The latest winter warmers are ready to be imbibed. Check out these holiday drink specials in New Jersey before January arrives!
Peppermintini, Amalfi’s Kitchen & Bar • Lawrenceville
Amalfi’s signature Peppermintini is made with peppermint schnapps, creme de cacao, chocolate liqueur and Baileys. It’s also topped with chocolate shavings. The Pumpkintini, which the kitchen introduced this fall, is still on the menu as well.
146 Lawrenceville Pennington Road, Lawrenceville; 609-912-1599
12 Cocktails of the Holidays, Borgata • Atlantic City
Borgata eateries are offering holiday cocktails in addition to winter wonderland decor. The casino’s 12 Cocktails of the Holidays extravaganza features drinks like the Poinsettia Martini (at Old Homestead), Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini (at Izakaya), Caramel Brûlée Cocktail (at B-Prime), S’mores Old Fashioned (at American Bar and Grille). All cocktails are available through January 2.
1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City; 609-317-1000
The Grinch, B2 Bistro + Bar • Point Pleasant
Just like the Dr. Seuss character, this drink is bright green. Made with Ketel One vodka, Midori (a bright green liqueur) and Sprite, it’s topped with a lime and cherries. Other holiday cocktails include a Whiskey Winter Smash (whiskey, maple simple syrup, lemon, club soda), Cranberry Blissmiss sangria (Ketel One vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, cran-orange simple syrup), Rosemary Cran Bee’s Knees (gin, lemon juice, rosemary-cranberry-honey simple syrup) and more.
709 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant; 732-295-0709
Holiday Drink Menu, Deal Lake Bar + Co • Loch Arbour
An assortment of holiday drinks can be found at Deal Lake Bar + Co. Photo courtesy of Dear Lake Bar + Co
Five new seasonal cocktails are available through the winter season. These include the Peppermintini (vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur), Winter Blues (ginger whiskey, blueberry purée, lemon), Boulevardier (Penelope Bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth), Say Yes to the Vest (bourbon, cherry syrup, lime) and the Cranberry Margarita (tequila, cranberry juice, lime, simple syrup).
601 Main Street, Loch Arbour; 848-217-7049
The Tipsy Elf, Eden Lounge (Harrah’s Resort) • Atlantic City
Through January 1, Eden Lounge has become the Tipsy Elf. The 21+ lounge features holiday decorations and Christmas-inspired drinks, including Where’s the Tylenol? (eggnog with bourbon or rum), a Partridge in a Pear Tree martini (pear vodka, pear purée, simple syrup, lemon), the Clausmopolitan (a classic cosmo with a sugar rim and cranberry garnish) and more.
777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City; 609-441-5000
White Christmas, Gladstone Tavern • Gladstone
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, head to Gladstone Tavern. Their White Christmas cocktail is made with Malibu and Bacardi rums, coconut milk, mint, lime and soda. If you stop into the tavern this week, you may even bump into Santa.
273 Main Street, Gladstone; 908-234-9055
Eggless Nog, Grain & Cane • Berkeley Heights
Sip on Grain & Cane’s Eggless Nog this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Grain & Cane
Eggnog, ever a holiday staple, is amenable to an amendment. Grain & Cane’s Eggless Nog is made with coconut, chocolate, mint and whiskey; it’s inspired by Coquito, a popular Puerto Rican holiday drink.
250 Connell Drive, Berkeley Heights; 908-897-1920
The Merry Mule, Hearth & Tap • Montvale
A twist on a classic, the Merry Mule is made with Tito’s vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime juice and orange bitters. The restaurant is serving this special all month and will be open on Christmas Eve until 10 pm.
125 N Kinderkamack Road, Montvale; 201-307-6300
Spiced Cranberry Paloma, Jersey Social • Jersey City
Made with tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice and spiced simple syrup, Jersey Social’s Spiced Cranberry Paloma will juice up your holiday.
837 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City; 201-222-7447
Coquito, Rooftop at Exchange Place • Jersey City
Surrounded by holiday decorations, a festive atmosphere and the Lower Manhattan skyline, guests can sip the Puerto Rican Christmas drink known as Coquito, made with rum and coconut milk. The rooftop also offers a Harvest at the Hudson (hot apple cider, ginger beer, Jack Daniel’s Apple whiskey) and a Boozy Apple Toddy. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.
1 Exchange Place, Jersey City; 551-256-7850
The Hot Santa, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub • Clifton & Ramsey
The Shannon Rose’s Hot Santa is made with hot apple cider and apricot brandy, and topped with star anise and a cinnamon stick. The pub also highlights the Mule Log (ginger beer, cranberry juice, vodka), Smokin’ Flannel (ginger whiskey, apple cider, orange juice), Iced Hot Chocolate (vanilla bean–infused vodka, amaro, RumChata, chocolate syrup) and more.
98 Kingsland Road, Clifton; 973-284-0200
1200 NJ-17, Ramsey; 201-962-7602
Almond Horn Cookie Martini, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas • Clifton
Spuntino’s newest drink is made with biscotti liqueur, RumChata and vanilla cocoa, and is served with a sugar-crystal rim. Guests can also try the Holiday ’Rita (gin, spiced pear liqueur, lime, agave) and the Fireside Aperitivo (Campari, Italian lager, lemon, simple syrup, lime). Read our recent chat with Spuntino’s sommelier here.
70 Kingsland Road, Clifton; 973-661-2435
The Mistletoe Mule, Sugar Factory (Hard Rock Hotel) • Atlantic City
Made with cherry vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice and fresh lime, the Mistletoe Mule is topped with gummy Christmas wreaths and cherries—and served in a smoking goblet. Sugar Factory‘s drink menu also includes a non-alcoholic ’Tis the Season “insane milkshake,” made with eggnog ice cream, mini candy canes, gumdrops and more. Both drinks are available through December 31.
1000 Boardwalk Avenue (Hard Rock Hotel), Atlantic City; 609-428-7283
Santa’s Gingerbread House Drinks, Wild Honey • Atlantic City
The restaurant’s first annual holiday pop-up, Santa’s Gingerbread House, runs through January 2. Decked in holiday decor, the barbecue spot is offering specials such as the Kiss Me Mistletoe Cooler (cherry rum cooler), the Hibiscus Christmas (hibiscus, tequila, orange liqueur, lime), the Snow Bear (vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, cream) and a coffee martini.
2831 Boardwalk (Tropicana), Atlantic City; 609-340-4000
Jingle Bell Bar Drinks, 1927 Lounge (Ocean Casino Resort) • Atlantic City
The Jingle Bell Bar pop-up at the 1927 Lounge features holiday decor, festive cocktails and entertainment. Drinks include the Blitzem, Little Drummer Boy, Snow Globe, Olaf, It’s a Wonderful Old Fashioned, Poinsettia Margarita and the Scrooged. All are available through January 1.
500 Boardwalk (Ocean Casino Resort), Atlantic City; 609-783-8000
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