It’s time to lay down the pumpkin spice lattes and pick up peppermint mochas. With the holidays finally here, enjoy these sips to embrace the season.
COCKTAILS
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise at Santa’s Pub at Publico Kitchen & Tap. Try the Jinglebells Nog, or the gingerbread or mistletoe margarita. Order up Santa’s charcuterie and enjoy a private holiday in heated igloos surrounded by a winter wonderland. New to the menu in 2025 is Buddy the Elf's Spaghetti. You already know the 4 main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.
To continue the holiday theme, head over to Prohibition for the Sippin' Santa Holiday Pop-up Bar, a color to ceiling winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer including Tiki-inspired cocktails with festive names like "Coco Ho Ho Ho" and "Sugar Plum Mai Tai" served in Sippin' Santa's holiday mug or glassware. If cocktails are you thing, try the Designated Sledder made with lime, coconut, pineapple, Pandan syrup, and tonic water. Looking for a bite to eat while you are there? It's no secret that the chefs serve local and seasonal flavors. We are talking Claus's Coconut Shrimp, Kale Luau Pork Sliders or All I Want for Christmas is Tacos.
Every night is pizza night at Village Idiot Pizza in Five Points. All month long, you can sup and dine with a holiday pop-up including festive themed cocktails, holiday bingo, Christmas trivia and their specialty pizza "Mozzin' Around The Christmas Tree" with red sauce, sliced mozzarella sticks topped with a swirl of ranch.
COFFEE
For many people, peppermint comes to mind when they think of holiday coffee drinks, and it doesn’t feel like the holiday season until you have that first peppermint mocha in hand. However, our local coffee shops are changing things up and offering unique holiday flavors.
Head over to Indah Coffee for a "Comfort & Joy Latte" a mocha with orange, orange zest and your milk of choice, or a "Nutcracker Flat White" with brown sugar, molasses, ginger bread spices and vanilla. For nondairy coffee drinkers, the "Yule Tide Wassail" might be just right for you.
Azalea Coffee Bar’s specialty holiday drinks give you more tastes of the season with the "Holly Dolly" a sugar cookie cold brew, "Hard Candy" a peppermint mocha, and "Smoky Mountain Christmas" a gingerbread latte just to name a few.
BEER and SPECIALITY DRINKS
Who doesn’t need an Espresso Stout-ini in their life? Head over to Savage Craft Ale Works in West Columbia for this quintessential holiday flavor in beer form. Looking to stay in? Steel Hands Distillery in The Vista is serving a batch of Peppermint Vodka that will have you coming back for more.
SWEETS
Bring your holi-date to Tiffany's Bakery in Northeast Columbia because their holiday treats will have your heart growing three sizes! We’re talking a Grinch themed petitfours or Christmas butter cookies.
Ally & Eloise Bake Shop features a mix of holiday sweets throughout the season ranging from a Snickerdoodle Cake to an almond white chocolate raspberry scone and gingerbread cookies. Looking for gluten free options? Check out their diverse selection of macaroons, or "Roonies," for the small size or MegaRoonies for the bigger, 3 inch size.
Find more holiday cheer being served at restaurants all around the Columbia region.