Find the merriest cocktails in Palm Beach County at these bars, restaurants

Liz Balmaseda, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·3 min read
This creamy, gingersnap-topped cocktail called Gingie’s Noggin is one of Kapow Noodle Bar's specialty holiday drinks.
This creamy, gingersnap-topped cocktail called Gingie’s Noggin is one of Kapow Noodle Bar's specialty holiday drinks.

That whirring sound you hear is the hum of elves blending batches of coquito in kitchens across South Florida and beyond. I plan to whip up my favorite version of the coconutty, rum-infused Puerto Rican eggnog this weekend. Here’s the recipe I return to each year.

It may not be the most festive process — you just add a variety of canned milks, rum, vanilla and cinnamon to a blender, hit the start button, blend and pour. But a good coquito is a hugely festive holiday sip. I promise you it will amp up any of the great salsa albums of Christmas, like Willie Colón’s 1973 classic “Asalto Navideño”.

Holiday sweetness: One of my batches of Puerto Rican-style coquito.
Holiday sweetness: One of my batches of Puerto Rican-style coquito.

Of course, there are plenty of holiday cocktails and mocktails to enjoy at Palm Beach County restaurants, away from your kitchen and blender.

Here’s where to have yourself a merry little cocktail.

Miracle at Ravish

At the Miracle at Ravish holiday pop-up, a bartender adds a touch of orange to a Snowball Old Fashioned, which sits next to a Christmapolitan cocktail. Offered throughout December, the cocktails made an appearance at a Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival barbecue event at Ravish in Lantana on Dec. 9.
At the Miracle at Ravish holiday pop-up, a bartender adds a touch of orange to a Snowball Old Fashioned, which sits next to a Christmapolitan cocktail. Offered throughout December, the cocktails made an appearance at a Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival barbecue event at Ravish in Lantana on Dec. 9.

The annual holiday pop-up known as Miracle Bar has found a lively home this year at Ravish Off Ocean restaurant and bar in Lantana, thanks to the restaurant’s co-owner Alexandra Dupuis, an experienced beverage director.

She and her team have given the place a fun, nostalgic, Griswold-esque feel. Expect kitschy Christmas decor and details and a punny drink menu.

Cocktail highlights: The Christmapolitan combines vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, rosemary, lime and absinthe mist in a coupe glass. The Snowball Old Fashioned stirs together rye whisky, gingerbread syrup, bitters and orange essence. The Jingle Balls Nog is a creamy mix of cream sherry, Cognac, cream, almond milk, egg, vanilla and nutmeg.

The Miracle at Ravish opens at 4 p.m. nightly. It is also offered during Ravish’s Sunday burlesque brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pop-up runs through Dec. 30. Reservations are recommended.

Ravish: 210 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana, 561-588-2444

Kapow Noodle Bar

The Polar Express-o-tini is one of the specialty cocktails offered in December at Kapow Noodle Bar locations.
The Polar Express-o-tini is one of the specialty cocktails offered in December at Kapow Noodle Bar locations.

This East/Southeast Asian-inspired pub with two county locations is pouring a lineup of creative holiday drinks throughout December. Enjoy them in Kapow’s whimsical setting and spirited vibe.

Cocktail highlights: Santa’s Gin & Juice combines gin, Cointreau, cranberry compote, citrus and torched rosemary. The Polar Express-o-tini brings together Skyy Espresso, espresso, coffee liqueur, bitters and peppermint. Served in a gingerbread-man-shaped cup, Gingie’s Noggin combines dairy-free house eggnog, Frangelico, Jamaican rum and warm spices and topped with a gingersnap cookie.

Kapow: In Boca Raton at Mizner Park, 431 Plaza Real, 561-347-7322; in West Palm Beach at 519 Clematis St., 561-246-3827.  ​​

Bodega

A batch of Patrón-fueled holiday cocktails is offered at Bodega Taquería restaurants in South Florida.
A batch of Patrón-fueled holiday cocktails is offered at Bodega Taquería restaurants in South Florida.

The party-loving South Beach taquería with a downtown West Palm Beach location teamed up with Patrón tequila to power up its holiday cocktails. Bodega rolled out its yearly Holiday Bar Pop-Up in late November.

The tequila tippling happens in a space decked out with tinsel garland and an explosion of Christmas ornaments. The holiday pop-up bar runs through Christmas Day.

Bodega has been collecting children’s toys to give away during the holidays. Bring one and the bar will give you a free holiday cocktail.

Bodega Taquería y Tequila: 118 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-559-3119

1000 North

A Fireside Old Fashioned holiday cocktail is served at 1000 North restaurant in Jupiter.
A Fireside Old Fashioned holiday cocktail is served at 1000 North restaurant in Jupiter.

This high-end Jupiter restaurant is serving a trio of specialty holiday cocktails you can enjoy with a waterside view. The drinks are offered through New Year’s Day.

Cocktail highlights: The Fireside Old Fashioned combines brandy, winter bitters and smoked cherrywood chips. The Stocking Stuffer is a bourbon-laced sip presented in a Santa-themed glass boot. The Southern Snowball is a luxe cosmo that arrives in a snow-globe glass.

1000 North: 1000 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Jupiter, 561-570-1000 

Have a delicious weekend!

Liz Balmaseda

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Liz Balmaseda is The Palm Beach Post's food critic.
Liz Balmaseda is The Palm Beach Post's food critic.

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Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on Instagram and Post on Food Facebook. She can be reached by email at lbalmaseda@pbpost.com. 

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best holiday drinks near downtown West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Boca Raton, Lake Worth