The holiday season, a time to eat, drink and be merry.
One of our favorite winter season activities is spending time with our loved ones, sipping on tasty cocktails crafted by local drink artisans.
There's no better way to keep warm and stay merry than with some of the best winter-themed cocktails around the Treasure Valley.
We've set out to find the tastiest, most festive, and unique holiday drinks around town.
Here are our top 8 winter cocktails in the Treasure Valley:
Albertsons
Partridge in a Pear Shrub
Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Pear Ginger Shrub & Fresh Lemon Juice, Served Up
As if having a bar in two of the largest Albertsons in the country wasn't enough, now they have a delicious menu filled with holiday cocktails. Broadway on the Rocks and Talon Saloon and Spirits are easily recognized for their extensive list of seasonal cocktails that continually changes.
Craft Lounge
Pepper Box
A gin sour with black pepper coriander syrup
Sophisticated, eclectic, and exclusive. Craft Lounge has cultivated a cocktail culture by sharing education and exploration of mixed drinks and fine spirits. Stopping by the hidden gem, Craft Lounge, means you're in for a relaxing evening, typically paired with live music. Craft Lounge is bringing some spice to a gin sour with their original creation, the Pepper Box cocktail.
Eureka!
Gingerbread Man Old Fashioned
Rye Whiskey, Gingerbread Syrup, Douglas Fir Liqueur, Chocolate Bitters, Herbal Bitters
A downtown Boise staple, Eureka! brings all-American food, craft beer, and one of the best whiskey selections to Boise. It comes as no surprise that Eureka! is serving up one of the tastiest holiday cocktails, the Gingerbread Man Old Fashioned. Created with whiskey, gingerbread syrup, bitters, and more, you'll feel the nostalgia of eating grandmas gingerbread cookies while sipping on this cocktail.
Crave
Wicked Elixirs Trio of Cocktail Mixers
Crave Delivery now has a trio of cocktail mixers by Wicked Elixirs. Whether you're making a mocktail or spicing these up with your favorite alcoholic beverage, these mixers will bring the party to your home!
- Italian Greyhound - Sour but sweet mix that has a blast of flavors. When mixed with Aperol it takes on a juicy grapefruit sensation.
- Sage Heaven - An earthy blend of sage with the fruitiness of fresh raspberries and the perfect balance of heat from ginger.
- South Side of Morroco - A perfect blend of tart pomegranate with the refreshing flavor of mint and the warming layer of spice that comes in the end.
Lucky Fins
Smokin' Gun
Bulleit bourbon, Fins' bourbon caramel syrup, orange bitters, pressed orange, candied bacon, smokin' rosemary
Voted Best Seafood Restaurant in Boise for 7 years running, Lucky Fins doesn't just specialize in high-quality seafood dishes but also deliciously created cocktails. They've created a holiday cocktail with a few staple ingredients - orange, rosemary, and caramel, making a funky and sweet bourbon drink.
Barrelhouse
The Bear Hug
Pinnacle whipped vodka, Three Olives Triple Shot Vodka, Hot Cocoa, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
A Garden City staple, Barrelhouse offers a relaxed environment with great food, craft beers, Idaho wines, and a full bar. This holiday season, they're offering the perfect drink to warm you up, The Bear Hug. Hot cocoa filled with whipped vodka, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Leave Barrelhouse feeling warm and ready to take on this cool winter weather.
deluca's
Cremosa Spritz
Limoncello, cranberry, sprite and soda water
A new restaurant coming to downtown Boise, deluca's, crafting a fine Italian dining experience that everyone loves. They have a signature cocktail that allows you to visualize drinking along the coast of Italy. Cermosa Spritz crafted from Limoncello and cranberry is the perfect drink to pair with their Rigatoni Diavolo, staple meal (the recipe was brought over from Sicily in the 1940's!).
Water Bear Bar
Studded Tires
Rye, Rum, Lime, Apple, Velvet Falernum, Bitters
Boise's classy cocktail joint comes as no surprise as they're always going above and beyond to create innovative cocktails. This very-merry mountain tiki cocktail is seasonably delectable with just the right balance of booze, bitterness, warming spice, and Water Bear's festively fizzy housemade sodas. Water Bear is currently offering cocktails, wine, and food to-go. You can order online for pickup and bring Water Bear home!