As the Greater Cincinnati area finally embraces the winter weather and weekends packed with holiday festivities are in full swing, it’s only right to have the perfect festive cocktail to accompany you. From warm drinks and holiday hops packed with holiday spices to frozen and chilled drinks filled with those sweet flavors that are reminiscent of the Christmas season, these drinks are sure to have you cheers-ing to the long-awaited holiday season.

Alice’s Espresso in the City 1432 Main St., Over-the-Rhine Nothing really says winter season like a nice latte or cup of coffee with a little buzz, and then maybe a little more buzz. Alice’s Espresso in the City cocktail, featured on their new menu, is packed with orange spiced vodka, rum, coffee liqueur, cold brew, spiced syrup, orange and condensed milk. See, winters are not so bad when you have coffee and vodka to get you through. Photo: facebook.com/alice.otr
Rhinegeist’s Dad Hoppy Holidays Ale 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine This red ale pays homage to that buffalo plaid and tall crew socks vibe that every dad brings to the holiday function. Packed with hints of citrus, pine and resin, this beer will have you wanting to grab the ole ax and cut down the tree yourself this holiday season. Check out Rhinegeist’s Beer Finder, and find the closest Dad Hoppy Holiday Ale near you. Best enjoyed in your warmest hoodie and flannel combo and cozy socks. Photo: facebook.com/rhinegeist
Anything from the Overlook Lodge’s Miracle Pop-Up 6083 Montgomery Rd., Norwood Wanting to be doused in Christmas spirit from head to toe? The Miracle Pop-Up bar is the place for you. The bar features Christmas decor straight out of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, with visits from the Grinch and help from Santa and his elves. The menu features drinks like the Run Run Reindeer with a mulled wine reduction, prosecco, lemon and aromatic bitters, and the Jingle Balls Nog with cognac, cream sherry, almond milk, cream, egg, vanilla and nutmeg all served in festive drinkware. You can reserve your table online at theoverlooklodge.com. Each ticket includes 70 minutes of festivity, a welcome shot and two drinks. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Little Miami Brewing Company 208 Mill St., Milford Founded by brothers-in-law Dan Lynch and Joe Brenner, Milford’s Little Miami Brewing Company sits on the banks of its namesake river, pouring beers alongside a selection of brick-oven pizzas and other tasty bites. In the colder months, the brewery warms up with fire pits that face the river. Photo: facebook.com/Little Miami Brewing Co.
Second Story’s S’Mores Espresso Martini 100 W. Sixth St., Covington Enter the classic espresso martini blended with the unique and sweet flavors of everyone’s favorite fireside treat: s’mores. Made with cold brew, Milanese espresso liquor, house-infused graham-vanilla vodka (delish), and toasted marshmallow, how can you resist a drink that tastes like dessert and gives you the perfect buzz? Enjoy this inside Second Story’s bohemian lounge or their heated outdoor seating. Photo: facebook.com/Second.Story.Bar.Cov
MadTree Brewery’s Holly Days 3301 Madison Rd., Oakley One of MadTree Brewery’s seasonal favorites is back just in time to be your plus one for family gatherings and weekend hangouts. This IPA is full of citrus and pine flavors and if that doesn’t convince you, Holly Days was named the No. 1 IPA worldwide in the Tasting Alliance World Beer Competition. So, grab a pack and see for yourself, or try on tap at the MadTree Taproom in Oakley. Photo: Provided by MadTree Brewing
Bourbon’s Craft Kitchen and Bar’s Bourbon Root Beer Float 199 Sixth St. E., Downtown Are you a lover of the winter season but a hater of all things peppermint and gingerbread? Never fear, we have a drink for you. Bourbon’s boozy root beer float captures those warm and sweet flavors we all crave when the weather turns. Packed with bourbon, bourbon cream and sea salt caramel ice cream, this seasonal drink will curb your sweet tooth and get you feeling festive. Photo: Provided by Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar
Northside Yacht Club’s Yacht Toddy 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside The Yacht Toddy at Northside Yacht Club is bringing the perfect fusion of boozy and warm, especially needed on these chilly winter nights. Made with bourbon, spiced honey, fresh lemon and hot water, this drink is simple, sophisticated and the perfect thing to sip on in the company of your friends on a snowy winter night. Photo: facebook.com/NorthsideYachtClub
OTR Stillhouse’s Campfire Cider 2017 Branch St., Over-the-Rhine Sometimes, letting go of those fall flavors can be bittersweet but with OTR Stillhouse, you don’t have to just yet. Try their seasonal Campfire Cider, made with West Side Brewing Pumpkin Spice Hard Cider, Fireball whiskey and pineapple and garnished with a lemon slice. This refreshing and spiced drink will have you forgetting why you even disliked winter in the first place. Photo: facebook.com/otrstillhouse
Jerry’s Jug Houses’s Cranhattan 414 E. Seventh St., Newport This twist on the classic Manhattan is the perfect flavor to ease us into the winter season. Made with Wild Turkey bourbon, cranberry, apple cider and Old wine, you’re guaranteed to be ordering more than one — and we don’t judge. Photo: facebook.com/jerrysjughouse
Homemakers Bar’s Boss Hog 39 E. 13 St., Over-the-Rhine Homemaker’s Boss Hog is the perfect drink for the holiday lover and Cincinnati native, made with mezcal, ginger liqueur, cucumber, German amaro and Grippo’s bitters — yes you’re reading that right. This ginger-flavored drink is taken to the next level with the flavor of everyone’s favorite potato chip brand. So, taste for yourself and pair with one of Homemaker’s light bites. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Shires’ Rooftop 309 Vine St., 10th floor, Downtown Shires’ Rooftop has brought back its igloos and special garden greenhouses for the season. Reservations are required in advance for parties of two to eight people to snag a spot for up to two hours. Each dome has a heater and individual speakers, plus a food and drink minimum. Photo: facebook.com/ShiresRooftop
Covington Yard’s Gingerbread Old Fashioned and more! 401 Greenup St., Covington This year, Covington Yard has another jam-packed seasonal menu. Featuring the Gingerbread Old Fashioned, made with Angel’s Envy, gingerbread simple syrup and Angostura bitters. If this isn’t your style, their seasonal menu also offers a Spiced Cranberry Mule, Chocolate Mint-tini, Hot Spiced Cider, Spiced Spritz and a Hot Buttered Rum. Feeling extra festive? Pair your drink with a shot chocolate flight. Photo: facebook.com/covingtonyard
Tiki Tiki Bang Bang and Sippin’ Santa’s Sugar Plum Mai Tai 965 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills Sippin’ Santa, a tropical Christmas pop-up bar, has made its return to Tiki Tiki Bang Bang this month and is packing a punch with its festive drinks. Their newest addition, a Sugar Plum Mai Tai, is made with Haitian and Nicaraguan rums, lime, orgeat and cinnamon syrup and plum mix. Tiki Tiki Bang Bang is also serving up drinks like Frosty the Merman, Sippin’ Santa and the Jungle Bird. Sippin’ Santa is open Tuesday through Sunday with no reservations or tickets required and is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Photo via facebook.com/Tiki Tiki Bang Bang
Fifty West Brewing’s X-Mas Cookie Winter Ale 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township This Fifty West brew is one of their three winter-inspired flavors, and this winter warmer ale is packed with all of the cookie flavors that Santa would love. You can enjoy this brew at Fifty West Brewing and really get into the festive spirit with some ice skating, or grab a pack of X-Mas Cookie Winter Ale, and maybe if you have some leftover, leave a few out for Santa this year. Photo: facebook.com/FiftyWestBrewingCompany