Drink in the Holidays with these Seasonal Beverages

The holidays are a time for once-a-year traditions, whether it’s the giving of gifts or mixing of drinks. Regarding the latter, we tend to like our holiday beverages tasty, whether nogged, mulled or marshmallowed, and presented with distinctive holiday flair. Here’s a few spots in Long Beach offering some of the most unique takes on holiday drinks.

FICKLEWOOD CIDERWORKS

Holiday Ciders

Ficklewood Ciderworks (720 E Broadway) will offer a decidedly festive menu of cocktails with cider as an ingredient, plus a roster of seasonal ciders for the holidays. Cocktails include the Figgy Manhattan, which takes inspiration from the classic recipe but calls for housemade orange-infused brandy and its Figgy Stardust Cider, bringing molasses-y notes to the party. Also on offer is a spiced hot cider and the Chilly Toddy, with the flavors of a classic hot toddy but served cold, perfect for the sometimes unseasonably warm days of December in Southern California.

THE ORDINARIE

MIRACLE DRINK MENU

For several years running, The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N.) has transformed into “Miracle,” a total remake of its entire restaurant decor and drink menu to coincide with the holidays. It’s a bright, spectacular and slightly kitschy celebration with decorations matched by more than a dozen drinks, including the likes of the Christmapolitan (a cosmo with, among other things, spiced cranberry sauce) and Snowball Old Fashioned (an old fashioned poured over an actual snowball).

BEACH GARDEN SOCIAL HOUSE

Larger-than-life sparkling holiday decorations adorn Beach Garden Social House (1923 E Broadway) both inside and out, and their “12 Days of Cocktails” menu created in partnership with Not Too Shabby Cocktails is available now through mid-January. This selection of 12 specialty cocktails features such libations as the Treat Yo ‘Elf, a citrusy paloma spritz made with grapefruit gin and topped with sparkling Cava Brut. Or you can choose the Merry Lit-mas, a hot drink made with bourbon, pear liqueur, and a homemade ponche navideño that can also be made as a mocktail.

BAMBOO CLUB

For the first time, local tiki bar Bamboo Club (3522 E Anaheim St) has transformed into Bamboo Tinsel Club for the holidays. Now through December 31, head to this tropical watering hole to experience the wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling decor and enjoy 10 new holiday tiki cocktails. For a warming sip session, try the Hot Buttered Rum, made with dark rum, a batter of molasses butter and black pepper, and whipped cream.

SHIRLEY’S TEMPLE

You can also increasingly find non-alcoholic options around Long Beach. Shirley’s Temple Deli & Mocktails (2420 E 28th St) in Signal Hill is offering three seasonal mocktails to celebrate the holidays, including the Sleigh, Girl, Sleigh, a mulled cranberry mocktail; the Grinchmas, a green kiwi and lime mocktail; and the Aw, Schnapps, an espresso martini with peppermint Schnapps and white mocha creme. Stop in for a lunch or weekend brunch to enjoy these festive beverages.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for nearly 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.