Oh, the holidays. It’s that time of year again when people come together, share wonderful meals, traditions…and in many cases, plenty of booze. Oh, Atlanta, you offer so many wonderful temptations! Atlantans know how to party and really get down with the best of ‘em, and this year should be no different. I don’t often indulge in cocktails, (definitely more of a beer kind of girl) but I do have a special place in my heart for seasonal delights, and alcohol is no exception. Our fair city offers a plethora of amazing seasonal micro-brews, superb mixologist-created cocktails, and plenty of places to purchase such delights to bring home to share with friends and family (except on Sundays, of course). I could go on forever, but it seems obvious I’m just a sucker for a well-crafted beverage. I also know I’m not the only one. With that said, here are my top ten seasonal beverages available all over town to get you more “spirited” for the holidays.

10.Terrapin Wake ‘N Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout – those kids up in Athens are crazy! This beer is extremely thick, warming, and jam-packed with bold, biting, coffee flavor. This stout is made with Chinook Hops, chocolate malt, and plenty of oatmeal flakes. The combination is certainly not for the faint-of-heart, but is more than worth trying. At 8.6% alcohol per volume, this beer stores well…so it’s perfect to save for a special occasion or for the holidays next year.

9. Whiskey Blue’s Clementine Crush – this refreshing, spicy drink is made with Svedka Clementine Vodka, tonic, fresh OJ, fresh ginger, and a hint of sugar. Clementines, or

“Christmas Oranges” as they are sometimes nick-named, are in season at this time of year and are much sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. The ginger adds a warming kick reserved for crisp fall days.

8. Lumen at the Ritz-Carlton’s Peppermint Martini — made with Absolut Peppar and real crushed candy canes, this swirly white and pink drink is almost a dessert in itself. Delicious, sweet, yet still refreshing. Candy canes are no longer for stockings anymore!

7. Trader Vic’s Hot Buttered Rum – an oldie, but a goodie. Made with brown sugar and cinnamon, this classic drink is one of the best in town. Having recently moved back to Atlanta from Las Vegas, I was quite happy to see that while I was gone my favorite new franchise out west had set up shop in my hometown. Classic and well-crafted, this rum concoction will warm even the coldest of pirates’ hearts.

6. 5 Season’s Brewing Pumpkin Ale – although only available at their Westside and Alpharetta locations, this extraordinarily fresh, pumpkin-packed beer is slightly sweet, and out of this world. Using Georgia-grown pumpkins and plenty of pie spice, 5 Seasons could not have done a better job at combining one of my all-time favorite Fall ingredients.

5. ABC’s Red Brick Winter Brew – this Belgian-style Ale is out of this world. New this year, ABC has really out-done themselves. This deeply fruity, malty, hoppy brew smells slightly like bananas baking, and goes down as easy as apple pie. Pairs well with any and all desserts, and its gentle, warming effect makes me want to take it to a tailgate or in front of a campfire. Cuddle up with someone, but make sure you know them well, as this beer packs a wallop at 8.2% alcohol per volume.

4. He’brew Jewbelation (Bar Mitzvah) – available at Taco Mac, Brick Store Pub, and Green’s Beverage, (among other places) this beer might not be unique to Atlanta, but since we are a city of people from other cities…well, you know. I ordered this recently on a newbeer-trying-adventure, and boy was I glad I did! This beer is dark, rich, caramel-y, and as brown as they come. There are over 13 million Jews in the world, and about 13% alcohol per volume in this brew…try it with Latkes and you might see God (or Abraham).

3. West Egg Cafe’s Pumpkin Spice Latte – well,I do love coffee, and after all that holiday imbibing, trust me, you are going to want to try this! Spicy, sweet, and perfectly roasted, this latte is homemade and best when topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Oh. My. Too tame? Take it home and add a touch of Goldschlager, you alcoholic, you.

2. Hop City Craft Beer & Wine- Bruery Autumn Maple Ale – this unique, seasonal wonder is brewed with yams, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and maple syrup, just to name a few. Just don’t let the syrupy title fool you, this Ale does have a spicy kick! The coziest beer in the city…perfect for snuggling on the couch or pairs great with anything and everything on your Thanksgiving table.

1.  Sweetwater Festive Ale – this is one of my all-time favorite seasonal beers.

Sweetwater always produces an amazing beer, however, this one really gets to me. It’s heavy, very full, and laced smoothly with cinnamon and mace. It’s the type of beer I crave on a freezing cold day, and it pairs incredibly with pie and turkey. Who could ask for more? Oh wait, I left out the best part…at 8.6% alcohol per volume, it’s, uh…more fun to drink, wink, wink! Festival Ale is only brewed once a year and is only available through December. Get it while you can, but save some for me!

For hours, locations, etc. please visit the websites below.

Sources:

www.sweetwaterbrew.com

www.terrapinbeer.com

www.atlantabrewing.com

www.gerberbars.com

www.concentricshospitality.com

www.tradervics.com

www.ritzcarlton.com

www.5seasonsbrewing.com

www.hopcity.com

By Rosey Sumrall.

Crafted with the materials of an old pub and salvaged artifacts, RiRa in Midtown has an atmosphere you cannot find at other bars. Their menu says it best:

“RiRa:  A place or state where exuberance and revelry prevail, where music and merriment compete and the conversation flows smooth as the Guinness ebbs in the glass…”

This authentic pub took over two years and 11,000 hours to complete, and all the hard work really paid off. This is one of the best places to grab a drink in Midtown.
Though the view from the outside is unassuming, once you step inside you’ll immediately notice the large ceiling and intricate crystal chandeliers hanging above a long wooden bar. In the entryway you’ll find a welcoming staff and glass shelves filled with old bottles on display.  The main bar offers a long list of drinks that includes all the Irish staples plus the martinis and cocktails you would find at any modern establishment.  The second room has a stage where live music is always on the schedule; check out www.rira.com for a complete listing of events. The third room is hard to get to when it is really busy, but it offers you another full bar and seating area.
If you are hungry, you will find the food options as authentic as your servers’ Irish accent.  They offer anything from Shepherds’ Pie to Irish Bangers & Mash.  For lunch you can look to spend $8 to $13 on food, and dinner anywhere from $9 to $22 (drinks not included, of course).

The crowd tends to be very young.  Probably because of the location, but you will find a lot of college age people here.  No surprise then that when the pub starts to get busy, the atmosphere can get a little loud.  If you want a quick break from the action you can walk outside into the patio area.  If the weather is nice enough, you could probably find your self staying outside your entire visit, people watching and taking in the fantastic city views.

Located right on the corner of Crescent & 12th this pub is easy to find. If you are looking to have a good time in Atlanta, I highly recommend this pub.  It is a place with something for everyone.