Last weekend I met a few friends at a winery and speakeasy called Grape and Grain Exchange in Jacksonville, Florida. My friends and I have made an annual tradition of visiting the space each holiday season, as the speakeasy debuts delicious, festive drinks each winter, all served in fun mugs and cups. Already a popular place, Grape and Grain fills with even more guests in winter because of its famed Christmas cocktails, thanks to a unique partnership with Miracle, a pop-up bar with 82 locations worldwide.

Already boasting a swanky and sophisticated vibe inside, the speakeasy bar ups the decoration game even more for Christmas and the holidays, from walls of wrapping paper to twinkling lights to Christmas trees hanging upside down from the ceiling.

While enjoying the festive décor adds to the experience, everyone comes for the festive drinks, and they never disappoint. The drinks differ each year, with bartenders and mixologists concocting a new and unique menu for each season to wow customers. This year they have set a new standard with some exciting drinks.

I finally decided to order the cocktail that comes in the iconic T-rex mug. Under the name Grandma Got Run Over by a T-Rex, this festive drink included vodka, orange liqueur, gentian aperitif, aloe vera, spiced pomegranate and grapefruit mix (so delicious!), lime and aromatic bitters. The pomegranate made the drink and gave it that spiced, festive flair we often associate with the holidays.

One of my other favorites, called Santa’s Little Helper, came in a tall glass with a little stuffed koala hugging the straw. This cocktail featured gin, spiced caraway syrup, eucalyptus, sage, lime and seltzer. For those looking for a more crisp, light and refreshing cocktail, this is the perfect one for you.

My friend opted for the holiday classic: eggnog. Of course, Grape and Grain put a twist on the classic with the reinvented Jingle Balls Nog, a concoction of cognac, cream, sherry, almond milk, egg, vanilla and nutmeg. Served in a cozy mug and warm to the touch, my friend was delighted with her drink.

Miracle Pop-Up brings holiday joy to many locations in the United States and beyond, with locations in California, Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and more. Visit here to see if Miracle Pop-Up has a location near you.

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor