Holiday Cocktails | 2023

This year the talented bartending elves at PostModern Spirits have created two new holiday cocktails to help spread holiday cheer: Frosty's on Vacation is like a winter holiday on a tropical island, and Candy Cane Children (photo) is a fun, elevated gin peppermint treat. Plus, two versions of Hot Toddies that will warm you to your tiptoes: one with house-made Straight Malt Whiskey, the other with Gin. Stop in for cocktails, spirit tasting, and pick up the perfect stocking stuffer!

All Elf on the Shelf parents are in need of J.C. Holdway's humorous cocktail Elf Sled Off the Shelf! It's a frozen cocktail boasting eggnog, bourbon, and bourbon cream for a decadent pairing to their famous wood-fired plates. This delicious drink is served in a festive holiday setting.

Take the fast train on the Peppermint Trail to Chivo Taqueria for the Peppermint Espresso. A special holiday cocktail with chocolate, peppermint, espresso, and tequila. It's an extra special holiday treat to end a night full of tacos, queso, and chips!

Lonesome Dove has a host of holiday drinks to elevate a romantic winter dinner! Try the cleverly named Polar Empress with empress gin, Peppermint Mocha Martini, Bourbon in a Pear Tree with pear juice, and White Christmas with eggnog & rum. YUM!

Soccer Taco on Market Square is bringing a holiday spin on the classic margarita. The Cranberry Margarita boasts fresh cranberry syrup, tequila, orange liquor, agave, and fresh lime. We hear it's Santa's go-to order when he's in the mood for tacos and tequila!

Look out for the mistletoe, Scruffy City Hall is mixing up a Cranberry Sugar Kiss this holiday season – a sweet and tart cocktail sure to make you and your loved ones happy. Be sure to also ask the bartender for his or her specialty!

Get in the spirit at Café 4 with a Peppermint Crunch Espresso Martini and a host of other cocktails on their festive holiday menu including the Gingerbread Martini, Sugar Cookie Martini, Caramel Apple Martini, Cranberry Rye Old Fashioned, Coconut Rum Chata, and more. It's the perfect spot for some holiday cheer on Market Square!

Frothy Monkey is a peppermint stop we're ready to make! Try one of their two holiday cocktails: Santas' Little Helper (in photo) with Rittenhouse rye, cacao, espresso, and orange simple; and Elf Off the Shelf with hot Matcha tea, vodka, vanilla, and a peppermint foam cap. Plus seasonal barista drinks including a Gingerbread Latte and a Cranberry Orange Espresso Tonic!

Bernadette’s Crystal Garden will add some sparkle to your season. The crystal-themed bar—with twinkling rooftop overlooking ice skating in Market Square—has a cocktail menu full of holiday fun, including a unique Peppermint Mimosa.

Alice in Appalachia will have boozy and non-boozy peppermint dark chocolate hot cocoa, along with a peppermint chocolate martini called Rumple-mint-stiltskin. This is the most magical place to watch the ice skaters on Market Square while enjoying a holiday drink!

Grab your snow globe and journey with Buddy the Elf until you find Downtown Knoxville's speakeasy, Peter Kern Library, and their seasonal cocktail all Elf fans will appreciate: "Buddy The Elf" Hobbs. The clarified cocktail features rum, lime juice, strawberry syrup, coconut liqueur, branca menta, mint, and whole milk, and is guaranteed to convert you into a believer of speakeasy magic.

Throughout the holiday season Brother Wolf transforms with nostalgic holiday décor for Miracle, the beloved Christmas-themed pop-up bar launched in 2014 in New York City. Their signature cocktail will be the Snowball Old-Fashioned with Rye Whiskey, gingerbread syrup, Angostura Bitters, and Wormwood Bitters. They also have a complete festive holiday cocktail menu (with festive glassware) to check out! Stop by for some holiday cheer.

Let's take a trip to the North Pole—or just the Tennessee River—for Calhoun's warm-you-right-up Polar Bear Coffee! It's filled with peppermint schnapps, creme de cacao, and hot coffee, then topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. This adult coffee is calling your name!

Head over to Southern Grit for more than their southern cuisine. At brunch, lunch or dinner, you’re going to need to try the delicious Peppermint Mocha Martini *outfit not included* (unless you're an elf). It’s a festive cocktail made with Mr. Black coffee liqueur, cream, simple syrup, and peppermint schnapps.

While enjoying friends, family, and great music at Preservation Pub, order up a festive Let It Snow Rumple Minz Shooter served with a pack of sugar to get the festivities started.