Where to Find These 6 Speciality Holiday Cocktails in San Diego

Vistal Restaurant | Photo by @k1mberly

Cheers to the best time of the year! We encourage you to off this holiday season with specialty cocktails from some of San Diego’s favorite bars and eateries. Whether you’re on the hunt for an over-the-top Christmas cocktail or prefer a more subtle winter-inspired blend, these festive offerings from some fan-favorite San Diego hotspots are sure to evoke the holiday spirit.

Madison on Park - University Heights

Located in San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood, Madison on Park is a lounge and eatery with a Mediterranean and Southern California-inspired menu. Warm up this holiday season with Madison’s newest cocktail, the Paru Tea Bar Hot Toddy, a collaboration with local tea bar, Paru Tea Bar. Served in a glass Japanese teapot, the cocktail is brewed with Paru’s Okinawa Sugar Tea (Aged Japanese Red Tea, Formosa Oolong, and Okinawan Black Sugar Crystals), Suntory Japanese Whiskey, Local Honey, Lemon, and Star Anise. This cocktail is the perfect way to cozy up at this neighborhood gem with the beautiful indoor-outdoor ambiance.

619 Spirits - North Park

Located in the heart of North Park, get in the holiday spirit at 619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room. If espresso martinis are your go-to cocktail, look no further than 619 Spirits who has added a twist to your espresso martinis this holiday season. Sip on the Screw Up Cocktail, made with their premium 619 Spirits Coffee Vodka, Screwball Whiskey, Coconut Cream and Hazelnut with a salted rim. If you’re looking to be named hostess with the mostest at your holiday parties this year, locals can stock up and purchase a bundle of three premium 619 Spirits Vodka bottles from the tasting room for $70 to create their own holiday-inspired cocktails at home. 

Communal - North Park + Oceanside

If you're looking for a seasonal and refreshing cocktail, Communal's curated cocktails are for you. Enjoy a Ginger Pear Cocktail made with house-made pear syrup, sherry and champagne, or The Sparkling Sangria with your choice of red or white, house-made sangria, champagne float and seasonal fruit. And, if you're looking for a mocktail, try the Ginger Pear Sparkler made with ginger beer and house-made pear syrup. With Oceanside and North Park locations serving your favorite seasonal flavors, pick the site nearest to you and enjoy your holidays at Communal. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some unique holiday gifts from Communal’s selection of curated local and artisan goods. 

Vistal - Downtown San Diego

Sip on some holiday happiness at Vistal, The InterContinental San Diego’s spacious, oceanfront restaurant and bar, with their selection of Holiday Happy Hour Drink specials. From December 3 to December 28, Holiday Cocktails will be just $9 every day from 4pm to 6pm. Drink offerings include the Peppermint Port Spritz with Argonaut Brandy, Tawny Port, Peppermint, Piper Sonoma Brut topped with a cranberry garnish and the Tequila Toddy highlighting Teremana Tequila Reposado, Agave Nectar, Lime and Orange, Clove and Cinnamon served in a hot mug, garnished with a lime wheel and whole spices. In addition to the festive holiday cocktails, there will also be a Daily Deal highlighting a new beverage each day. With views of the Bay and the lights, this holiday cocktail happy hour is an ideal way to celebrate the season.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa - La Jolla

Escape to a hacienda-style retreat and feel the holiday cheer at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar. Sit on the festively decorated heated patio and enjoy cocktails like the Mrs. Clause Cosmo made with You & Yours Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry Sauce Agave and St. George Absinthe Verte or the Santa Smokes Cigars, a blend of Malahat Rum, Amaro Nonino Benedictine, Drops of Scotch Spiced Cranberry and Mole Bitters. And, if you’re looking to drink your dessert, try the Ho Ho Ho-t Chocolate, made with Nuestra Soledad Mezcal Crème de Cacao and Mexican Hot Cocoa Whipping Cream. It’s festive cocktails, vacation style. 

Understory - Del Mar

Spend your holiday season underneath the trees at Understory, the central bar located within Del Mar Highland’s highly anticipated Sky Deck project. Named for the dimly-lit middle layer of the forest, which plays host to the most lively forest species, the space features tree-like pillars, dark wood and natural elements. Toast to the holidays with The Pompadour Cotinga made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Contreau, Fresh Lemon, Cinnamon and Seasonal Berries. The cocktail will get you into the holiday spirit in no time.