In Search of the Best Festive Drinks 2021
We’re diving into the holiday spirits!
Let’s raise a glass (or mug) to celebrate this holiday season. Whether it’s a chilly night or a balmy Texas afternoon in December, there’s a special drink to suit any mood.
The Cavalier’s Nostalgic Noel
From 7pm until close through December 30, The Cavalier is serving up a special menu of throwback holiday cocktails. Their Nostalgic Noel menu celebrates 90s pop culture with hot, cold, and frozen themed drinks like Rocko’s Modern Toddy and Dexter’s Laboratory. These lighthearted drinks are the perfect inner-child indulgence. thecavalieratx.com | 2400 Webberville Rd. | @thecavalieratx
Shangri-La’s Hot Toddy
Why mess with perfection? There’s no going wrong with a traditional hot toddy. Keep the spirit bright (and warm) with this traditional, festive drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who prefer a slightly less sweet drink.
shangrilaaustin.com | 1016 E 6th St. | @shangrilaaustin
Nickel City’s White Russian Christmas
This special cocktail is sure to bowl over Big Lebowski fans. The White Russian Christmas at Nickel City features vodka, cold brew coffee, condensed milk, ancho chile liqueur, and cinnamon syrup. The Dude abides, and Austinites will too after sipping on this chilled concoction.
nickelcitybaratx.com | 1133 E 11th St. | @nickelcityatx.com
Kitty Cohen’s Frozen Eggnog
Egg nog may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this boozy take on the contentious holiday classic is sure to impress the most dubious holiday sipper. The Frozen Eggnog at Kitty Cohen’s features Sailor Jerry Rum and Brown Sugar Bourbon for a slightly tropical take on this wintry drink.
kittycohens.com | 2211 Webberville Rd. | @kittycohens
Contigo’s Spiked Hot Chocolate
Enjoy a grown up version of a classic hot chocolate at Contigo. Spiked with Branca Menta, a minty amaro with herbal notes, this drink offers warmth and depth of flavor. Indulge during happy hour every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-6pm.
contigoaustin.com | 2021 Anchor Lane | @contigoaustin
Whislers’ Mr. Kringle
The classy Mr. Kringle is a simple, sophisticated sip. Highland Park scotch and a complementary blend of winter spices beg to be savored. Sip slowly and take note of the subtleties of this unique drink.
whislersatx.com | 1816 E 6th St. | @whislersatx
High Noon’s Frozen Hot Chocolate
The idea for Frozen Hot Chocolate could only come about from the unpredictability of a Texas winter. Cool off and celebrate with this sweet treat at this sleek retro pub.
highnoonaustin.com | 2000 E Cesar Chavez St. | @high_noon_austin
Zero-Proof Holiday Sips
Medici Roasting’s Gingerbread Latte
Skip the PSL and sip on a Gingerbread Latte from Medici Roasting. Espresso, nutmeg, and house-made gingerbread syrup combine to recreate the flavor of this iconic winter treat with a caffeinated twist.
mediciroasting.com | 1023 Springdale Rd. | @mediciroasting
Dear Diary Coffeehouse’s Vegan Peppermint Mocha
Dear Diary’s Vegan Peppermint Mocha with Marshmallows is the dairy-free drink of plant-based dreams. Rich and reminiscent of the hot cocoa of childhood, this version is possibly even tastier.
deardiarycoffeehouse.com | 1212 Chicon St. #103 | @deardiary_coffeehouse