Imagine sitting by a fireplace with a drink that sparks the holiday spirit. River City bars and restaurants often mix unique cocktails and drinks for the holiday season. This winter, consider cozying up with a custom drink at Schymik’s Kitchen.
The Shmallow Old Fashioned is a year-round drink at Schymik’s, but certain elements give it a holiday feel. Ingredients include creamy Meletti Cioccolato liqueur; caramel-y Hotel Tango Shmallow Bourbon distilled in Indianapolis, Indiana; muddled brown sugar and chocolate bitters; and a splash of cherry juice. Topping it off — literally — is a tiny skewer of toasted marshmallows.
“It’s a good dessert option without being too heavy,” says Devin McBride, Schymik’s manager and event coordinator. “It’s not super creamy or too sweet.”
McBride calls the Shmallow Old Fashioned an every-meal drink, but she says she was surprised by how popular the sweet drink is with brunch patrons.
From Bar Louie, the Blood Orange Snowbird is a mix of espolon reposado, Aperol, vanilla, blood orange, pineapple, and lime.
“The Blood Orange Snowbird pairs really well with our gastro burger,” says Alex Barton, Bar Louie’s assistant general manager and events coordinator.
The drink is available through Jan. 3 as part of Bar Louie’s Drinks for a Purpose. A portion of the sales from the Blood Orange Snowbird goes to the nonprofit Folds of Honor, a veteran’s organization that provides scholarships for the children and relatives of fallen soldiers and first responders.
Bokeh Lounge returns with its 12 Shots of Christmas. Co-owner Jessica Nuffer thought of the idea around 10 years ago but just now began implementing it.
The restaurant introduced the shots last year but officially advertised them this year. Four of the most popular shots, according to Nuffer, include Rudolph Kisses (tequila rose, vanilla vodka, and grenadine), Land of Misfit Toys (Baileys and Peppermint Schnapps Cream de Cocoa), The Grinch (Southern Comfort, Madori, Amaretto Sweet and Sour, and Sprite), and Snicker Doodle (Captain Morgan, Shot Pinnacle Whipped, and Rum Chatta).
“During the month of Christmas, you get to try something different every time you come in,” Nuffer says.
HOLIDAY SPIRITS Schymikskitchen.com, Barlouie.com, Bokehvibes.com
