Enjoy a Holiday Cocktail in Portland this Season
We’re highlighting seasonally-inspired cocktails and mocktails from Portland’s watering holes that will give you visions of sugar plum fairies. The city is dazzling in December, from the tree lit up in Monument Square to the festive window displays in the Old Port. For those who want to try mixology from the comfort of home, Maine Spirits put together a round-up of holiday-themed recipes, from candy cane cocktails to gingerbread martinis.
Apres
148 Anderson Street, Portland, Maine
apresmaine.com
This hip Bayside cidery and seltzery just released the seasonally-inspired “Feliz” hard seltzer in time for the holidays with notes of orange, cinnamon, and vanilla. Apres also serves up specialty cocktails including this festive limited edition one featured on Instagram earlier in December:
Sherwood
Cranberry and apple brandied cider topped with fresh cranberries and spun vanilla sugar cotton candy (please note the cotton candy is an occasional special!)
Batson River Brewing & Distilling
Locations in Wells, Kennebunk, Biddeford, Portland
batsonriver.com
This local Maine brewing and distillery with four locations across southern Maine goes all out with its annual “Holiday Camp,” where each location transforms into a lush and festive holiday wonderland. All locations are hosting a Christmas Eve gift-wrapping happy hour until 4 pm on December 24, with paper, labels and tape provided. The holiday-themed cocktails vary at each location, but here’s a sampling of what’s on the menus:
Fa La La La La
Clock Farm Vodka, Chocolate liqueur, peppermint
Charlie Brown
Clock Farm Vodka, Gingerbread syrup, coco lopez, nutmeg
Pecan Old Fashioned
Pecan-infused Langsford Road Bourbon, Cinnamon Maple Syrup, Coffee Bitters
Tinseltini
Riparian gin, Clock Farm Vodka, Cocchi Americano, Prosecco
Blyth & Burrows
26 Exchange Street, Portland, Maine
blythandburrows.com
This nautical-themed cocktail bar on Exchange Street pays tribute to the “two brave captains who perished after the capture of the HMS Boxer off the coast of Maine in 1813,” according to the website.
Fra-Gee-Lay
Roasted Chestnut Bourbon, Creme de Cacao, Cynar, Mole Bitters, Egg
Jose Feliciano
Tequila, Allspice Dram, Citrus, Horchata, Almond, Cayenne, clarified with milk
Feats of Strength
Genever, Spiced Pear, Rum, Mulled Cranberry, Lemon
Portland Hunt + Alpine Club
75 Market Street, Portland, Maine
huntandalpineclub.com
This nationally-recognized cocktail bar on Market Street was named one of the “Best Cocktails Bars in America” by Thrillist. See below for selections from its winter “Sugar Shack Cocktail” menu.
Hunt + Alpine Eggnog
Anejo tequila, amontillado sherry, dairy, eggs, nutmeg – even available to go!
Dream Sequence
Vodka, plum brandy, pepper syrup, lemon, allspice
Color in Your Cheeks
Fernet, applejack, lemon, maple syrup, egg whites
Sleighbells (Non-Alcoholic)
Scandinavian tea syrup, lemon, bitter orange
Via Vecchia
10 Dana Street, Portland, Maine
vvoldport.com
This beautiful Italian restaurant in the heart of Portland’s Old Port isn’t technically a “bar” like some of the other spots featured on this list but its impressive holiday cocktail menu features a “Naughty” and “Nice” selection, making it worth including. The acclaimed restaurant is also hosting its 3rd annual Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, a 5-course tasting menu in honor of the traditional Italian holiday feast.
Three Men and a Baby (Naughty)
Jim, Jack, Johnnie, Via Vecchia Rabarbaro, Advieh, Gold, Frankencense, Myrrh
Yule Log (Naughty)
Aquavit, Pasubio, Birch, Lemon, Chaga, Hickory Tincture, Mint
Panettone Eggnog (Nice)
Brandy, Luxardo, Frangelico, Raspberry, Vanilla Crème Anglaise
Vin Brule (Nice)
Hot Mulled Wine, Barolo Chinato, Braulio, Angostura, Cider, Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove
St. Valentine (Non-Alcoholic)
Pomegranate, Honey, Mint, Lemon, Cinnamon
