Bars and clubs spread holiday cheer with festive cocktails
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

East Valley bars and clubs are whipping up festive concoctions to help customers get into the holiday spirit.

John Beining, beverage manager for the Scottsdale Hyatt Resort at Gainey Ranch, has created five seasonal drinks that patrons can order in the resort’s Lobby Bar. He says a customer favorite is the Chocolate Candy Cane, which he likens to taking the holiday peppermint stick, dipping it in chocolate and adding alcohol.

The resort sells 10 to 15 of its spirited cocktails per night during the holiday season, Beining says, adding that his favorite is the Hot Brandy Alexander.

“The nutmeg adds a unique flavor to it,’’ he says. “We seem to go through so many of them. They’re very popular.’’

In south Tempe, Half Moon Sports Grill general manager Clay Moizo debuted the St. Nick Martini — a mix of Créme de Menthe, Hazelnut Liqueur, Half and Half, chocolate syrup and whipped cream; garnished with crushed pieces of candy cane — at his upscale sports bar last week.

“It’s minty and festive,” he says. “It’s a good after-dinner drink. It’s very sweet and really kind of intended for the ladies. It has the colors of Christmas and it just has a holiday flavor to it.”

For a taste of the holidays, try one of these festive cocktails (generally available through New Year's Day):

Apple Peaches Pumpkin Pie shot
What’s in it? Peach Schnapps, Apple Schnapps, pumpkin squash liqueur
How much: $5
Where: Axis/Radius, 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale,

Chocolate Candy Cane
What’s in it? Hot chocolate, Peppermint Schnapps and a splash of Créme de Menthe; garnished with whipped cream
How much: $8
Where: The Lobby Bar at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road,

Chocolate Snow Shoe
What’s in it? Hot chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps
How much: $7
Where: Barcelona, 15440 N. Greenway Hayden Loop, Scottsdale,

Cranberry Martini
What’s in it? Cranberry vodka, Triple Sec and cranberry juice with a sugared rim
How much: $10
Where: Myst, 7340 E. Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale,

Peppermint Pattie
What’s in it? Hot cocoa, Rumplemintz, Stoli vanilla, dark Créme de Cacao How much: $6
Where: Casey Moore’s Oyster House, 850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe,

Santa’s Hangover
What’s in it? A candy cane frozen margarita made with Don Eduardo Plata and mint grenadine
How much: $6
Where: The Salty Señorita, 3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale,

Santa’s Helper
What’s in it? Skyy Melon Vodka and Socko energy drink
How much: $7
Where: Suede, 7307 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale,

Santa’s Secret
What’s in it? Bacardi Vanilla, Bacardi Coco, ButterShots, amaretto and eggnog
How much: $12
Where: The Crown Room, 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale,

St. Nick Martini
What’s in it? Créme de Menthe, Hazelnut Liqueur, Half and Half, chocolate syrup, whipped cream; garnished with crushed pieces of candy cane
How much: $5
Where: Half Moon Sports Grill, 325 W. Elliot Road, Tempe,

The S’more-tini
What’s in it? Glass is rimmed with marshmallow and graham crackers and the ingredients are secret
How much: $6
Where: San Felipe’s Cantina, 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale,































 
 


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