South Florida's Ten Best Holiday Cocktails

The holidays are the perfect time to gather with family for some downtime after a busy year of work and responsibilities. But after a few days with cabin fever, family time can get overwhelming. You might be tempted to head to the nearest bar, but don't let your loved ones call you a Grinch. At these South Florida bars, the drink options are just as festive as your holiday decorations back at home.

From Hallandale to Palm Beach, this ten-stop itinerary is a comprehensive list of South Florida's best holiday cocktails. Whether you're craving a simple, boozy eggnog or the fanciest blend of spirits, the drinks on our list are sure to add an extra dose of holiday cheer to your festivities.
1. Park Tavern. This Delray Beach eatery takes its cocktail crafting seriously year-round, serving up classic options such as their Manhattans or Cosmos made with fresh, seasonal products. And they get creative with their house cocktails, such as the Coffee Bourbon made with coffee washed bourbon, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and demerara sugar. But during the holidays, the folks over at Park Tavern get even more inventive with their cocktail-crafting. Their Holiday Bourbon Eggnog drink is a nifty twist on an old favorite made using a mix of Michter's Bourbon, East India Sherry, housemade eggnog and freshly grated nutmeg ($10). 32 SE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach; 561-265-5093; parktaverndelray.com.
2. Etaru Hallendale. One of the many joys of experiencing winter in South Florida is getting to sit seaside as you sip on ice-cold cocktails. But if you're looking to truly feel as if you're on vacation, Etaru Hallandale's oceanfront views will make you feel like a snowbird on a Caribbean getaway. The Japanese eatery's Spiced Colada ($12), a concoction of fresh coconut water, piña colada mix, and Bacardi Rum infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, yuzu peel, and sansho pepper puts a tropical twist on the traditional holiday cocktail. 111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954-271-3222; etarurestauratn.us.
3. Council Oak. Housed inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Council Oak wants to make you feel as if you hit it big at the slots this Christmas. The steak and seafood eatery's Treize cocktail is the perfect holiday extravagance, crafted with a $195 blend of Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac, Ciroc X “Ten” Vodka, Grand Marnier and Eiswein. The ingredients are mixed, stirred and poured tableside, then topped with an elegant 24k gold flake garnish. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood; 800-937-0010; seminolehardrockhollywood.com.
4. Burlock Coast. If Noche Buena is a bigger deal in your household than Christmas Day, then odds are you've sampled your fair share of coquito over the years. But your tia's mix has nothing on Burlock Coast's take on the classic holiday drink. The restaurant's rum-centric bar is serving up a BC Coquito, a mix of Oak & Cane Rum, St. Elizabeth All Spice Drams, coconut cream, condensed milk, half and half ($14). The drink is topped off with an all-spice mix, making for a festive presentation. 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-302-6460; burlockcoast.com.
5. Lona Cocina y Tequilería. Located inside the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Lona Cocina y Tequileria was chosen as Miami New Times' Best Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale this year. And as the year wraps up, it seems like the folks at Lona are taking that eagerness to please into the new year. Their holiday drink, the Choco Loco Margarita ($13), is made with Espolon Reposado, Aanbieden Chocolate Liqueur 3 and Cointreau, which are enhanced with Abuelita’s chocolate syrup and heavy cream. 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard; 954-245-3069; lonarestaurant.com.
6. Kuro. There is no shortage of drink options at Kuro throughout the rest of the year: The modern Japanese restaurant boasts an impressive list of local and imported craft beers, Japanese whiskeys, over 30 brands of sake and 110 wine options. But you'll get an extra treat during the holidays with the unique Jyu Nana, an Instagram-worthy combination of rum, Amaro, honey, and whipped cream ($14). 1 Seminole Way; Hollywood; 800-937-0010; seminolehardrockhollywood.com.
7. Brgr Stop. Have you been naughty or nice this year? No matter which list your name is on, you'll be tempted to be really bad if you head into Brgr Stop over the holiday season. The Dear Santa, I’ve Been Bad is the perfect complement to this burger joint's indulgent comfort food menu. If you're getting lumps of coal this year, treat yourself with this festive blend of maple bacon, bourbon, and smores ($22). 1930 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-975-8459; brgrstop.com.
8. The Parched Pig. This Palm Beach watering hole has "parched" in its name, but its staff knows how to quench your thirst. For the holidays, Tim Lipman and his team of mixologists have crafted a special blend of cold-weather cocktails such as the Noël 75, made with St. George Terrier Gin, Lillet, Cranberry Syrup, lemon juice, rosemary, and champagne ($14). And if you've been naughty, there's also the Lump of Coal Fashion (get it?); a blend of Bulleit Frontier Bourbon, Bulleit Rye, pine syrup, activated charcoal, torched rosemary, and pine, and wood and aromatic bitters ($14). 4580 Donald Russ, Palm Beach Gardens; 561-360-3063; theparchedpig.com.
9. Deck 84. In South Florida, a breezy ocean view means it's finally wintertime. But before you open the presents under the tree, head to Deck 84 on Christmas Eve and Day. The Delray Beach restaurant is serving a special winter martini, made with cinnamon, apple, RumChata, Fireball, Apple Liqueur, and ground cinnamon. The mixture is poured into a martini glass, dusted with ground cinnamon and garnished with a cinnamon stick ($14) for a festive look. 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-665-8484; deck84.com.
10. Cafe Centro. It doesn't get much cozier than West Palm Beach's Cafe Centro. The charming Italian eatery in WPB's Northwood Village adjusts its mimosas seasonally for a more inviting and personal touch. Their holiday mimosa is made with apple cider and champagne served in a tall glass with a cinnamon sugar rim ($14). 2409 N. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach; 561-514-4070; cafecentrowpb.com.