Ever wonder how Santa survives the holiday season? He's got a little secret: a tasty list of off-menu holiday beverages at Bay Area bars. Lucky for us, Santa's secret list has been leaked. You won't find these drinks on the menu, but if you ask for them by name, the bartender will know what to do.
The Grinch at Mosto
Inspired by everyone's favorite holiday villain, this red-and-green cocktail is made with Espolón Anejo tequila, Green Chartreuse, lemon, pineapple gum and a salted hibiscus rim. // 741 Valencia St., facebook.com/mosto
Winter's Kiss at 1760
The perfect balance of sweet and bitter, this drink is made with Cynar, Appleton Estate 12-year rum, dry vermouth, Crème de Menthe, chocolate, and orange bitters. // 1760 Polk St., 1760sf.com
Añogo at Elixir
This legendary eggnog cocktail created by H. Joseph Ehrmann is made with house-aged Suerte Añejo tequila, house-made eggnog, and a hand-torched orange peel. // 3200 16th St., elixirsf.com
Ho Ho Amaro at Locanda
Made with Braulio Riserva, Carpano Antica, grapefruit, lemon, and pineapple gum, this amari-based libation is just what you'd expect from an old world Italian cocktail. // 557 Valencia St., locandasf.com
Denogginizer at Scoma's
A different take on the eggnog cocktail, the Denogginizer is made with Bainbridge organic vanilla vodka, dark Creme de Cacao, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and eggnog. // Pier 47 Al Scoma Way, scomas.com
Holiday Jamaica Old Fashioned at Forgery
If you're dreaming of an island holiday rather than a white Christmas, try this tropical Old Fashioned made with Appleton Estate Signature rum, Wray & Nephew rum, Orange Curacao, and orgeat-infused with holiday spices. // 1525 Mission St., forgerysf.com
Elf on a Shelf at Hopscotch
This Elf on a Shelf is for adults only, made with Armagnac brandy, rye whisky, Genepy, Carpano Antica vermouth, and mint. // 1915 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, hopscotchoakland.com
Santa's Helper at BIX
This festive concoction is made with SKYY vodka, Frangelico, peppermint, and espresso liqueur. // 56 Gold St., bixrestaurant.com
Spiced Apple Cider at spoonbar
Sonoma County shoppers can warm up from the inside with this hot toddy made with house spiced rum, hot apple cider, and caramel whipped cream. // 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, spoonbar.com
Winter Wondermint at Parada
If you find yourself shopping in Walnut Creek, pop in to Parada for this digestif cocktail made with Cynar, Frangelico, artisan peppermint schnapps, and a mint leaf garnish. // 7001 Sunne Lane, Walnut Creek, paradakitchen.com
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
