By: Ellen Parrish
Sometimes the best way to get in the holiday spirit is by sipping on some spirits. For that reason, we put together a list of some of the best holiday drinks that will have you feeling merry and bright!
Captain’s Log – Blue Heron Steak House
Blue Heron Steak House is a Jefferson Street favorite known for incredible food and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Grab a table by the fire and check out the seasonal cocktail menu. The Captain’s Log, a fan favorite during the holiday season, is a mix of Hayman’s Old Tom gin, blood orange vodka, and a splash of Grand Marnier. To finish, it’s stirred & strained with a light cinnamon stick garnish and vanilla bitters.
Bacon Old Fashioned – Centro
How about a new twist on an ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktail? Centro features a Bacon Old Fashioned that is perfect for everyone (21 years and older)! Knob Creek Bourbon, Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon, orange bitters, luxardo cherry, and house made candied bacon. Yes, bacon. Visit Centro, located next to the Fifth Third Back Pavilion in Cheapside Park and take a peek at several of their other ‘Twists on Classics’ Cocktails.
Link to Centro’s Menu: https://centro-lexington.com/#drink-specials
Fire Cider – Parlay Social
The holiday season comes with familiar sights, sounds, and flavors. If you’re feeling like a Scrooge this year, try to lighten up with a Fire Cider from Parlay Social for a classic Christmas blend of fresh cider and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey. This holiday classic will turn any Grinch into a believer and can potentially motivate you to wrap all your gifts in one sitting. Catch some live music, try out the new food menu, and take a second to enjoy the season with some Beer Mixology from Parlay Social.
Temper Tantrum – Lockbox
Lockbox, located inside 21c Museum Hotel, is home to extraordinary contemporary art and a cocktail menu that is masterfully created. In the spirit of the holiday, we recommend you give the Temper Tantrum cocktail a try. A blend of gin, grapefruit cordial, lime, and thyme makes this drink a piece of art itself. It’s the perfect gift to yourself this year.
King Louis – Bigg Blue Martini
How about a cocktail to warm up after skating at the Unified Trust Company Ice Rink in Triangle Park? Scurry across the street to Bigg Blue Martini and have a cocktail fit for royalty, the King Louis! Rye, ginger liquor, lilet, and house cherry brandy gets topped off with a green chartreuse flame that will bring the heat you seek.
The Calipari aka Kentucky Godfather – Henry Clay’s Public House
While the holidays are a busy time for everyone, the city of Lexington has the perfect distraction … BASKETBALL SEASON. Henry Clay’s Public House has the ultimate tribute to our beloved Wildcats’ head basketball coach, a bourbon cocktail named The Calipari. Devil’s Cut Bourbon and DeKuyper Amaretto shaken with ice and strained into a rocks glass, garnished with a lemon twist – Yes, please! Go Cats!
Winter Flight – Casual Pint
Casual Pint is your one stop shop for holiday hops and winter lagers. With over 30 beers on tap, and several more selections in the cooler, you are sure to find the holiday brew for you! Don’t just settle for one! Try out a ‘Holiday Flight’ and combine the beers of your choice for a customized line up! Also, as an added bonus, pick up a growler of your favorite brew to bring to your next Holiday Party!
Pick a Bourbon, any Bourbon – Bluegrass Tavern
Bourbon is always in season, after all, this is Kentucky. That’s why we suggest checking out one of the best bourbon bars in the South, Bluegrass Tavern. Whether you like it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of whatever — Bluegrass Tavern’s knowledgeable staff pride themselves on finding a bourbon that is guaranteed to fit your palate. Check out the impressive bourbon list below!
https://www.thebluegrasstavern.com/menu
Let’s raise a glass to all the parents who know their child should receive coal for Christmas this year, but decide to give them toys instead! To all the Santa’s out there, working to make sure their baby has exactly what’s on the Christmas list, you deserve a drink!