Gaylord Palms holiday cocktails bring all the cheer to the Snow Bar

As ICE! returns to the Gaylord Palms, the holiday merriment has filled the Orlando resort. While the sub-zero temperatures keep the immaculately carved ice sculptures in pristine condition, the holiday festivities are not limited to stepping into that frosty fantasy. For adults, the Gaylord Palms holiday cocktails are waiting to be sipped at the Snow Bar.

Over the years, the Gaylord Palms food and beverage team has elevated its bar program. From the vibrantly colored spring cocktails to the spooky inspired Halloween creations, these offerings are far from the simple sipper. Even though the flavors are rooted in classic cocktails, a touch of whimsy is stirred into each glass.

This year, the holiday cocktails are bringing all the merriment. Featuring a wide variety of flavors and spirits, these beverages could be the respite that some parents might thirst for after going down that ice slide.

The Gaylord Palms holiday cocktails are: yuletide bubly, Mistletoe Margarita, Kringle Old Fashioned, Jolly Red Jagerbomb, Gingerbread Mule, and Green Nog. In addition, there are wines and beers, including the Breckenridge Christmas Ale.

After sipping on the various holiday beverage offerings, a few standouts are must sips. For a bright, spicy offering the Gingerbread Mule is a highlight. Hitting the perfect balance of a touch sweet yet with a warm linger on the finish, it will ward off the chill after the frigid fun.

Made with SVEDKA Vodka, Monin Gingerbread Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, and Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, it might be the cocktail that guests “borrow” for their holiday parties. It is approachable and an easy sipper.

For a more leisurely enjoyment, perhaps while watching the kids enjoy their second or third run around the holiday displays, the Kringle Old Fashioned deserves a moment to ponder. Made with Wild Turkey Bourbon, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, and Simple Syrup, it is a potent sipper. It warms the spirit as expected from a bourbon forward drink but there is a touch of unexpected. The sprig of rosemary garnish adds nuance and the aroma that feels bright and fresh.

Although egg nog and coquito are often popular holiday beverages, Gaylord Palms takes a different approach, and it will be well-received. The Green Nog is not necessarily a nod to the Mean One, the Grinch, who is the theme of this year’s ICE!, but the vibrant color captures everyone’s eye. More importantly, it is the flavor that will make this holiday beverage a huge hit.

Definitely a sweet cocktail, the Green Nog feels almost like a grasshopper pie or even an Andes Mint. The combination of Baileys Irish Cream, BACARDÍ Rum, Crème de Cacao, and Monin Mint Syrup makes it more like a dessert cocktail.

In reality, this beverage is a tasty alternative to a plated dessert. Although it is sweet, it is not overpowering. The fresh mint garnish keeps it bright and even a touch refreshing. Just be cautious. The cocktail goes down easy but packs a big punch.

The other cocktails, Mistletoe Margarita, yuletide bubly, and Jolly Red Jagerbomb are equally enjoyable. It is interesting that there is no gin cocktail on the holiday menu. Although these batch cocktails cannot be customized, the yuletide bubly would be tasty with a gin swap.

The holiday festivities run now through the end of the year at the Gaylord Palms. Tickets are available for ICE!, inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as well as other holiday programming can be purchased online. Holidays packages for staying at the Orlando resort are also available.