Around this time each year, Christmas-themed bars takeover metro Detroit. This year is no different, with old favorites and some new flavors. Here are six options to check out this season.
Blitzen’s on Bagley
This pop-up is located in the former spot of Bagley Central, which has been all decked out for the holiday season. Wear your most outrageous Christmas sweater and sip on seasonal drinks like the Grinch Punch, Very Merry Marge, Spiked Eggnog, and Hot Cocoa Your Way. The menu pulls from neighboring restaurants and includes Shell Shock’d Tacos and Goblin Sushi. Cookies prepared by Anna Bola, a former pastry chef and baker at Warda. Blitzen’s on Bagley, 2545 Bagley St., Detroit; blitzensonbagley.com.
Cadillac Lodge
Cadillac Lodge has returned to downtown Detroit for another holiday season. The pop-up bar offers a ski-lodge vibe, with festive lights and decor inside a heated transparent tent. Enjoy some drinks cuddled up on a cozy leather couch, or sample the menu, which includes Detroit style chili, soft pretzels with beer cheese, and more. Cadillac Lodge; 60 Cadillac Square, Detroit; cadillaclodge.com.
Detroit City Distillery
Swing by the distillery and enjoy their Winter Whiskey Wonderland, which offers a brand-new holiday menu that features 15 new artisanal cocktails including the vodka-based Claus for Vacation and the frozen eggnog and rum, Coquito. Watch for special programs and pop-ups throughout the month. Detroit City Distillery, 2462 Riopelle St., Detroit; detroitcitydistillery.com.
Jingle
Goodbye Ale Mary’s, hello Jingle. For the month of December, Ale Mary’s is going by the name Jingle and will be decked out in holiday cheer inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Jingle will continue to serve Ale Mary’s regular menu items, with the addition of holiday drinks served in festive mugs and seasonal cookies. Ale Mary’s, 316 S. Main St., Royal Oak; alemarysbeer.com.
Miracle
International pop-up bar Miracle has made its way to metro Detroit once again, encouraging patrons to get “holidazed.” Taking over The Oakland in Ferndale this year, you can expect Christmas classics like mulled wine and original tastes like the Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r, a cocktail that features ingredients like Barbados Rum, Rum Agricole and pineapple juice. Miracle at the Oakland, 201 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; miraclepopup.com.
Sippin Santa
Once again, The Skip is transforming into Sippin Santa for the snowy season. If you seek out The Skip for its tropical theme, don’t worry — the bar is keeping is beachy roots intact with crossover drinks served in mugs that are shaped like Santa wearing sunglasses and holding surfboards. The Skip, 1234 The Belt, Detroit; theskipdetroit.com.
This post was originally published in 2019 and is updated regularly.
