Grinchtini, Santa’s Milk and Cookies, $8 each
This year, Moxie has a little something for those who have been naughty and those who have been nice. The goody-two-shoes looking to stay on the Fat Man’s good side should try Santa’s Cookies and Milk. Made with creme de cocoa, vanilla Stoli, Kahlua and Talea, an amaretto creme liqueur, this creamy concoction is garnished with a rim of crushed Oreos. For the cranky crowd, the Grinchtini is a little green devil of a cocktail made of Absolut Citron, grapefruit juice, grenadine and, appropriately, a splash of sour mix. Served in a martini glass with a red-sugar rim and a cherry at the bottom, it’s so fun, even the Whos down in Whoville might want to give it a try. 3517 N. Clark St. 773-935-6694.
Peppermint Twist, $6.50
Candy canes are for suckers. If you want to enjoy the iconoclastic flavor of the holidays without turning your mouth red and getting your fingers sticky, try this drink at Charlie’s Ale House in Andersonville. Part of its Winter Warmers menu, this seasonal spin on Irish coffee consists of Baileys Irish Cream, a spicy shot of peppermint schnapps and coffee topped with whipped cream. It’s a zippy Christmas jolt. 5308 N. Clark St. 773-751-0140.
Applesauce Martini, $10
When we think Hanukkah, we think latkes. But a potato pancake ‘tini? No thanks. Instead, toast the Festival of Lights with the perfect complement to the greasy-good eats: this libation created by Laura Frankel, chef-owner of upscale kosher restaurant Shallots in Lincoln Park. Created to mimic the tasty traditional topping for latkes, the drink features apple puree, vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice and a drizzle of cranberry juice. 2324 N. Clark St. 773-755-5205.
No-Name Nog, $8
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the nog. Served with a tiny candy cane garnish, the eggless version at Avenue Tavern is less thick than the traditional variety, but its potent combination of Stoli Vanil, Baileys, Frangelico and Jagermeister is likely to leave you feeling scrambled. Good thing it’s also served as a shot ($4). This drink won’t be nameless for long, however. Avenue is holding a name-that-nog contest until Saturday. The winner and 10 friends get an hour-long party with an open bar. Now that’s a lot of nog. 2916 N. Broadway, 773-975-7000.
Chocolate Mint Martini, $7.95
Too bad you can’t find one of these in your stocking. The Chocolate Mint Martini from Maggiano’s Little Italy is a holiday twist on a retro favorite, the Grasshopper. In this version, available only in December, the bartenders use Skyy Vanilla in addition to traditional white cacao, green creme de menthe and half-and-half. The drink is garnished with the same “chocolate cigarette” used to garnish the restaurant’s tiramisu. A little naughty, sure, but we think Santa will forgive you. 516 N. Clark St. 312-644-7700.
Doctor’s Delight, $5-$7
This special Kwanzaa cocktail features fruit juices, aloe vera and ginseng. It’s a “natural Red Bull,” says Cotton Club general manager Adrienne Gage. Bartenders will whip up the non-alcoholic version, or you can ask to have your favorite spirit mixed in (vodka or gin is best). The concoction is available through New Year’s Day. 1710 S. Michigan Ave. 312-341-9787.
Quince Cocktail, $7
Quince is an autumnal fruit traditionally prepared as a jam or jelly and served during the holidays. Lula Cafe in Logan Square has a better idea. It poaches the fruit with sugar to form a concentrated syrup, mixes it with a splash of Rose’s lime juice, muscat and champagne. The result is a complex, honey-colored cocktail that retains the warm apple-pear flavor of the quince while the muscat provides a raisin-like sweetness. 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. 773-489-9554.
Making spirits bright
Get into the holiday spirit at these decked-out bars
Simon’s Ornaments, garlands, a Swedish Christmas tree and cups of steaming glogg (spiced mulled wine) fill this Scandinavian saloon with holiday cheer. 5210 N. Clark St. 773-878-0894.
Joe Bailly’s
This South Side bar paid a pretty penny to have its windows professionally hand-painted with wintery scenes. Inside, the bar’s decked with green and red lights, wreaths, red velvet ribbons and glowing holiday signs. 10854 S. Western Ave. 773-238-1313.
Roscoe’s Tavern
This bar in the heart of Boystown makes the yuletide gay with poinsettias, decorated Christmas trees by the fireplace, strands of garland and white branches with icicles that hang from the ceiling. 3356 N. Halsted St. 773-281-3355.
Bungalow Lounge
You’ll find strands of holiday lights, garlands, a Christmas tree and a menu of holiday-themed drinks here. 1622 W. Belmont Ave. 773-244-0400.
Club Lucky
Wreaths, garlands, snowflakes and twinkling lights create a retro holiday vibe. 1824 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-2300.
