Seasonal spirits ring in season at bars, liquor stores

Skyler Hammons |, Tahlequah Daily Press, Okla.
·3 min read

Dec. 22—Local liquor stores and bars are spicing up the season for the next few weeks with holiday-themed wine and beer.

Kroner and Baer Brewpub General Manager Michael Payne said many people flock in to sip on hot drinks during the Christmas holiday.

"A lot of people like the hot drinks, like hot cider, hot cocoa, and coffee, that have a splash of goodies in them for general festivities," Payne said.

Spiked Irish Coffee, which features Jameson and Bailey's Irish Cream, and Spiked Cider, with Crown Apple or Fireball in it, are common picks.

For those wanting a hot cocoa twist, Payne said it depends on the flavor desired. Peppermint can be achieved with Rumplemintz, or other tastes can be unlocked with flavored vodka or Jameson.

"We launched a special holiday menu last week, and it's been working pretty well for us," Payne said. "People are excited about the drinks and all the festive names and fun ingredients."

When it comes to New Year's Eve, Payne said the bar will be having a champagne toast at midnight, and they have served punch in the past. Payne said New Year's Eve revelers often drink more of a variety.

"All of the drinks are pretty popular because sometimes, people are drinking with a purpose, and they want to have their favorite beverage. Other times they'll stick to champagne and have a punch that has a spritzy taste to it," Payne said.

According to a correspondent at Riverside Liquor, there are several holiday drinks folks can make, including a Autumn Harvest Rum Punch, a Caramel Snickerdoodle Martini, and the Grinch Cocktail.

An Autumn Harvest Rum Punch can be made with with one bag of frozen cranberries, one orange, one 12-ounce can of frozen orange juice concentrate, a cinnamon stick, 8 cups of apple cider, 2 cups of cranberry juice, 1 cup of pear juice, half a bottle of sparkling white wine, and 2 cups of spiced rum.

The Grinch Cocktail contains 1-1/2 ounces of midori liqueur, 1 ounce of clear rum, 5 ounces of lemon-lime soda, and one maraschino cherry, stirred together. A Caramel Snickerdoodle Martini is created with a quarter cup of warmed caramel, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, 1 cup of Smirnoff Kissed Caramel, and a pinch of ground cinnamon stirred together. Ice can then be added, with whipped creamed and cinnamon sticks for a garnish.

Mary's Liquor Assistant Manager Matt Black said they have various seasonal craft beers, with the most popular being Shiner Holiday Cheer and the Samuel Adams Holiday White Ale.

"In Samuel Adams, we have a variety pack that has a winter lager and holiday white ale, and we also have a cold IPA," Black said.

Liquor gift packs are also a common sight at the store around the holidays. Black said wine and champagne are often big buys this year, especially on New Year's Eve. Since the time frame from Christmas to New Year's is not very long, Black said most people buy the same types of alcohol for both holidays.