Four Sippable Holiday Cocktails

Harvest Mule Cocktail at The Crafthouse Gastropub

The first stop on the list was The Crafthouse Gastropub. Wide-eyed and eager, I carefully selected the harvest mule cocktail, and by carefully I mean it sounded the most “fall like” to me. My intuition was right because this drink lit up my taste buds. The concoction of vodka, caramel syrup, apple cider, and ginger beer was a caramel apple lover’s dream. With a hint of pear in the aftertaste, I immediately questioned why I never considered pear as a fall flavor. If you don’t have much of a sweet-tooth, I would suggest opting for another cocktail.  But, if you’re looking for a sip with a sweet little kick, the Harvest Mule is a match made in heaven.

Manzana Margarita at Cocina de La Sirena

Searching for a feisty margarita with as much spice in the glass as it has on the menu? La Sirena is your go-to. Their seasonal Manzana Margarita has a certain twist – a cinnamon twist actually. When I first heard of a margarita with a hint of cinnamon, I was a little hesitant I must admit. Now, I’ve set aside all hesitation and proudly proclaim myself a fan. Garnished with apple slices and a cinnamon rim, the Manzana Margarita is a brilliant concoction of flavors which complements the refined Tequila selections.  

Pro tip: use the apple slices to get enjoy the cinnamon off the rim.

I have been waiting to talk about this next cocktail since the moment I took my first sip. It’s called the Maple Latori and The Funky Door knew exactly what they were doing when they created it. Carefully mixed with bourbon, maple syrup, lemon/lime, egg white, and nutmeg, this lemon flavored cocktail made me rethink fall and almost forget pumpkin spice existed. If you read that and immediately questioned the combination, join the club. Now, as I recount those those ingredients, my mouth waters. The egg white makes for an amazing nutmeg-filled foam at the top of your drink. Once you sip through, you’re surprised with a sweet lemon taste. I like to refer to it as lemon drop heaven, but I’ll let you make your own assumptions. My advice, don’t knock it until you try it.

Funky Door’s Invictius Cocktail

Tequila, Tequila, Tequila! You can’t say it enough after trying the Funky Door’s Invictius cocktail. The mixture of the sweet plum, lavender, and agave with grilled jalapeno and lime made for the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. My only suggestion for this drink is sit back and enjoy every sip slowly.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for new and exciting fall drinks. I mean who doesn’t want to expand their palate every now and then? However, by the end of my adventurous night, I was ready for some traditional fall flavors. So, out came the Solstice. This apple cider, honey cocktail warmed my insides with every sip. The best part? The lingering taste of liquor was nowhere to be found. All I could taste was the cider reduction going down as smooth as water. This cocktail is the epitome of a fall night. If you haven’t already, stop what you’re doing and go give this cocktail a whirl. 

You could say Lubbock is the master of autumn-inspired drinks. Grab your friends this weekend and sample one of these refreshing cocktails! Share your favorite sip with us using #LiveLoveLubbock!