Five festive drinks in Chattanooga that will put you in the holiday spirit

One of the best gifts you can give yourself over the hectic holiday season is taking a break from the madness with a festive cocktail. We suggest that shoppers stop by Tupelo Honey while checking names off their lists at Warehouse Row, or treat themselves at Ruth’s Chris after hitting the stores at Hamilton Place mall. You can also get in the holiday spirit with a visit to one of Chattanooga’s holiday pop-up bars, or by combining a trip to see the largest indoor Christmas tree in town in the Choo Choo lobby with a cocktail at neighboring STIR. Here are a few of our favorite holiday libations from local bars.

Visions of Sugar Plums from Tupelo Honey

You don’t have to wait till the night before Christmas to experience Visions of Sugar Plums, a cocktail created by corporate beverage director Lindsey Farris-Felty, with Dixie citrus vodka, blueberry puree, lemon juice and a house-made blueberry-hibiscus simple syrup, served over crushed ice and garnished with “sugar plums” (frosted blueberries).

Rudolph’s Replacement from Miracle on Broad Street at No Hard Feelings

Forget Rudolph and his shiny red nose — Miracle on Broad, the Christmas-themed pop-up at No Hard Feelings bar, is replacing the most famous reindeer of all with a red-eyed T-Rex filled with vodka, coffee liqueur, white creme de cacao, orange curaçao, chai, almond milk and aromatic bitters that will have you shouting out with glee.

Clearly, U Can’t Catch Me from STIR

Run, run as fast as you can to get this gingerbread-flavored cocktail from STIR before it’s gone. Made with ginger-infused vodka, creme de cacao blanc, ginger liqueur and spiced winter syrup, this cocktail is like a liquid gingerbread cookie.

Ho Ho Hot Buttered Rum from Sippin’ Santa at Bless Yer Heart

A blend of navy-strength rum, spiced honey butter, vanilla and passion fruit, this tiki-inspired take on the classic drink would be the perfect treat for Santa and his helpers, or anyone looking to get cozy with a warm drink at this holiday pop-up bar.

Raspberry Rosemary Cosmo from Ruth’s Chris

Along with serving up steaks on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Ruth’s Chris is also featuring this festive take on the cosmopolitan, made with Skyy raspberry vodka, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime, cranberry juice, muddled raspberries and fresh rosemary.

White Chocolate Cookie Butter Hot Chocolate from The Hot Chocolatier

When it comes to the perfect warm and tasty holiday beverage, traditional hot chocolate is hard to beat — but The Hot Chocolatier has created a solid contender with its White Chocolate Cookie Butter Hot Chocolate. Made with The Hot Chocolatier’s house-made white chocolate and real Speculoos cookie butter steamed together with a choice of whole, oat, almond or coconut milk, the comforting and delicious drink is topped with real vanilla whipped cream or a homemade marshmallow and cookie crumbs.