There’s something about this time of the year that makes a well-crafted cocktail taste even better! Maybe it’s the twinkling lights, cold weather, and the seasonal spices. Either way, if you’re looking to grab a festive drink or two this season, there are so many fun, holiday-themed cocktails right here in our community! From dive bars to outdoor igloos, here’s an inside look at all the best places to find holiday cocktails in Michigan City.
Swells A Dive Bar
Located on Highway 12, Swells Dive Bar has two festive cocktails for you to enjoy. They offer a tasty Christmas Sangria topped with cranberries, apples, and rosemary! Swells also offers a delicious Christmas Mule, which is a festive twist on a classic drink. The cozy atmosphere makes the experience even better. The entire bar is decked out with festive decorations that make every corner feel like the holidays!
Learn more: https://joyridemc.com/places/swells-a-dive-bar/
The Waterford Inn II
Not too far outside of Michigan City, the Waterford Inn takes the holidays to the next level. With a friendly staff and decorations that look straight out of Who-ville, this restaurant offers a festive experience like no other. As for holiday cocktails, the Waterford Inn has a ‘24 Days of Cheer’ menu, with 24 festive drinks to choose from. They even have a challenge with a fun prize for those who try all of their cocktails.
The three drinks that stood out to us were the White Cranberry Cosmo, the Pointsetta Fizz, and the White Christmas Margarita. Each drink was delicious and unique, with bright seasonal flavors and a festive twist on beloved classics. If you have a chance to visit the Waterford Inn, we recommend booking one of their gorgeous outdoor igloos. There are regular igloos, as well as a gingerbread-house-themed igloo. If you’d prefer to sit indoors, the fireplace is cozy and festive with big, comfortable chairs to relax in as you sip. We definitely recommend visiting the Waterford Inn for a holiday cocktail!
Learn more: https://joyridemc.com/places/waterford-inn/
Leeds Public House
Leeds Public House, located on Franklin Street, offers its ‘Up to SNOW Good’ holiday cocktail menu, with six festive drinks to choose from. They even offer a thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic mocktail, perfect for anyone who wants a festive, flavorful holiday drink without the alcohol.
We tried the Gingerbread Woman, Mean One, and Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini. The Gingerbread Woman is strong and flavorful, and is served with a little gingerbread topper on the side of the glass. The Mean One is delicious and spicy, with pomegranate, housemade hot honey, and a jalapeño salt rim. The Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini was equally delicious, made with candy cane-infused vodka, fresh espresso, and homemade chocolate cookie syrup.
Learn more: https://joyridemc.com/places/leeds-public-house/
Bartlett’s Fish Camp
Head over to Bartlett’s Fish Camp for a beautiful view of Lake Michigan in the wintertime while you sip on a delicious festive cocktail! The restaurant offers three holiday drinks, including their Mistletoe Pomegranate Whiskey Sour, Red or White Sangria, and White Chocolate Peppermint Martini. The Mistletoe Pomegranate Whiskey Sour is garnished with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds, making it both beautiful and festive! The White Chocolate Peppermint Martini has a peppermint rim and is garnished with a lovely candy cane.
Learn more: https://joyridemc.com/places/fish-camp/
The Heron Bistro
The Heron Bistro, located on Franklin Street, has six ‘Ornament Cocktails’ to choose from, including their Merry Cranberry, Winterberry Spritz, Mulled Wine, Peppermint Silhouette, Yuletide Paradise, Santa’s Sidecar, and Le Canard. The Heron Bistro goes all-in with beautiful garnishes, candy cane rims, and playful glassware. These drinks are bold, colorful, and made for celebrating. They’re perfect for group outings, a festive dinner, or starting a night out with something memorable. The restaurant is decorated elegantly with towering Christmas trees, lights, and centerpieces.
Learn more: https://joyridemc.com/places/the-heron-bistro/
Happy Holidays!
Holiday cocktails are about more than what’s in the glass; they’re about the experience. Grab friends, plan a mini cocktail crawl, or make it a tradition to try a new spot each week leading up to the holidays. Support local bars, tip your bartenders well, and soak up the festive energy our city does so well. We encourage you to drink responsibly and use a local rideshare company such as PrivaDrive as you explore our city. Cheers to good drinks, great company, and celebrating the season one sip at a time.
Learn more about PrivaDrive here: https://privadrivenwi.com/
