Apple Cider
- Elan – Tequila, Citrus Shrub, Grapefruit Bitters
- Eclat d’Hiver – Cognac, Pear Juice, Ginger Beer
- Reflet Parisien – Vodka, Gin, Lillet, Maraschino
- Fumée de Cristal – Jalapeño-Infused Cazadores, Mezcal, Lime, Ginger
- Harmonie Royale – Gin, Grapefruit Cordial
These cocktails blend luxury, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavor—the perfect pairing for a festive shopping escape. Bear in mind though, the pop-up ends in the first week of January 2026.
Get inspired to elevate your holiday cocktail game
Many of the ingredients in these drinks may already be on your bar cart. Professional bartenders created these recipes, but they’re easy to adapt at home with festive garnishes, seasonal syrups, and creative presentations.
Whether you prefer a bold whiskey cocktail, a gin-forward classic, or a beautifully balanced mocktail, these holiday drinks are sure to add sparkle to your next celebration. Cheers!
