The holiday season is in full swing, and in San Antonio, that means twinkling lights, festive cheer, and plenty of Christmas pop-up bars. From spiced martinis to boozy hot chocolates, these Alamo City bars are serving up inventive holiday drinks and buzzy Instagram-friendly décor. This year, Santa’s not only checking the naughty list; he’s checking the cocktail menu, too!
Blitzen’s at the Omni Mansion del Rio
Master mixologist Julie Reiner (a judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters) has crafted an entire menu of cocktail artistry at Blitzen inside the Omni Mansion del Rio. Rum lovers won’t want to miss the Frost Bite, made with Ten to One’s award-winning white and aged rums, Liquid Alchemist coconut, and Llords blue curaçao. Despite its chilly name, this vibrant cocktail feels like a sunny escape to the tropics.
Home Alone Pop-up at Howdy, Sore Loser
A recent addition to San Antonio’s bar scene, Howdy, Sore Loser (from the creators of Pink Shark) is going all out this Christmas with a Home Alone-themed pop-up. The entire drink menu and pop-up setup is a playful homage to the classic holiday movie. The standout sipper is the blowtorch hot chocolate — a nod to Kevin McCallister’s daring move against Harry the burglar.
When it comes to holiday decorations at Blitzen’s, more is more.Photo courtesy of Omni Mansion del Rio
Miracle on Commerce Street at Esquire Tavern
Don’t let the absinthe mist scare you; this is Christmas magic in a glass. The Christmapolitan at Miracle on Commerce Street is back at Esquire Tavern’s beloved holiday pop-up (a local twist on the nationwide Miracle experience), and it’s still a must-try. Try the Christmapolitan, a perfectly balanced concoction mixing vodka, spiced cranberry, and vermouth — all served in a festive coupe with a sprig of garnish. We’re not kidding, this one really tastes like Christmas.
Peppermint Peak at High Praise
Peppermint Peak, the pink-hued Christmas pop-up at High Praise, the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk’s signature rooftop bar, is back with a fresh lineup of holiday cocktails. Highlights include their festive twist on the classic Aperol Spritz: Spritz the Season. Made with an Aperol base, rosemary-infused gin, Topo Chico, and just the right amount of prosecco, it gives just the right amount of buzz for a sparkling holiday sip.
Sippin’ Santa puts a tiki spin on the holiday season. Courtesy of Sippin’ Santa
Sippin’ Santa at Hugman’s Oasis
The eponymous drink at the Sippin’ Santa pop-up at Hugman’s Oasis is basically Kris Kringle’s tropical getaway in a glass. Demerara rum, Averna, ginger, orange, lemon, and nutmeg swirl together in a playful tiki Santa mug, complete with a surfboard stirrer. It’s holiday cheer with a sunny twist, perfect for Alamo City.
The Tenth Noel: A Rooftop Christmas Affair at Tenfold Rooftop
The Tenth Noel: A Rooftop Christmas Affair at Tenfold Rooftop runs from December 19 through Christmas, offering a seasonal lineup of on-theme cocktails. Highlights include the very San Antonio-appropriate Jingle Juice Margarita. This festive twist on the city’s favorite drink features blanco tequila, lime, and agave, elevated with apple spice and hazelnut for a true Yuletide flavor.