Drink and Be Merry

The houses are strewn in lights, the smell of fir trees envelope the air, and it seems you can’t walk into a store without hearing a holiday jingle or two. You know what that means: It’s officially Christmas time in the neighborhood. One of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit, if you aren’t already excited, is to enjoy some of the delicious, long-standing drink customs from around the world. From coquito to gluhwein, we’ve rounded up Christmas-themed cocktails you can order in Astoria this December.

Eggnog Martini at DiWine

The houses are strewn in lights, the smell of fir trees envelope the air, and it seems you can’t walk into a store without hearing a holiday jingle or two. You know what that means: It’s officially Christmas time in the neighborhood. The eggnog martini at DiWine, is an elevated take on traditional eggnog. It’s made with roasted pecan-infused bourbon and finished with a gingerbread cookie for an extra festive touch. This is one cocktail that looks, and tastes, like Christmas.

41-15 31st Ave. | 718.777.1355 | @diwinebar

Coquito at Beso NYC

Head to Beso NYC, to pick up a bottle of coquito, aka “Puerto Rican eggnog.” Coquito, which means “little coconut” in Spanish, is a coconut-based alcoholic beverage with a similar flavor profile to eggnog that’s typically served at Christmas. The version available at Beso NYC is an original family recipe made in Puerto Rico using the island’s fruits and rum. Order mofongo balls, pernil, and arroz con gandules while you’re at it for a true taste of Puerto Rico at Christmas time.

45-15 28th Ave. | 917.396.4063 | @besonyc_astoria

Rainbow Cookie Martini at The Shady Lady

An Italian Christmas celebration wouldn’t be complete without a tray of rainbow cookies for dessert. The rainbow cookie martini at The Shady Lady, is a sweet, boozy concoction that captures Christmas in a glass. It’s made with Disaronno Amaretto, Pinnacle Cake Vodka, creme de cacao, raspberry preserves, and of course, topped off with a rainbow cookie.

34-19 30th Ave. | 718.440.9081 | @theshadylady_astoria

The “Basic B!tch” at Maggie Mae’s Bar

Located in Sunnyside, Queens, Maggie Mae’s Bar is a craft cocktail bar that likes to keep their menu à la Americana. In Lieu, of your average eggnog or hot cocoa, Maggie’s has created a boozy spiced latte that’s anything but basic. Ironically named “Basic B!tch,” this cocktail is made with Absolute Vodka, Kahlua, pumpkin spice, espresso, milk, and whipped cream with cinnamon over ice—that tastes very nice.

41-15 Queens Blvd | 718.433.3067 | @maggiemaesbar

Koala Kristmas Mule at The Thirsty Koala

Cranberries are ubiquitous at Christmas dinner. Their sweet, savory flavor doesn’t just pair well with turkey, though. They’re also the perfect complement to alcoholic beverages. The Koala Kristmas Mule at The Thirsty Koala, puts a Christmas spin on the traditional vodka-based Moscow mule, with cranberry, blood orange, and rosemary.

35-12 Ditmars Blvd. | 718.626.5430 | @thethirstykoala

Gluhwein at Max Bratwurst

German gluhwein, which translates to “glow wine,” is a hot spiced wine traditionally served at Christmas markets throughout Germany and Austria. You’ll also find it on the menu at Max Bratwurst und Bier, where you can sip the warm bev while feasting on bratwurst and other authentic German cuisine.

4702 30th Ave. | 718.777.1635 | @maxbratwurst

Canelazo at Tantra

Canelazo is a spiced alcoholic beverage traditionally served warm in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and northern Argentina. Original canelazo is made by boiling water with cinnamon and sugar or panela, and then mixed
with a local sugar cane alcohol or aguardiente (which has a black licorice flavor to it). It’s essentially Christmas in a mug and the perfect holiday sip for “making spirits bright.”

35-50 31st St | 718.937.4574 | @tantra_astoria