When the weather turns cold, it’s normal to reach for a cocktail (or mocktail) to keep you feeling warm and cozy. And, of course, with as many fantastic watering holes as Little Rock has, there are plenty of must-try drinks this holiday season. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites from around town, and, trust us, you’re bound to find your next favorite on this list.
Raduno – Italian Galgo
A Mediterranean take on the classic greyhound cocktail, this drink combines tequila, grapefruit juice and lime juice with honey and rosemary simple syrup to a make a drink that makes you long for sunny skies and ocean waves. Pair it with any of Raduno’s pizzas and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect evening.
Pantry Crest – Winter in Oaxaca
Smoky mezcal and honeyed Drambuie pair up to make a cocktail that reminds you of the warmer weather to be found south of the border. It’s topped off with a dash of black walnut bitters that add a nutty, festive finish to the drink.
Atlas Bar – Jane’s Addiction
What do you get when you combine the flavors of maple, pear and rye whiskey? Easily one of the most autumnal cocktails in town. The use of whiskey that was aged both in oak and in applewood dials those wintery flavors up to 11. Catch us with one of these listening to any of the jazz musicians that frequent the joint.
The Fold – Spiced Pear Margarita
It’s no secret that The Fold is one Little Rock’s must-sip margarita destinations, and they’ve outdone themselves with this winter-inspired take on the classic cocktail. Spiced pear flavors combine with the margarita’s signature lime juice and, of course, tequila, to make the perfect cocktail to welcome in the winter season.
One Eleven – Eggnog
There’s no place more magical around the holidays than The Capital Hotel and year after year, the house-made eggnog is a Little Rock classic. It can be ordered with or without alcohol (they’ll add a little rum to make things extra festive) but be warned – it’s hard to stop at just one glass!
Capital Bar & Grill – Mulled Wine
Just across the Capital Hotel’s lobby is the Capital Bar & Grill, one of the city’s coziest cocktail dens. Their mulled wine combines full bodied wine (we asked, it’s a malbec) with house-made cherry flavored Armagnac to make one of our favorite drinks in town. It’s so good, you’ll be craving it year-round.
Cocktails not your thing? Maybe you’re more of a wine drinker? Click here to see some local restaurants who’ve won awards for their wine lists.