5 Cocktails to Make Your Season Merry & Bright
Leave the mixology to the pros this season and sip on some of Newport Beach’s best holiday themed cocktails! From cozy Christmas cocktails to warming, spiced creations, the city’s top restaurants and bars are serving up holiday cocktails and festive cocktails that are sure to make your winter merry and bright. Whether you’re craving sweet, seasonal flavors or classic holiday-inspired sips, these crafty drinks are the perfect way to toast to the season. Here are five standout holiday cocktails in Newport Beach we’re loving all season long!
Hallmark Christmas Meet Cute
Order at: CUCINA enoteca
Step into a movie wonderland at CUCINA enoteca, where the holidays come to life through a special cocktail menu inspired by festive classic films. From Sunday, November 23 through Wednesday, December 31, guests can sip their way through the season with nearly a dozen themed creations like the Griswold Family Punch (housemade eggnog, vodka, almond liqueur), Polar Espresso (tequila reposafo +mr black coffee liquer + licor 43 + cinnamon simple syrup) and Hallmark Christmas Meet Cute (gin, cranberry, Fee Foam, Montenegro, orange). Each cocktail is served in holiday-themed collectible glassware, available for purchase so guests can take a little cinematic cheer home for their own holiday celebrations.
The Mele Kalikimaka
Order at: CdM Restaurant
Celebrate the season in style at CdM Restaurant, where festive cocktails and a warm, candlelit ambiance set the perfect winter mood. This Corona del Mar hotspot boasts plush velvet seating and a hidden downstairs speakeasy, making it ideal for a chic night out. Treat yourself to standout seasonal drinks like the Mele Kalikimaka, a bright and flavorful mix of Meili vodka, Belle de Brillet pear liqueur, rosemary-infused pomegranate syrup, yuzu juice, and a splash of lemon.
Wassail (Muldoon’s Festive Mulled Wine!)
Order at: Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Raise a glass of holiday cheer as Muldoon’s famous Wassail makes its seasonal return. This traditional mulled wine is a beloved favorite at the Irish pub, offering a warm and wonderfully spiced sip that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Guests can also elevate their mug with a shot of Tuaca or Captain Morgan for an additional $5, adding an extra layer of flavor to this winter classic.
Spiced Pumpkin Nog
Order at: Malibu Farm
Nobody does holiday cocktails quite like Malibu Farm. This season, the farm-to-table favorite at Lido Marina Village is serving a lineup of festive sips including Spiced Pumpkin Nog. This cozy cocktail is made with chai-infused vodka, pumpkin-date agave, cream, egg, and a sprinkle of nutmeg and perfectly captures the rich flavors of the season.
Keep The Change, Ya Filthy Animal
Order at: Holiday Hideout at VEA Newport Beach
VEA Newport Beach’s long-awaited Holiday Hideout returns with its festive twist on a swanky speakeasy experience. Guests 21+ can enjoy a lineup of seasonal cocktails served in decorative holiday mugs, with playful names like “Keep The Change, Ya Filthy Animal!”, “Son of a Nutcracker!” and “Elves With Attitude.” The lounge transforms into a magical winter wonderland, complete with plenty of photo-worthy moments. The Holiday Hideout is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to midnight.
