A non-comprehensive guide to holiday cocktails

“Under the Mistletoe” from the Republic on Grand’s holiday cocktail list. Try it next time you visit their Rudolph’s Rooftop pop-up bar taking over their balcony space for the season. Photo: Scott Bruxvoort

Writers: Mathany Ahmed and Hailey Allen

We get it: The holidays are stressful. But it’s hard to be a grinch with a fun bevvy in your hand. To fulfill our humble role in public service, the dsm team popped into some holiday pop-ups to taste test their menus. Here are a few of our favorites:

“Marshmallows & Unicorns,” Miracle on Ingersoll at the Station
This cocktail blends cardamom and black-pepper-infused gin with the earthy sweetness of velvet Falernum. Cherry liqueur and lemon juice cut through sweetness, while egg white and a marshmallow garnish add a soft, festive touch.

“Pear Tree,” Winchester Public House
The house-made sour mix brings a balanced tang to the sweet pear vodka. Domaine de canton adds a subtle gingery zing, and cardamaro rounds out all the flavors with a light bitter artichoke note. No partridge to be found.

“Sweater Weather,” Snowglobe at Exile Brewing Co.
Snuggle up with this cozy blend of Iowa-made Revelton Whiskey and Cream, nutty Amaretto and a subtle hint of Chambord, all wrapped in the warmth of nutmeg and cinnamon flavoring. Topped with a cherry, the drink is the perfect match for the seasonal Strawberry Mistletoe Cake.

“Tom and Jerry,” Good News Darling
This cozy cocktail on the speakeasy’s “Naughty List” menu has a few homemade updates. The traditional holiday drink is a variant of eggnog made with rum, and the Good News version uses nutmeg, a house buttered rum blend and a mix of several amari liqueurs to create its own unique, warm flavor.

“Under the Mistletoe,” Rudolph’s Rooftop at the Republic on Grand
This pomegranate margarita is made with Cazadores Blanco tequila and cranberry bitters. The drink is festive and sweet from the Pama pomegranate liqueur that turns it red as Rudolph’s nose.