Post-Christmas Season’s Drinkings!
Enjoying seasonal drinks is easily a favorite feature of the holiday months in Charleston, where sipping on spirited beverages is the local favorite pastime, year-round. While all of our eateries and watering holes get into the holiday swing one way or another, a few spots really stand out with extra-festive decor or extra-yummy seasonal menu items. While Christmas has come and gone, you can still pop by one of these local favorites to keep the cheer going as we wait for 2020 to (finally) draw to a close. We’ve combined both upscale and super-casual picks, so you can pick a vibe between holiday date night or “just trying to get out of the house to watch the game”. Enjoy!
Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails – Located in Mt. Pleasant, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston, Handcraft is in its second year of offering the Miracle pop-up; a kitschy extravaganza that sees their space dressed to the nines in holiday decor and fun accouterments, like T-Rex Santa glassware. The Miracle Menu is also packed with holiday delights, like the Christmapolitan (for those that want a seasonal sipping drink), the Bad Santa (their twist on mulled wine) and a selection of Naughty and Nice shots, for those really looking to get festive and fast! Miracle is by-reservation only, so call them up to secure a spot amidst the magic.
Local 616 – Cozy neighborhood joint Local 616 always gussies up for the season in traditional fashion, with owner Dwyane Mitchell installing a tree, hanging stockings, and even playing a burning yule log on the bar’s TVs for extra ambiance. This year, in addition to Irish Coffee and Hot Toddies, Dwyane’s whipping up a delicious Hot Buttered Apple Cider, incorporating the fine product from local cidery Ship’s Wheel. The year, 616 features a brand new, sizable open deck if you’re drinking al fresco, and he’ll be pumping out the holiday rap classics all season long (unless there’s a Panther’s game on)!
The Dewberry – As an artful nod to JFK, the president who commissioned the former federal building that now houses this gorgeous mid-century modern hotel, Dewberry has decked itself out in holiday decor that subtly references the space race with atomic age-style starbursts adorning its exterior. The interior decor matches its mod style, with a Christmas tree right out of Mad Men in the cozy Living Room lounge sporting vintage ornaments and tinsel drapings. The Fly me to the Moon, this year’s seasonal cocktail at the Living Room, fits beautifully with their 50’s Space Race theme – a holiday spin on the classic Brandy Alexander. Guests wishing for a rooftop experience can head up to the Citrus Club and get a bird’s eye view of the Marion Square Christmas Tree and lights.
Container Bar – The perfect spot for those still wary of any kind of indoor activity, the Container Bar (literally, a bar made out of a shipping container) offers ample outdoor space and boasts heaters for the chilly drinker (although our Charleston winters are notoriously mild). They’re getting into the spirit with a number of seasonal beverages, including Spiked Apple Cider, Christmas Old Fashioneds, and a Spiked Hot Chocolate made with Jameson and Rumpleminze. While Container Bar hosts an ever-revolving cast of food trucks, guests can also order from across-the-street-neighbor Rutledge Cab Co. for hearty fare like French Onion Soup, Wings, and burgers. Check their IG for when Moxie Thrifts stops by, and do a little Christmas shopping for yourself, now that everyone else is taken care of! If the holidays have left you feeling a little cooped up and stressed out, we highly recommend a dose of Container Bar fresh air for extra-chill vibes, cheap drink specials, and just a dash of season’s greetings.
Had a last-minute addition to your Christmas list? Want to save a little money on a fabulous Charleston experience for yourself? Our Gift Cards are 20% until 2021! With eight different tours to choose from, they make a perfect way to create that special day for loved one, friend from out-of-town, or visiting family that you’re struggling to keep entertained! Consider it stress insurance, and thank us later. ; ) Happy Holidays!
-Palmer Stowe