Christmas is in the air. Sure, it's 80 degrees out, but Miamians are making an effort to bring the North Pole to their backyard with palm trees covered in lights, Santa in Ray-Bans, and spicy cocktails that beg to be savored.
These libations, made by some of the best mixologists in Miami, are the epitome of Christmas in a glass. Choose a drink, raise it high, and toast to friends, family, and finding the perfect present waiting for you under the tree.
10. Meat Market's Thai Peanut Brittle
The name doesn't exactly shout Christmas, but the flavors do. Stoli Vanilla, Castries Peanut Crème, and Domaine de Canton give the cocktail sweet creaminess, while basil and jalapeño add a little spice, reminiscent of a holiday cookie. The Thai Peanut Brittle is available through the holidays for $14.
9. SushiSamba's Holiday Flip
The flip is a classic cocktail made famous in the 1800s, when it was touted as a more modern alternative to eggnog. On December 24 and 25, SushiSamba is offering its take on the holiday flip for $13. Made with pisco, aged port, maple syrup, chocolate bitters, and egg, this frothy libation is the perfect celebratory drink if you're craving a Dickens-style Christmas.
8. ToroToro's Ponche Navideño
What do you get when you take all the flavors of Christmas -- cranberries, cinnamon, apple, raisins, and brown sugar -- and add mango, tequila, and pineapple? You get this amazing hybrid punch. Available through Christmas day for $8.
7. Brother Jimmy's BBQ's Mistletoe Kiss
Brother Jimmy's actually has a half-dozen holiday cocktails, but we crave the Mistletoe Kiss. Jack Daniel's and gingerbread liqueur canoodle together for a sweet smooch of a drink. ($7)
6. Lure Fishbar's Articles of War
Christmastime is all about peace, not war, but this libation "lured" us into the holiday spirit with its fennel bitters, apple cider, and Beefeater. Did we mention it's topped with Cigar City Hotter Than Hells lager and grated nutmeg? ($14)
5. Serendipity 3's Mrs. Claus' Pomegranate Spritzer
Serendipity 3 has a host of holiday cocktails, such as Santa's Milk & Cookies (bourbon-spiked eggnog) and elf punch, but we love that Mrs. Claus has her own drink. It's exactly how we imagine the spouse of the jolliest man in the world should be -- pink and bubbly! ($8)
4. Whitey on the Moon at The Corner
Whitey on the Moon -- a blend of Death's Door white whiskey, clove, milk, and lemon zest -- has all the flavor of a nog without the heaviness. It's making a comeback as the cocktail of the week for Christmas for $10.
3. Drinking Room's Pear Noel
Giorgio Rapivacoli's pop-up at the Hotel Astor reinvents the holiday cocktail with the Pear Noel, a mix of holiday-spiced Scotch, Velvet Falernum, and roasted pear butter ($12). But hurry: The cocktail -- and the pop-up -- disappear at the beginning of the new year.
2. The Broken Shaker's Winter in Miami Nog
The classic "nog" goes on vacation in the tropics with Atlántico rum, coconut cream, and cinnamon syrup. It's seven bucks during Christmas week at the Broken Shaker.
1. Tongue & Cheek's Partridge in a Pear Tree
This homage to the classic holiday carol is made with pear brandy, spices, and a floating, magical Christmas partridge (that happens to resemble a duck). This whimsical creation costs $14.
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