Mariah Carey has officially defrosted for “the most wonderful time of the year,” and with her holiday spirit brings some cool and cheery cocktails. Alcoholic twists on classics like comforting hot chocolate and fusion drinks made to satisfy Santa and all of his elves are on the menu for a limited time at some favorite local bars in the Montclair area made for any Christmas lover wanting to try a new treat this season. Keep reading to discover the best holiday cocktails in Montclair and Essex County this season.
Agave Maria | 170 Washington Ave, Belleville
This Spanish restaurant + bar, known for its rooftop bar and Friday night fire-throwers in the summertime, has transformed its upstairs dining room into a cozy winter wonderland. The holiday cocktail menu serves up seven new creations with Hispanic flair, like the Kris Kringle (bourbon, banana Giffard, banana + cinnamon infused amaretto, and Bitters) and Christmas Spirit (cachaça, Chambord, sake, blackberry syrup, lime juice, and agave). It also has started serving seven kinds of winter cocktails like the Arte Azul (Tequila Blanco, peach bitters, passion fruit, agave, blue curacao, lime, and nutmeg) and the Playa En Michoacan (pineapple rum, charanda, apricot, cinnamon, pineapple, and lime).
Read More: These Restaurants in the Montclair Area Have the Best Holiday Decor
Avenue Bistro | 558 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
This year’s holiday cocktail theme at Avenue Bistro will be centered around “childhood nostalgic holiday classics” runs through January 5th. Characters like The Grinch, Santa Claus, and Frosty the Snowman will have drinks dedicated to them in presentation and flavor, respectively. It is also partnering with Tito’s Vodka for Tito’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ through the 24th which will consist of a featured Tito’s cocktail at a promotional cost, making the extensive holiday drink menu one for the books.
DOUGH | 168 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
Photo Credit: Cindy B Designs
DOUGH has an experience like no other this holiday season with its 12 Days of Cocktails. Each day will reveal a brand-new, expertly crafted cocktail of classic and holiday-related flavors alike. While MG confirmed that the drinks are top-secret for now, we can guarantee that each one will pair with the restaurant’s tasty farm-to-table dishes.
Miracle on Centre at Cowan’s Public | 229 Centre Street, Nutley
Photo Credit: Julianne Dennehy
Guests can cozy up with a cocktail in a room where the tables and walls are hidden underneath layers of wrapping paper until January 5th. Miracle on Centre at Cowan’s Public features 14 homemade creations infused with ingredients including different kinds of rum and tequila to holiday flavors like gingerbread and mixed spice butter. Some of the drinks are also served in fun mugs like a Santa head or bottom half, unicorn, and two different kinds of festive dinosaurs. It even features Naughty (tequila, habanero, ginger, and hibiscus) and Nice (rye whisky, gingerbread) shots for an extra kick of the Christmas spirit.
The Grinch’s Grotto at Calandra’s | 216 U.S. Highway 46 East, Fairfield
These cheeky cocktails are straight out of Dr. Seuss’s iconic story. Grinch’s Grotto has five themed cocktails ranging from Cindy-Lou Punch (pineapple juice, Blue Curaçao, Tito’s Vodka, and a splash of Sprite with a red sugar rim) to the Whoville Whimsy Martini (vanilla vodka, white chocolate liquor, a splash of Creme De Menthe, a splash of cream, and garnished with rainbow sprinkles). There are two seating times at this venue: one at 5:30PM for the kids and family experience and the other at 8PM for the adults-only experience.
Holly Jolly Lounge at Calandra’s | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
Photo Credit: Jess LoManto
There are nine festive cocktails (each priced at $15) included on the menu at the Holly Jolly Lounge at Il Vecchio’s Cafe’s Taverna Lounge inside Calandra’s Italian Village. Guests can order a special Bailey’s Flight complete with s’mores, chocolate, and strawberry flavors and add some flair to it with a choice of sliced Italian or NY Style Cheesecake for an additional cost. The pop-up is running through January 12th, so there’s plenty of time to sit and enjoy a Scrooge Sour (traditional whiskey sour topped with chianti, garnished with bourbon cherries, dried orange slices, and rosemary) or Mrs. Claus’ Spiked Hot Chocolate (hot chocolate, bourbon, Kahlua, vanilla, gingerbread sugar rim, topped with marshmallows).
Miracle on Bloomfield at The Parkside Social | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Photo Credit: Gianna DiPisa
This spot has the same cocktail menu and fun mugs as Miracle on Centre — including the Naughty and Nice shots. Before the pop-up festivities close on January 5th, try a Stocking Stuffer (bourbon, Pedro Ximenez sherry, amaro, cinnamon syrup, iced “hot” chocolate, aromatic bitters, and marshmallow) served in a Unicron head mug or ask a server for the Secret Santa (MG couldn’t even crack Santa for this one).
See More: A Self-Guided Holiday Cocktail Tour to Hoboken + Jersey City
Sippin’ Santa at Village Hall | 101 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
Photo Credit: Village Hall
Village Hall hosts a tropical holiday getaway right in Jersey at the Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up Bar. Guests can enjoy cocktails like a Frosty the Merman (rye, vanilla-clove syrup, lime, pear + apricot, and allspice liquors served in a Santa mermaid mug) or a Choquito (Jamaican and Puerto Rican rums, lime, coconut, creme de cacao, and mole bitters served in a faux green coconut). The pop-up bar runs through December 31st, so be sure to book the reservation — or a first-class ticket to paradise — in advance.
The ULTIMATE Montclair Bucket List
A hub for artists, performers, industry moguls, and students alike — Montclair is truly one of a kind. With the rich history of icons from Yogi Berra to Stephen Colbert to respected institutions and organizations like Montclair State University, Van Vleck Gardens, and the Wellmont Theater, this town is special in so many ways. Thousands pass through for events like Montclair Film Festival and highly acclaimed restaurants throughout the year. In short, the culture is rich and there is always something new to do in “the Brooklyn of New Jersey.” Read on for a must-do Montclair bucket list to get the most out of what the city has to offer.
Things to Do
Visit the historic Van Vleck Gardens during the spring and summer to take in the beautiful flowers and plants that originated all over the world. The estate itself used to serve as a family home for the renowned Van Vleck family in 1868.
Tour the Montclair Art Museum which opened in 1914 for interactive and educational exhibits about American and Native American art.
See the WW1 memorial that was constructed circa 1925 in Edgemont Park, a public park that is great for a serene picnic or outdoor activities with a group of people.
Book tickets to a concert at Wellmont Theater which was founded in 1921 as a vaudeville and stage play venue and has evolved into a staple for all types of live entertainment.
Reopened under the ownership of Montclair Film, The Claridge was founded in 1922 and serves as a film venue that hosts exhibits and other film events throughout the year.
Built in 1925, Montclair Public Library provides endless opportunities for learning, discovery, and community engagement through a vast collection of books, films, historical documents, events, and more.
Read More: Things to Do on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair
Walk the expansive Montclair State University campus and even catch baseball or football games.
Stop by the Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve, a 30-acre wilderness and wildlife sanctuary that is a prime location for nature trails, camping, fishing, and more.
Book a tour of the historic Crane House and YMCA or attend educational in-person programs at Montclair History Center, founded in 1965.
Walk through Presby Iris Gardens, a 6.5-acre garden that was built in 1922 and contains over 10,000 irises of approximately 1,500 varieties and produces over 100,000 blooms over the course of the season.
Catch a New York Red Bulls II soccer game when the sport is in season.
Discover more about the iconic baseball player for the Yankees + Mets at his namesake museum, Yogi Berra Museum, located on Montclair State's campus.
Pick up a new book to dive into at Montclair Book Center, Iris, or Watchung Booksellers, all of which have good reads in every genre available.
Stop at the city's first-ever sculpture park, across from Hillside School, to view works by local artists.
Try your hand at indoor rock climbing (all levels welcome) at The Gravity Vault.
Attend a jewelry-making class at The Eclectic Chic Boutique. Add-ons like gemstone wire wrapping and pearl knotting are available if you want to take it to the next level.
Put your golf skills to the test at Montclair Indoor Golf Club.
Create custom-fragranced candles, home, and body products with a variety of scents at Alchemy Scent Bar.
Take pottery classes at Montclair Mud Clay Studio.
Shop paper goods and unique vintage objects at Parcel.
Try a much-needed scalp massage at Aura Head Spa.
Grab a crystal-infused drink at Thought in Motion Waterbar and recharge from a long day.
Shop vintage and locally sourced clothing, accessories, and home goods items at Acorn General Store.
Sip on morning brew while in the company of adorable cats at Catfe Montclair.
Make DIY crystal-infused candles in a candle-making class at Crystals + Candle.
Visit Avis-Campbell Gardens, a 70-year-old property dutifully cared for by The Garden Club of Montclair. The garden hosts a variety of other plants, like yarrow, azaleas, lambs ears, ferns, and alliums.
Montclair is home to various unique boutiques — and we have a roundup of the best ones here.
Places to Eat
Pick up a box of the highly sought-after doughnuts from Montclair Bread Co.
NJ's first 100% gluten-free restaurant, Samba — which specializes in Brazilian cuisine, is a must-try. We recommend... everything.
Originally a farm in the 1840s, Applegate Farms has been a longstanding spot for handmade ice cream and other classic treats.
Dive into a pasta dish at De Pepo — we recommend the spaghetti carbonara. Also, Watchung Booksellers is right next to the restaurant — be sure to stop by to grab a book to read.
Enjoy a plate of fish and chips with a side of a Guinness at Irish pub Egan + Sons.
Take in the beautiful views at Montclair's only rooftop bar, Alto, located in the MC Hotel. While you're there, have dinner downstairs at The Allegory.
Try a mini cheesecake at She Imagined Sweets.
Try authentic Ethiopian cuisine at Mesob.
Clink IG-worthy cocktails at Faubourg, an expansive and modern French brasserie.
Treat yourself to Laboratorio Kitchen, an upscale Cosmopolitan eatery that specializes in American cuisine.
Indulge in Mediterranean dishes at Zeugma Grill — the babaganoush is a must-try.
Eat french fry-stuffed gyro at Efi's Gyro.
Book a reservation for your next large party at Turtle + the Wolf which serves delicious family-style meals.
Eat fresh seafood at Halcyon. The lounge upstairs is beautifully decorated.
Cure your hangover with none other than Raymond's, a diner and staple in the community.
Everything at Nicolo's Italian Bakery + Deli is made fresh, a true old-school deli with something for everyone.
Pick up freshly made pastries at Mattarello Bakery + Café.
Spend the day with friends at Montclair Brewery.
Kai Yang's menu is inspired by the owner's upbringing in Thailand, making it a go-to for the authentic Thai in the area.
With over ten pies and additional home-baked British sweets and savories, The Pie Store has something for every craving.
Plan your next brunch at The Corner — an eclectic cafe-style restaurant.
Aesthetically-pleasing design + packaging is just the tip of the iceberg at Vesta Chocolate. The organic cocoa beans used for the housemade chocolate treats are worth the visit.
Enjoy wood-fired pizza at Brick + Dough — there are gluten-free and vegan options as well.
Order your next special occasion cake from Sweet Kitchen, it won't disappoint.
If you love soul food, Sweet T's Southern Eatery should be at the top of your list.
A staple in the Upper Montclair community since 1923, Montclair Diner is a true gem.
Stop into Marcel Bakery + Kitchen for seasonal Mediterranean eats.
Grab-and-go with freshly churned artisanal gelato at Benvenuti Montclair.
Dig into Thai cuisine at SLA Thai, a low-key spot with a beautiful outdoor dining space.
Dine-in at Luigino's Parmigiana — the MG team recommends the chicken parm sub.
A vibrant Syrian and Middle Eastern restaurant, Le Souk serves up great food and sells unique gifts.
Visit one of Montclair's many coffee shops in the area, including Lit Cafe, Bleu Coffee, Artazu, Insomnia Coffee, Paper Plane Coffee Co., and Java Love.
A family-owned bakery, Le French Dad Boulangerie is a must-visit for French desserts.
See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Festivals + Events
Montclair Literary Festival — May
The Montclair Literary Festival was first launched in 2017 to promote literacy and reading for all in Montclair’s vibrant and diverse literary scene. The festival raises funds and awareness to further the work of Succeed2gether.
Montclair Pride Festival — June
The Montclair Pride Festival is a day filled with performances, art, culture, food, and music celebrated across downtown Montclair, with special guest speakers and LGBTQIA+ talent, surrounded and supported by institutions and businesses.
Montclair Jazz Festival — August-September
Locals can enjoy live jazz performances and events throughout the summer in the heart of Montclair leading up to the Montclair Jazz Festival.
Montclair Film Festival — October
Montclair Film Festival is a highly-anticipated event that features the year's latest movies and celebrities for exclusive viewings and Q+A panels. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers from around the world and gives special recognition to New Jersey artists.
