December 10, 2024
Whether you’re a craft beer fan, looking for winter wines, or something non-alcoholic to drink—Cabarrus County, North Carolina has the perfect seasonal sips. Here are just a few jolly local joints offering festive beverage options this season.
For a full list of places to grab a drink in Cabarrus County, click here.
Towel City Tavern
Don’t miss the opportunity to try one of the Instagram-worthy winter cocktails at Towel City Tavern this season. Bourbon enthusiasts will enjoy the TCT Slushie made with Cheerwine and the Hot Honey Peach Whiskey Sour. If cranberry is one of your favorite flavors of the season, add the Holiday Paloma, the Cherry & Bright, or the Red Wine Spritz to your list. Visit their website to find the full lineup included in their fall menu.
Rocky River Coffee Co.
When you’re craving a winter drink, stop by Rocky River Coffee Co. in Harrisburg for hot spiced classic and caramel ciders or s’mores hot chocolate. For a flavor-packed pick-me-up, try seasonal coffees like the Cinnabon Mocha hot, iced, or as a frappé. You can also pick up 1-pound bags of seasonal drip coffee in flavors like Mistletoe Joe to make at home. Keep your beverage toasty on the go in one of Rocky River Coffee’s insulated travel mugs.
Gaelic Alley Irish Pub
Located on Main Street in downtown Kannapolis, this locally owned pub is the perfect pit stop after shopping all of the area’s specialty stores and boutiques for holiday gifts. Gaelic Alley’s “By The Fire” cocktail is a festive delight made with Tito’s Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, Crème de Cacao, and creamy eggnog, finished with a chocolate and graham cracker rim and toasted marshmallow.
Other offerings include the Irish Coffee made with Irish whiskey, hot coffee, espresso sugar, and heavy cream, and the Gaelic Apple Mule featuring Irish whiskey, apple cider, ginger beer, lime juice, and a cinnamon stick.
High Branch Brewing Company
Head to the lower level of Gibson Mill Market to sample High Branch Brewing Company’s masterful creations. From bourbon barrel-aged stouts with vanilla or chocolate to citrusy IPAs featuring notes of stone fruit and orange, the range of offerings here will satisfy every craft beer enthusiast. Plus, wander upstairs for a meal from the food hall to pair with your brew.
Southern Grace Distilleries
There’s nothing like a little whiskey to warm you up during the cold winter months. Try this recipe from Southern Grace Distilleries featuring their award-winning Conviction Bourbon. For an insider tip from Southern Grace’s CEO and founding partner Thomas Thacker, check out the recent article “20 Top Bartenders Share Their Secrets” from Whisky Advocate.
Conviction Old Fashioned
- In a rocks glass, place 1/2 teaspoon of raw sugar, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1/2 teaspoon of water
- Stir to create a slurry in the bottom of the glass
- Add 2 ounces of Conviction Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Slide one large ice cube into the glass and stir around the cube until chilled
- Rim the glass with orange zest and then add zest to drink
73 & Main
Brunch is serious business at 73 & Main. Here you’ll find menu items featuring spirits from the neighboring distillery. Perfect for when you’re entertaining friends or family over the holidays, visit charming downtown Mount Pleasant to celebrate the season with a full spread of classic brunch favorites. 73 & Main serves up the beverages to match including Spiked Coffee, mimosas, and Bloody Mary’s. After your meal, wrap up your gift list at local shops along Main Street.
Rocky River Vineyards
Midland’s Rocky River Vineyards offers hand-crafted, small-batch wines. During the winter season, their holiday wine selection is a fun array of flavors including Rudolph Red red muscadine, Frosty Moscato, and Blitzen Merlot. Plus, the vineyard offers seasonally flavored wine slushies and mulled wine. Take home a bottle or two so you’ll always have the perfect host and hostess gift on hand.
Verb Coffee
The winter drink menu at this trendy local coffee shop features a Spearmint Mocha, a Christmas Cookie Latte, the Citrus n’ Spice matcha, and a warm Holiday Brew of hibiscus tea and cinnamon syrup. Round out your festive meal with Verb’s limited-edition chicken sandwich topped with pomegranate orange slaw.
What’s your favorite seasonal drink?
Along with these tasty options, there are so many other seasonal drinks to try across Cabarrus County!
Find even more delicious craft beverage options at these breweries, coffee shops, wineries, and bars. Want to earn prizes as you discover Cabarrus County’s craft beverage scene? Check out the Explore & Pour Trail.
