Disney is not short on festive holiday celebrations on either coast with Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park, and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.
For those that want to sip on some holiday cheer at any of the Disney holiday celebrations or just get away for a relaxed celebration in one of our restaurants or lounges, our Disney beverage teams and talented mixologists throughout our parks and resorts have created close to 100-holiday beverages. There is something for everyone—from traditional hot cocoa to creative festive concoctions.
I caught up with Brian Koziol, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts beverage director, to talk (and sip!) holiday beverages.
“Holiday-themed beverages always add to the festive experience. Our mixologists have created a variety of libations using traditional holiday ingredients like baking spices, cranberry, chocolate, pumpkin, and marshmallow. Holidays give them an opportunity to try different combinations of aromas and flavors they typically don’t use throughout the year.”
It was a difficult task, but I compiled a list of my favorite holiday drinks offered this season. Here are my top picks:
Apple Riesling Wine Slushy at Amorette’s Patisserie (Disney Springs): Order this refreshing sweet wine slushy with one of Amorette’s delectable mini holiday ornament dome cakes. Grab a seat under an umbrella and watch the Disney Springs world go by!
Sam’s Slay Ride at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (Disneyland Hotel): The honey whiskey liqueur and a hint of cinnamon is the key to this delightful concoction. Hang out in the boisterous bar or take it outdoors to the torch-lit terrace. The Pu Pu Platter or Panko-crusted Chinese Long Beans are the perfect complement.
Very Merry Moonshine at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs): This fun spin on their signature moonshine cocktail has the requisite holiday eggnog (with a sugar cookie rim!) and is a delightful sip on the back porch at Homecomin’.
Warm Chocolate Float at Festival of Holidays (Disney California Adventure park): Served warm with whipped cream, brownie crumbles, and chocolate sauce – seriously, can it get any better than that?
Napa Rose S’more at Napa Rose (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa): This adult drinkable s’more is a wonderful coffee-whiskey libation with dark crème de cacao, topped with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle. Heaven.
S’mores Milkshake at Gasparilla Island Grill (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa): You can’t go wrong with this sippable s’more for all ages! Marshmallow fluff, cream, and chocolate with a graham cracker garnish all in a glass…hello? Sign me up!
Tropical Snowstorm at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort): This bourbon-based liquid refreshment takes it to the next level for the holidays with the addition of coconut, cinnamon, and sweet tropical syrups. They rim the glass with toasted coconut and serve with a peppermint candy cane. Well, they had me at “toasted coconut.”
Hot Cocoa Flight at Flurry of Fun (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): Can’t decide between Salted Caramel Irish Cream Hot Chocolate, Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate, or a Hot Chocolate Martini? Well, now you don’t have to make the hard decision. This is a trifecta of chocolate goodness.
Check out all the holiday beverage offerings and let us know which are your favorites. Cheers!
