Sleigh it ain’t so. We’re rounding up nine festive pop-up bars in the metro that are sure to get you in the ho, ho, ho-liday spirit.
Miracle Kansas City | Plaza, Power & Light + Town Center
Miracle Kansas City focuses on over-the-top decór + nostalgia. Try one of 10 cocktails, like the Elfing Around — made with prosecco, gin, mulled wine reduction, grapefruit shrub, and bitters. This year, all locations are offering walk-ins in addition to paid reservations.
Rec Deck the Halls | Boulevard Brewing Co.
Boulevard Brewing Co. is celebrating its first holiday pop-up bar on the fourth floor Rec Deck. Beverages are made with Quirk Hard Seltzers, Fling Craft Cocktails, and boozy barrel-aged beers. You’ll also find keepsake glassware + shuffleboard courts. Individual seating is first come, first serve with a $5 cover charge.
Snowbound: A Merry Ski Lodge | Chicken N Pickle
Ready to hit the slopes? Make a reservation at this retro ski lodge. It offers mountain views, a selfie gondola, shotskis, outdoor fire pits, and an occasional Bigfoot sighting. There are eight cocktails to choose from, two of which are gluten free. We have our eyes on the Free Rider — a mix of Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, Kahlua + hot chocolate mix. It’s garnished with marshmallows, caramel and chocolate syrup, and sprinkles.
Tinsel | Tipsy Taco
Lake Lotawana has transformed into a winter wonderland with Tinsel at Tipsy Taco. The holiday pop-up has a happy hour running 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday and features 10 specialty cocktails. Bonus: Tinsel serves all drinks in unique holiday glassware hand-picked from local thrift stores. Reservations are only accepted by phone call, and are made with a two-hour time block system.
Nine Zero One Igloo Bar | The Fountaine
Looking to celebrate the holidays in style? Enjoy rooftop skyline views in an intimate, heated igloo. These private pop-ups are decked out in winter chic furs + velvets with modern furniture. Reservations are slotted for 90 minutes, but they can be extended into consecutive bookings. We’re cozying up to the Spiced Apple Margarita with tequila, cinnamon-apple liquor, lime, carrot, and sarsaparilla — paired with a Butter Poached Lobster Roll.
Silver Bell Supper Club | The Canary
Not your typical holiday pop-up bar, instead dressed in delicate snowflakes, paper ornaments, and garland with a wam + bright atmosphere. There are eight new drinks to try, including gluten- and dairy-free options. To correspond with the aesthetic, we’ll be ordering a Holiday in the Hamptons, a gin-based cocktail with cranberry, sage, and lime.
Sippin’ Santa | Julep
The kind of Santa we imagine comes dressed in a Hawaiian button down. Say aloha to this Westport tiki bar-esque escape. Sip on nine holiday-themed cocktails outfitted with drink umbrellas. Reservations can be made for the entire bar this year due to high demand, and the main bar will be open to walk-ins. Custom glassware + tiki mugs are also available to purchase.
Lord of the Drinks | Vignettes Bar
Spend your holidays in Hobbiton at this pop-up. Enter an experience of drinks + songs modeled after a cinematic classic with the holidays in mind. There are a total of nine craft cocktails, three shots, and three appetizers + live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. The bar has partnered with Brie Burrows of Big Rip Brewing Company to offer It Comes in Pints — an English style dark ale. There is no cover, and seating is first come, first serve.
Merry & Brite | PH Coffee
Serving up a menu of nine cocktails + mocktails utilizing local spirits, Merry & Brite even features a build-your-own experience. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, guests can purchase a $15 ticket that includes a reservation, live entertainment, a take-home photo, and aperitif. One Cranberry Moscow Yule, served with Lifted Spirits vodka, please.
