We all know that a holly jolly holiday season really comes down to that cup of cheer and with this cold weather snap, we’re all looking for something to warm us up.
San Diego’s North County has the best bars to huddle at for the holidays and share a glass of something flavorful and festive. Yelp in North SD did some research to find you the perfect cocktails to toast the season. Cheers!
The Pony Room (5921 Valencia Circle, Del Mar):
Pull up a bar stool and try a little something called “The Sleigh Ride.” That’s The Pony Room’s seasonal sipper made with Nolet’s gin, Chocolat Royal, dry curaçao and a cinnamon sugar rim! You’ll find the atmosphere merry and bright, and that cocktail will certainly warm you down to your toes. If you still have a sweet tooth after a sip, pair it with a dessert like the Granny Smith apple tart tatin. Delish!
Searsucker (12995 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley):
There may be a cold snap in normally warm San Diego but, hey, we really can’t complain. At least we’re not in snowy Europe. At Searsucker, however, you can take a trip overseas without bundling up simply by ordering a drink or two. Channel your inner Russian with “The Ballerina and The Czar,” a specialty cocktail created with Russian Standard Vodka, cucumber, blueberry honey, lime and soda. It’s Carmel Valley, so you could probably get away with wearing your fake furs too!
AVANT (17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo):
Don your holiday apparel and saunter into the festive, fancy atmosphere at AVANT. And, speaking of bling, try “Gigi’s Sparkle” cocktail made with Nolet’s silver gin, watermelon, fresh-squeezed lime and agave nectar. It seems the mixologists at this new joint have sugar plums dancing in their heads and can shake up whatever your heart desires. It’s the perfect place for a Santa soiree.
333 Pacific (333 N. Pacific St., Oceanside):
There’s nothing like a beverage by the beach for a truly SoCal-style holiday. Forget Grandma’s homemade cookies; drink your holiday treats instead at Oceanside’s 333 Pacific. How about the “Toasted Macaroon?” A concoction of Pearl coconut vodka, Spiced Brown Sugar Monin and coconut milk. Santa would be happy with this snack by the fire. In fact, we bet he’d drink every drop and fill your stocking with extra special care.
Northern Spirits (727 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos):
If this time of year makes you nostalgic for times gone by, order yourself an “Old Fashioned” at Northern Spirits. This classic drink mixed by the solid bartenders at this establishment is everything you’d want in tradition: jolly orange and cherry flavors mixed with whiskey and a dash of bitters. For the inland crowd, this fully-stocked bar is definitely the place to meet up for that casual cup of cheer.
Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.
