When it comes to celebrating this holiday season, it's time to ditch the store-bought eggnog for something a little more interesting. Every November through mid-January, Anchor Brewing releases its coveted Christmas Ale—a rich, dark, boldly spiced delight with a top-secret recipe of malts, hops, and spices that changes slightly every year. Now, the Anchor team has distilled the ale down to the 2014 Christmas Spirit, a deliciously festive libation that's sure to put a twinkle in your eye, thanks to flavors of bright holiday spices, orange peel, and poached apple.As an added bonus, the holiday cheer is all made locally—the 90-proof spirit is double-distilled in a copper still at Anchor's distillery in Potrero Hill. 

So instead of reverting to the same-old seasonal cocktails, take your holiday up a notch with a deliciously festive beverage spiked with Christmas Spirit. Show off your bartending skills by mixing up this creative holiday cocktail created by Josh Trabulsi, bar manager at SF's Burritt Room, featuring Anchor Distilling’s Christmas Spirit.

The Cocktail: Winter Wonderland