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9 Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Miami

’Tis the season for holiday drinks! Here's your go-to guide to the best Miami holiday and Christmas pop-up bars this year.
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Holly Jolly Bar is a winter wonderland at the Deck in Wynwood with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, ornaments, and holiday decor. Swarm photo
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the 305 with holiday pop-up bars popping up across Miami! For those looking for festive cocktails before heading out to Christmas dinner, Miami's holiday pop-up bars are more fun than ever before.

From downtown Miami's popular holiday pop-up bar, Miracle in Miami, to Coconut Grove's holiday-themed pop-up bar at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, expect festive cocktails, peppermint espresso martinis, and, of course, lots of coquito all across Miami this month.

While most of your favorite Miami holiday pop-ups are back, plenty of newcomers are offering Christmas-themed cocktails, December-only specials, and holiday cheer this year.

Without further ado, here's your go-to guide to all of the best holiday pop-ups in Miami this December (in no particular order). Happy Holidays!
click to enlarge Guests mingle with cheer as they're surrounded by fun holiday decorations at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila. The ceiling is draped in holiday decoras guests hold and sip colorful holiday cocktails.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila's annual holiday pop-up bar is back with festive tequila-based cocktails and holiday decorations.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila photo

Holiday Bar at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

Think Christmas, but make it tropical? Bodega Taqueria y Tequila's annual holiday bar will deck the halls with Christmas decor and flamingo neons. All tropical and fruity cocktails will have a holiday twist, and guests can expect lots of "Surfing Santa Mugs" and clinking coconuts. Available November 29 through Christmas Day at the Bodega Taqueria y Tequila locations in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, West Palm Beach, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables; bodegataqueria.com.
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JohnMartin's Christmas Bar Pop-Up in Coral Gables features holiday cocktails and six festive shots.
Breakwater Hospitality Group photo

Christmas Bar Pop-Up at JohnMartin’s Irish Pub on Miracle Mile

From now until December 29, JohnMartin’s has turned into a winter wonderland with holiday decor, thousands of lights, festive cocktails, Christmas shots (!), and more. The pub has seven holiday-themed signature cocktails and six festive shots, like “the Nutcracker,” a blend of Peanut Butter Irish whiskey, banana liqueur, and Baileys; the "Ho Ho Latte,” made with Cold Brew Jameson, cappuccino mix, and caramel syrup; or “Sleigh My Name,” made with a mix of whiskey, whipped cream, and white chocolate syrup. The menu also includes festive shots like “Elf on Fire,” a mix of RumChata and Fireball whiskey with a cinnamon rim; “Spice & Everything Nice,” featuring Tullamore Dew whiskey, whipped cream, and pumpkin syrup with a graham cracker crumb rim; and “Prancer’s Peppermint Patty,” a combination of Tullamore Dew whiskey, whipped cream, crème de cacao, and peppermint schnapps. There’s an Ugly Sweater Happy Hour on Friday, December 13, and JohnMartin’s hosts karaoke every Thursday and happy hour on weekdays. Open Sunday through Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., from now until December 29, at 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; johnmartinsmiami.com.
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Kuba Cabana just launched their holiday pop-up bar and it's full of Nochebuena magic.
Photo by Alta Moda

Noche Buena Pop-Up Bar at Kuba Cabana in Doral

Kuba Cabana's Noche Buena Pop-Up Bar is now open through January 6, inviting guests to celebrate the holidays beyond Christmas. Cuban native chef Jorge Mas has put together a menu that features a variety of bites and cocktails inspired by Nochebuena, including coquito and chocolate and coffee-inspired cocktails that capture the season's flavors. A selection of mocktails will also be available. Special programming will take place on select nights with live music, performances, and themed events that celebrate the holiday season. Runs Monday through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from noon to 11 p.m., at CityPlace Doral (3450 NW 83rd Ave., Doral); kubamiami.com.
click to enlarge Gio Gutierrez of ChatChowTv poses with his coquito creations and their cookie pairings that will be offered at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove this December. He is wearing a Christmas sweater and is holding a holiday drink with a cinnamon stick laid on top.
The Commodore inside the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove is offering a cookie and dessert cocktail pairing menu called "Cookies & Coquito."
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove photo

Cookies & Coquito at the Commodore

Get ready for another year of this Miami holiday-favorite collaboration between local influencer Gio Gutierrez (@chatchowtv) and the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove. The Commodore inside of the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove will serve its annual "Coquito and Cookies" special menu, which features a coquito paired with a specialty cookie flavor for $20. The coquito and cookie combinations range from "Mexican Rompope" with Patron Repo tequila paired with Mexican wedding cookies to the "Cuban Crema de Vie" featuring Havana Club Blanco rum paired with torticas de moron cookies. Anyone leaning towards eggnog this Christmas can opt for the "American Eggnog" with Angels Envy bourbon and D'usse cognac, served with gingerbread cookies. Finally, for the traditional "Puerto Rican Coquito" blended with Bacardi Ocho rum, guests will have the mantecaditos cookies. For a taste of all four coquitos and cookies, the flight costs $39. Offered daily from December 1 to 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight, at 3300 SW 27th Ave., Miami; ritzcarlton.com.
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The Santarex
The Dead Flamingo photo

Miracle on Calle Ocho

'Tis the season of Christmas miracles, so, of course, the Miracle on Calle Ocho will pop up at Casa Tiki Pop-Up by the Dead Flamingo. This immersive holiday-themed event will deck out the bar in classic Christmas decor that pairs perfectly with the holiday cocktails. All-time favorites for a merry, mischievous, and magical time include the "Stocking Stuffer," "Crooked Antler," "Snowball Old-Fashioned," "the Krampus," "Yippie Ki Yay Mother*****r," "Jingle Balls Nog," and "Santarex." Available daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. at 1728 SW Eighth St., Miami; betterdays305.com.
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Holly Jolly Bar in Wynwood is back!
Swarm photo

Holly Jolly Bar in Wynwood

Bucket Listers has teamed up with Swarm Entertainment Group to bring the Holly Jolly Bar to Wynwood. The over-the-top holiday pop-up creates a winter wonderland at the Deck in Wynwood, with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, ornaments, and holiday décor. The event is 21+ and adults can choose between the Holly Jolly pass tickets starting at $17 per person, which includes a 90-minute reservation and a holiday-themed cocktail, or the Sunday brunch starting at $47.50 per person, including a main entrée and bottomless mimosas. From December 12 to 29, various times at 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami; tickets via bucketlisters.com.

Sip & Snow Speakeasy at the Diplomat Beach Resort

Hollywood's Diplomat Beach Resort will become this year's ultimate winter retreat in Miami with its Sip & Snow Speakeasy. The snow-covered forest leads to a nostalgic lodge filled with retro decor, vintage ski attire, hockey memorabilia, classic holiday movies, and cozy yet retro vibes. Time to trade the the Tajin rim for a toasted marshmallow rim and put aside the regular shot for a group shotski because the menu features festive cocktails and seasonal bites. Available until January 12, at 3555 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood; diplomatresort.com.
click to enlarge Four holiday cocktails from the Reindeer Room
Four holiday cocktails from the Reindeer Room.
Unit B photo

The Reindeer Room at Pembroke Gardens

Unit B Eatery + Spirits at Shops at Pembroke Gardens has launched the Reindeer Room this year with cozy decor, themed libations, and an atmosphere to soak in the holiday cheer. On its menu, guests can find holiday cocktails for $16, including the "Prancer's Pearadise," "Comet's Coquito," "Blitzen's Bananas," and "Polar Peppermint Lattini." Open until January 5 at 527 SW 145th Ter., Pembroke Pines; unitbeateryandspirits.com.
click to enlarge Four holiday cocktails from the Reindeer Room
Seasonal cocktails from Frosty's drinking den
Frosty's photo

Frosty's Hideaway at InterContinental Miami

Frosty's Hideaway at InterContinental Miami is a hidden underground Christmas pop-up. The drinking den transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decor, twinkling lights, holiday ornaments, and cozy nooks perfect for photo ops. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite ugly sweater and sip some themed cocktails, including the classic coquito, "Yule Mule," "Chocotini," "Noel Margarita," "Santa's Smokey Pecan Old Fashioned," and "Freezer Martini." Available dates are November 29 and 30; and December 6, 13, 20, and 21, at 100 Chopin Plz., Ste. 121, Miami; Entrance is limited to 12 guests per session and tickets cost $45 per person including a welcome drink and a seasonal cocktail via bucketlisters.com.