easytalk

Forget the traditional pumpkin pie when you can have a Pumpkin Pie Colada. Co-owner David Bowen of easytalk shared a little about the production process. "Our team puts in the work in the kitchen — roasting whole pumpkins, toasting and infusing spices, juicing pineapple and lime, blending and clarifying the cocktail over a 3-day process."

The result? An easy-drinking fall Piña Colada that was the bar’s top-seller last November. It’s only around for a limited time as easytalk will shift to its holiday menu in December.

Once Thanksgiving rolls around, easytalk unveils a holiday cocktail list that’s among the tops in town. One of the staples is Not Your G’ma’s Xmas Party, a vodka-based concoction with housemade spiced cranberry and orange cordial, shaken and lengthened with dry prosecco.

It’s fruity, tart, wintry-spiced and spritzy, perfect for getting your mulled wine fix this holiday season without weighing you down,” according to David.

If you want to sip on something warm, the Hot Foxy is for you. This drink is served hot and frothy and contains bourbon, ginger, lemon, and turmeric. Not only will it warm you up, but it could also provide you a nice little immune boost, too. (Since it’s got ginger and turmeric it’s healthy, right?) In addition to these three options, easytalk releases a new cocktail every week so you never know what you’ll find on the menu!

Joyner's

Known for its cozy, speakeasy vibes, Joyner’s is one of our favorite spots for seasonal spirits. If you’re the apple cider type, then the Gypsy Jewel is right up your alley. Through the Woods is a creamy drink with pumpkin flavors that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. For something with seasonal undertones, try the Electric Lady Land with Chai, herbal flavors, and orange, plus a hint of rosemary aroma.

Arrive early to grab a seat in one of the leather armchairs or couches and take in the speakeasy feel of the place. Surrounded by bookshelves and artwork, the setting transports you back into another time. The bar is located in the historic Flat Iron building in downtown’s West End, with a number of great restaurants only a block or two away, making Joyer’s a perfect place to start or end your night.

Fair Witness

With fancy drinks on the menu and fire pits outside, Fair Witness is our go-to spot downtown during the colder months. This season, don’t miss their Black Walnut Manhattan made with bourbon, a house-made spiced black walnut liquor, and Cocchi Torino vermouth. If you love a good Moscow Mule, then try The Cinnamon Girl. It’s a riff on the classic cocktail with apple-spiced rum and fresh ginger syrup. Looking to escape the cold, if only in your mind? Then go for A Cozy Winter Someplace Warm, a Christmas on the beach-themed drink with tequila, mango juice, coconut, and cinnamon syrup. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find delicious options here.

The Katharine

Want to enjoy some holiday sips in a slightly upscale setting? The Katharine Brasserie & Bar is just the spot. The bar sits on the ground floor of the iconic 1929 Reynolds Building, now the home of the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. The Art Deco setting is complemented by lively holiday décor, creating a setting that’s equal parts classy and fun.

As for the holiday drinks, we love the decadent Chocolate Mint Martini, which combines ChocoLat Triple Chocolate Liqueur, Creme de Menthe, vodka, and a chocolate drizzle on top. If cinnamon is your flavor of choice, go for the Snickerdoodle Martini. Made with vodka, cinnamon simple syrup, Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, oat milk, and a cinnamon sugar rim, the drink offers a festive touch of sweetness in every sip. The Katharine offers several holiday mocktails for the alcohol-free crowd. Their Apple No-Garita contains apple juice, Lyre's Orange Sec, lime juice, a cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass, and dehydrated apple garnish.

One thing to note, depending on when you visit, you might not see some of the cocktails above on the menu. But don’t fret; the bartenders will be happy to make it upon request. (Think of it as a secret menu.)

Footnote

Whether you need a shot of caffeine or something a little stronger, Footnote Coffee & Cocktails has you covered. The cozy coffee shop/bar is tucked in a colorful alleyway off Fourth Street next to Bookmarks Bookstore. Their holiday cocktail special will be available at Footnote and its parent brewery, Foothills Brewpub, located right next door.

The Peppermint Mocha Martini is made with double chocolate vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and cream, then shaken with ice and served with a festive sugar rim and a mini candy cane. They’ll also have special holiday coffee offerings, including their popular Holiday Coffee Flight. Priced at $13, the flights include four 6 oz. latte samples — white peppermint mocha, classic gingerbread, cookie butter, and Gingerbread Dirty Chai.

Earl’s

Located in downtown’s Industry Hill area, Earl’s is a laid-back spot known for its eclectic decor, live music, plus great food and drinks. Among the holiday drinks they’re unveiling this year is The St. Nick Nightcap — an Espresso Martini that uses a Juniper-forward London dry gin instead of vodka and brown-sugar cinnamon syrup. If you’re hungry, then this pairs very well with their hearty pork chop.

Next, there’s Earl's Holiday Punch, which is inspired by a classic Banker’s Punch. This one has spiced rum, gins, Irish whiskey, lime juice, cranberry juice, and a sweet red wine that replaces the typical port in the cocktail. Pair it with Earl’s Chicken Craklins for a festively filling combo

Tate’s Craft Cocktails

The OG of downtown’s craft cocktail scene, Tate’s has been a go-to for seasonal drinks for nearly 15 years. Among the bar’s most anticipated holiday drinks is the Pied Piper, a clarified milk punch with blended scotch, aged rum, banana liqueur, cacao, cinnamon, almond, lime, ginger, and some classic New Orleans bitters. According to co-manager Seth Bowman discussed why they called it the Pied Piper.

The drink ‘plays a song of apple,’ tasting like apple pie or apple cider,” he says. “But in reality, it’s all a ruse. There aren’t any apples in the actual drink.”

If you’re looking for the most holiday-focused cocktail on their menu, it has to be the Oxford Comma. It’s intended to be the last drink of a holiday meal, just like the Oxford comma is the last comma of a series. The base of the cocktail is gin infused with caramelized cranberries and rosemary. From there, bartenders add fresh lime juice, egg white, and a mulled wine syrup made by cooking down a pinot noir. They top it off with a mix of citrus and spices — namely cinnamon, clove, and orange. The result? All the goodness of Christmas in every sip.