PHOENIX – What is cheerful and bright, decorated with ornaments and lights, and ready to serve as a bit of a festive mood? Christmas bars!
A handful of valley bars have once again decorated their bars and dining rooms with Christmas lights, garlands, ornaments and other torches to accompany their cocktail cups and festive menus.
If you – or friends – are looking to get in the mood with spirits, here are some of the city’s pop-up Christmas bars. Just remember, never drink and drive. Always ask a sober friend to drive you home, or book a cab, Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing service.
Related: ABC15 Holiday Lights Map 2021: Amazing House Exhibits To See In The Valley
Related: Two Valley Homes Featured in ABC’s ‘Big Fight of the Christmas Light’
Feliz Navidad Cantina at Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill
Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill in North Scottsdale has morphed into Feliz Navidad Cantina for its second season. Virtually every inch of the bar has been decorated with garlands, ribbons, wrapping paper and ornaments. Ribbons and ornaments hang from the ceiling, tables and walls have been covered with wrapping paper, and popular Christmas movies are shown on TVs.
People can take a photo inside a sleigh outside the bar and walk through a tunnel of garlands to enter the bar. Reservations are required and experiences are limited to 90 minutes.
Here are some cocktails on the menu:
- White Christmas Martini: Vanilla vodka, white chocolate, cocoa cream and half and half ($ 12)
- Martini with mistletoe: Vodka, elderflower, cranberry juice and simple syrup ($ 12)
- Grinch Margarita: Tequila, Kahlua, peppermint and half and half schnapps ($ 12)
- Santa Rita: Tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, ginger syrup and La Pinta liqueur ($ 12)
If you are going to: 9397 E. Shea Blvd Ste. 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85260; www.saltandlimeaz.com
Sip Santa Claus at Bitter & Twisted
Bitter & Twisted in downtown Phoenix has once again teamed up with Sippin Santa ‘, the same company behind Miracle Christmas pop-up bars, to turn into a tropical Christmas getaway. There are flamingos with mini Santa hats, hanging Christmas lights and orbs, and festive table covers.
Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis and experiences are limited to a maximum of two hours.
Here are some cocktails on the menu:
- Mistletoe to Toe (for two): Bourbon, walnut liqueur, Jamaican and Puerto Rican rums, lime, orange and maple syrup
- Sipping Santa Claus: Aged Demerara rum, Amaro, lemon, orange and gingerbread mix
- Kris Kringle Colada: Jamaican black rum, amaro, allspice liqueur, lime, pineapple and coconut cream
If you are going to: 1 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003; https://bitterandtwistedaz.com
Miracle at the 13th Floor Rooftop Bar
The “Miracle” Christmas pop-up concept was founded in 2014 in New York City and quickly spread to dozens of bars across the country. After debuting at the Blue Hound in downtown Phoenix, the concept eventually migrated to the 13th-floor rooftop bar at the Hilton Garden Inn hotel. The outdoor patio was decorated with festive lights, Santa chair covers and pillows.
Here are some cocktails on the menu:
- Bad Santa Claus: Aged Jamaican rum, velvet falernum, mixture of spicy butter, oat milk and nutmeg (served hot)
- Elf around: Prosecco, gin, mulled wine reduction, grapefruit bush and aromatic bitters and oranges
- Old fashioned snowball: Rye, gingerbread, aromatic bitters and wormwood, and orange essence
Reservations are required and experiences are limited to 90 minutes. A minimum expenditure of $ 50 is foreseen for two people, $ 150 for three, $ 200 for four and $ 250 for five people.
If you are going to: 15 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004; floor13rooftopbar.com/miracle-bar
Blue Blitzen Holiday Pop Up at Hotel Palomar
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at the Palomar Hotel in downtown Phoenix turned into the Blue Blitzen Holiday Pop-up Bar with Christmas decorations and a half-dozen outdoor igloos that people can dine in . The igloos overlook the Christmas tree and CityScape ice rink, and come with holiday seats, tables, blankets, and music.
Reservations are required and experiences are limited to two hours. A minimum expenditure of $ 150 for food and drink is also required.
Here are some of the drinks on the menu:
- What’s in Santa’s Mug: Hot chocolate, homemade marshmallow, guajillo and chili powder
- Santa Claus wants to be in your fireplace (for four people): Bacardi 8 rum, lime juice, lemon juice, coconut and prickly pear
- Mint Martini: Vodka Tito, creme de mint, vanilla, cream and garnished with peppermint nuggets
- Blue’s Rum Hot Toddy: Bacardi 8 rum, Becherovka, Jamaican pepper, lemon and honey
If you are going to: Outside the Palomar Hotel, 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004; book through Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com
Coach House
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Coach House is not a Christmas pop-up, but a staple in the Scottsdale bar scene. Considered “Scottsdale’s Oldest Dive Bar,” Coach House is known for its bartop and neighborhood feel. But, during the holidays, the bar is adorned – from the roof to the ground, inside and outside – with Christmas lights.
If you are going to: 7011 E. Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251; www.coachhousescottsdale.com
