Baby it’s cold outside, and what better way to warm up then with a festive, seasonal cocktail at one of Atlanta’s best restaurants? These five hotspots are upping the eggnog ante with creative concoctions sure to make your jingle bells rock (be forewarned—too many and you’ll head to the top of Santa’s naughty list). Cheers!

Serpas True Food’s St. Vivienne

Named for chef-owner Scott Serpas’ daughter, this perfectly balanced cocktail just screams winter: Forty Creek Canadian whiskey comingles with tangy grapefruit juice, sweet maple syrup and bright St.


Germain.

Bourbon Bar’s Russian Handshake

When the holidays come a knockin’, reach for this decadent twist on the classic White Russian: Double Cross vodka, Kahlua and trendy Fernet Branca are topped off with indulgent cream and a dash of chocolate bitters.

Cakes & Ale’s Sharp Shooter

In a sea of cloying peppermint-flavored drinks, beverage director Jordan Smelt’s cocktails are anything but kitschy. This boozy beverage is made with a blend of Pisco, pear, ginger, Herbsiant and ginger ale, making it one of the few seasonal cocktails with pure class.

4th & Swift’s Barrell-Aged Egg Nog

This Christmastime classic gets revamped in the hands of bar manager Chris Gianaras—bourbon, dark rum and brandy are barrel-aged for three weeks before Gianaras tops the potent concoction off with an egg white and fresh nutmeg.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar’s Westside Chocolate

Though beverage manager Eduardo Guzman has a slew of delicious hot cocktails on his menu, I’m partial to this bourbon-based hot chocolate—it’s made with Cherry Heering, Maraschino Luxardo and cinnamon for a sweet and spicy finish.

by Kate Parham Kordsmeier