It’s Beginning to Feel Like Holiday Cocktail Season in Portland

Now that Thanksgiving is over, there’s no denying we’re in the thick of the holiday season. But what if you’re not quite in the…holiday spirit?

Between the election, general political climate, and a feeling that things are getting worse instead of better all around the world, it’s understandable if you’re struggling to get into the holiday spirit. The good news: there are plenty of places in Portland (and beyond!) that go all out. Keep reading to learn where to go to enjoy holiday cocktail season in Portland!

Batson River: Camp

I’m pretty sure you can’t have a holiday post of any kind without mentioning Batson River: Camp. Every location, whether you’re in Portland, Biddeford, Kennebunk, or Wells, goes all out for the holidays. I’ve truly never seen anything quite like it, but I’ve got to tell you, it’s a must stop!

The festive cocktails will have you feeling ready to ring in the holidays, no matter what you may celebrate. Camp is a little campy, but you can’t deny it’s fun! On their holiday cocktail menu, this year are new favorites like Partridge in a Pear Tree. It’s sweet and a little bubbly thanks to the prosecco in it.

If you want something a little bolder, check out their Naughty List cocktail, which has bourbon, Grand Marnier, apple cider, and maple syrup to help warm you up. Holiday cocktail season in Portland has never been so festive!

Via Vecchia

Of everything listed here, Via Vecchia is definitely the vibe if you’re looking for the quiet luxury kind of spot for enjoying your holidays. It’s understated, elegant, and the perfect moody backdrop for your holiday cocktail snap.

Dress up to grab a drink at the bar or enjoy one of their sinfully good holiday cocktails. Sitting at their bar is an excellent spot to do people-watching. It’s also a perfect time to ease yourself into the holidays if you’re not quite feeling the season yet.

Highroller Lobster Co.

Highroller tends to go all out, whether it’s Halloween or any other event, and the holidays are no exception. Get ready to walk through a sea of tinsel and ornaments to get to your seat, while everything is bathed in a red glow.

It’s a little over the top but in a good way. And you know the drinks won’t disappoint either. This is one of the best stops after a long day of holiday shopping!

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

You can’t leave Hunt & Alpine off this list. Why? They have a to-die-for eggnog that makes it on the menu annually around the holidays. Now, it may be more to die for if you’re lactose intolerant like me, but just take a lot of Lactaid, because it’s supremely worth it.

If you’re an eggnog fiend like me, you’ll want this in your life. If you’re not, the Glog is also an excellent choice on a cold winter day. One of these drinks will put you in the holiday spirit, just through sheer alcohol consumption alone!

Blyth & Burrows

Another incredibly well-known spot for holiday drinks is Blyth & Burrows. Their most popular holiday cocktail is probably their leg lamp cocktail, called FRA-GEE-LAY.

Sadly, you won’t find it on the menu this year. Instead, look for a Calvin & Hobbes inspired cocktail called The Tonoggin Ride. It features, among other things, scotch, house Swedish Punsch, egg, and cream.

The Tonoggin Ride somehow tastes exactly like eggnog. Because of this, it might be one of the more delectable cocktails I’ve ever put in my mouth. Even though it’s made with scotch, it’s filled with delicious flavors.

Let me tell you, you could shoot a few of them back without realizing it very quickly. Another new addition to Blyth & Burrows holiday cocktail menu is the Need ‘Em.

The Need ‘Em is a gorgeous riff on an espresso martini with a little bit of sweet potato marshmallow fluff on top. It’s smooth, creamy, and lovely after a long day at work or if you’ve spent an afternoon wrapping presents.

There’s also an Always Sunny in Philadelphia inspired drink by the aptly named Rum Ham. The Rum Ham has a little piece of rum ham on the side.

You probably won’t find more inventive cocktails anywhere in town, and they always go down smooth, especially on a cold winter night. Bring some friends and enjoy the best of holiday cocktail season in Portland. There’s something for everyone, no matter what their tastes may be.

Apres

Although Apres doesn’t exactly have a static cocktail menu, they are one of the best places to go for a dose of holiday spirit. The space is always adorned for the holidays. Think garlands, wreaths, and plenty of twinkly lights. Walking in, you’ll feel like you’re in something out of a movie this time of year.

Whether you’re grabbing a frozen beverage (which you can find on occasion during the winter months if it’s a warmer day), mulled cider, or a boozy hot chocolate with a homemade marshmallow on top giving all the vibes, it’s a holiday winter wonderland, inside and out. If you’re feeling brave, you can enjoy your beverage outdoors with one of the fire pits.

And if not, get cozy in one of the booths with your drink of choice. It’s beginning to feel a lot like holiday cocktail season, isn’t it?

Porttown Public House

Walk into Porttown Public House right now and you’ll notice…the space is pretty decked out. From ornaments hanging from the ceiling to the Budweiser vintage collectible hanging from the ceiling, you can tell that they mean business during the holidays.

Although there isn’t a big cocktail list, you will find some incredibly friendly staff and one of the best and freshest espresso martinis in town. The reason for this? They brew fresh espresso for every espresso martini they make.

Guess what? You can absolutely taste it when you take that first sip.

I know, I must seem like the last person to enjoy an espresso martini since I don’t drink coffee. However, as they’ve gained popularity in the last year or two, I’ve been trying them almost everywhere I can find them.

The holidays may be almost upon us but don’t worry. Once you’ve had some of these holiday cocktails in Portland, you’ll start feeling a lot more ready to celebrate! Did I miss your favorite holiday cocktail? Let me know in the comments or on social media what your favorite holiday cocktails are!