Creative cocktails will fill you with the Christmas spirit and chase away the grinch!
(photography and contributor by www.laylamays.com)
Too soon? Not a chance! It’s never too soon to start feeling that Christmas spirit at The Eleanor and Nickel City in downtown Austin!
Two Christmas cocktail-themed Pop-Up bars opened their doors on Black Friday and not a day too soon. Experience a spirit-filled evening celebrating with your friends and sipping on creative and festive cocktails while listening to Jingle Bells and other holiday classics.
Austin continually intrigues and delights me with its creative culture. There is always something unique and fun going on here and just when you think you’ve done it all……….
The Eleanor on 5th Street in downtown Austin is featuring Miracle on 5th from now until the closing party on December 29th. Red velvet ropes at the entrance lead you to three bars (one upstairs) and Christmas decorations fill the walls and ceilings complete with shiny tinsel Christmas trees. If that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit well……then the cocktails will!
We started off the evening by sampling several of the cocktails and here are few of our favorites.
There’s a cocktail for everyone at the Eleanor. The Christmas Carol Barrel was overflowing with holiday flavors including Bacardi Rum, Aquavit, Jägermeister, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Lemon, Orange, Angostura bitters and nutmeg. More please!
The Snowball Old Fashioned had hints of butterscotch,George Dickel rye whiskey, spiced brown sugar and a snowball shaped ice cube which was just right for this twist on a classic.
Gin is such a versatile spirit and the Koala-la la la la la la la evokes Christmas down under with dry vermouth, pine, lime and eucalyptus syrup! WOW!
Love for Tiki drinks and Tiki-themed bars is making a strong come-back in Austin. Those of us who never forgot about those rum-based tropical drinks can now enjoy them with a holiday twist.
Just a quick Lyft trip about a mile away, Nickel City Bar was also decorated from top to bottom in Tiki-themed Christmas decor and Tiki cocktails.
Oh how I love thee, Tiki! You know how to put me in the holiday spirit!
Grinch Grog will knock the bah-humbug right out of you. This grinchy mix of Blanco Tequila, Herbal Liqueur, Pine, Pear, Lemon and Grinch syrup will put that big ole grinch smile right on your face!
These two will make you dream of Christmas on the beach! Hawaiian Milk Punch and Mele Kalikimaka embody the flavors of warm Polynesian breezes and Tiki huts.
The gang’s all here and ready to get you in the “spirit.” And the Kris Kringle Colada really became one of our top sips at Nickel City made with Dark Jamaican Rum, Cynar, Allspice liqueur, lime, pineapple and cream of coconut – THE perfect blend for a Tropical Christmas Tiki Cocktail. You MUST get this one for sure!
Everyone at the bar was talking about the shot that pays homage to the Christmas Story. “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” is probably one of the most recognizable movie lines from all times. I bet you remember where you were the first time you watched the movie and you’ll never forget when you toasted to it. Bourbon, Ginger liqueur and Tiki bitters–awesome!
Cheers and Happy Holidays from Austin!
