Lydia Maguire 
‘Tis the season to be jolly, merry, and bright, and nothing gets us into the holiday spirit quite like a few festive cocktails that have us spreading Christmas cheer (and maybe singing loud for all to hear). From Miracles on Bloomfield Avenue to seasonal menus popping up in all of our favorite bars, here are some of the best places to enjoy some festive spirits. Europe can keep its mulled wine. New Jersey has bartenders.Read on to discover the best places in Montclair + Essex County to sip on holiday cocktails this season.
De Novo European Pub | 275 Bellevue Ave, Upper Montclair
De Novo might just be the most popular bar in Upper Montclair, which is n assumption based purely on the fact that it’s nearly impossible to snag a spot at the bar. But somehow it’s still delightful. And honestly, there’s a reason for the chaos: the drinks are always on point.
The holiday drink Into the Woods lives up to its name with a flair for the dramatic, yet tastes far brighter than one would imagine wandering through actual woods might. It features cranberry-infused gin, St. Germaine, rosemary, and lemon, and comes garnished with a dehydrated lemon and a rosemary sprig lit on fire for a merry presentation and an even better sip. We were also fans of the Vestito Rosso, made with bourbon, St. Elizabeth allspice dram liqueur, homemade blackberry jam, lemon, and vanilla. It’s sweet, cozy, and exactly how we like our holiday vibes. Word at the bartop is that the Coquito (spiced rum marinated with coconut cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, cilantro, anise, and allspice) is making its return, but we’ll have to wait for it to finish marinating before it hits the menu. Trust us, we’ll be back and will report accordingly. Watch this space.
Read More: Christmas Tree Lighting Events in Montclair + Essex County for 2025
Porta | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Porta is not just good pizza, which surprises literally no one. With the disco ball spinning above the upstairs bar of communal tables and high tops, we dove into the new seasonal drinks. And while we’re still not entirely sure what makes the Incompresa a holiday cocktail, it definitely made an impression. A mix of Misunderstood ginger-spiced whiskey, St. George spiced pear, agave, and pear, it’s sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious. So…Ho ho ho.
The Splendid Rooftop at MC Autograph Hotel | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This one was unexpected. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline on one side and a luxe sports bar on the other, we weren’t entirely sure what the drinks would be giving, but the Spiked Apple Cider is absolutely one to write home about. Made with apple cider and Evan Williams bourbon and garnished with a dehydrated apple and cinnamon stick, this warm sip had us ready to slip into our PJs and cozy socks, glass held to our nose so we could fully inhale the scent-and-flavor combo of Christmas while watching lightning and rain chase each other across the Hudson. According to the bar manager, a special warm mulled wine is also in the works for the season, but it won’t make its debut until after Thanksgiving. Consider us waiting.
Drinks + Vibes = All the ‘Miracle Ons’
Photo Courtesy of Franklin Social
Some places give a polite nod to the season with a holiday cocktail menu. And then there are the spots that don’t just nod, they pull up in a convertible bedazzled with twinkle lights and tell us to get in. Such are these Skopos Hospitality “Miracle” pop-ups on Bloomfield Avenue (and Centre Street, and Mercer Street, and more).
Take some Naughty shots with friends (or Nice ones if you’re off the sauce), sip on a Jingle Balls Nog, Christmaspolitan, or a gingerbread twist in a Snowball Old Fashioned. Adventurous imbibers should the ‘Secret Santa’ and try to guess what you’re about to receive. And while you’d be remiss to pass up the Caribbean-inspired Yippee Ki Yay Mother F*****r’ (a cheeky nod to everyone’s favorite Christmas movie) we can’t help but think Rum Rum Rudolph might have been a bit more apropos. But that’s just us.
The Barrow House | 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton
Starting November 18th, the colonial-era farmhouse-turned-local pub (yes, the one that looks like a traditional parlor hall) is serving up its own twist on seasonal cheer. The vibe is cozy Christmas holiday perfection.
Miracle on Centre at Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Cowan’s has officially flipped on the Christmas lights with Miracle on Centre. This is the spot to get your holiday buzz with a side of wings, burgers, tacos, oh my. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, treat yourself to a Christmasaurus, Santarex, or Christmas Carol Barrel mug so you can keep that holiday spirit alive all year long, right from your own home.
Miracle on Centre at Franklin Social | 292 Barrow Street, Jersey City
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without attending Ugly Sweater Party on December 9th at Miracle on Centre inside The Franklin Social in Jersey City. But even without Grandma’s homemade tassels and puff balls, you can still pop by Franklin Social in your regular clothes for some festive cheer. We just want to know where the Ben Franklin-inspired tequila and espresso Jingle Jolt is hiding.
Navidad en Nómada | 700 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Photo Courtesy of Nómada
Right next door to The Parkside Social is the newest addition to the Skopos Hospitality group, Navidad en Nómada, where Christmas meets Mexico for some warmer holiday vibes inspired by our neighbors to the south. It’s tacos, Santa hats on Day of the Dead Masks, tequila, and rum-infused Horchata.
See More: The Montclair Girl’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Deals Guide
Miracle on Bloomfield at The Parkside Social | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
The Parkside Social in Verona has once again transformed into its annual winter wonderland through January 4th. Complete with candy–cane–striped tablecloths, red and green curtains, Santa-inspired chair covers, and enough twinkle lights to rival the North Pole. From local favorite mocktails to merry cocktails, Miracle on Bloomfield is the ultimate spot to be fully immersed in all things Christmas.
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