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The holidays are here! The weather is cooling off, twinkly lights are going up, Mariah Carey has come out of hibernation, and you’re probably shopping for gifts already — or stressing out about braving the stores to look for some. Why not take a load off and enjoy a cocktail instead? We have a list of some holiday-inspired cocktails around Tucson just for you. Whether you enjoy holiday drinks like gingerbread martinis or elegant winter drinks perfect for the cold weather, we’ve got you covered.
The Royal Room Tucson
450 N 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
The Royal Room has added a winter menu of nine cocktails that are perfect for this time of year. Their Nutcracker drink includes RumChata and Disaronno and their Toboggan is a mix of bourbon, maple, cinnamon, and lemon. The rest of the drinks are just as intriguing and every bit as winter-friendly. Stop by and enjoy the low-lit, chill atmosphere at this very cool bar with fantastic drinks!
Playground Bar & Lounge
278 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
Although Playground has been temporarily closed, it will be open for Miracle on Congress Street (a holiday event during the hours 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and then noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday) until December 19th! So make sure to check out their holiday drinks, which include a fabulous winter Sangria and a Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookies cocktail, while you enjoy the festivities downtown!
Outback Steakhouse
4871 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
Outback has brought back its Gingerbread Martini for the holidays! This creamy drink is made with Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, and Absolut Vodka, then topped with whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie. Yum! If you want something less sweet, try their Cinnamon Pecan Old Fashioned.
Casa Marana Craft Beer + Wine
8225 N Courtney Page Way #191, Tucson, AZ 85743
Stop by Casa Marana and enjoy a Frosted Cranberry Cocktail (vodka, cranberry, mint). Or, if you want something a little more rich, try out their tasty Peppermint Mocha Martini. Throw in a Pizza Margherita and call it a night!
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
2500 E Grant Rd Suite 182, Tucson, AZ 85716
This retro breakfast and lunch restaurant has two new holiday cocktails to pair with your food if you’re feeling like starting early! Try their holiday-inspired cocktails like the Cosmopolitan Mimosa (vodka, orange liqueur, lime, and Snooze Sparkling) or a delicious Spiked Hot Cocoa.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
5150 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
Did you know Chili’s features a different $5 margarita every month? How cool is that? December’s Merry Berry ‘Rita features Lunazul Blanco Tequila, blackberry syrup, and strawberry purée complete with a candy cane topper. Try this sweet and sour refreshing drink before it’s gone! They have other holiday-inspired cocktails too!
The Moonstone Tucson
930 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719
The Moonstone bar is located on the 14th floor of The Graduate hotel and its views aren’t the only thing to write home about. Their cocktails are absolutely mouth-watering. Order their Sonoran Sunset cocktail (Del Bac whiskey, Cointreau, prickly pear and nutmeg), then sip it by one of their crackling fire pits and enjoy the view.
OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
Stop by OBON for some of the best sushi in town and creative cocktails that will surely please your palate. Their Raining Menthe cocktail (spearmint rum, branca menta, passion fruit, lime, creosote) is delicious. Not feeling minty? Try their Curaçao margarita. The orange flavor is refreshing and oh so reminiscent of holiday Wassail.
Cielos
306 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711
Cielos restaurant, located inside Lodge on the Desert, is a beautiful and intimate spot to enjoy dinner and cocktails. Their Grapefruit Cosmo (Smirnoff Premium Vodka, grapefruit juice, Chambord, cranberry, lime) is insanely good. Their Cielos Spritz (Prosecco, Aperol, cranberry, soda, orange, organic simple) is another drink with a wintery touch that you’ll want to try for yourself ASAP.
