12 Drinks of Christmas to Try in the Historic East Village

The Historic East Village is a top Downtown Des Moines (DSM) destination for shopping local, but don’t forget to take a break and enjoy a glass of holiday cheer. Use this guide to cafes, restaurants and bars that are home to a robust list of beverage options that range from milkshakes for the kids to exciting holiday cocktails. Don’t wait! Many of these are seasonal and only available for a limited time.

1. Ghuhwein | HoQ Restaurant Gluhwein is a mulled wine that was traditionally served at stalls of Christmas markets across Germany and Austria to keep people warm as they shop. Stop in HoQ for this classic or enjoy a (spiked) hot chocolate and local apple ciders.
	2. Coffee | Daisy Chain Coffee Daisy Chain Coffee is your go-to specialty coffee shop and features local Iowa honey. It’s open late during Promenade for you to warm up with a latte or try a honey lemonade.
3. Apple Spice & Everything Nice | The Republic on Grand Made with Bailey’s Almande, Disaronno, 360 Double Chocolate Vodka, Kahlua, Half & Half and Apple Pie Spice, this smooth cocktail pairs perfectly with The Republic's beautiful Downtown DSM skyline view.
	4. Five Beers of Christmas | Peace Tree Brewing Company You’ve heard of five golden rings, but this year Peace Tree Brewing Company is bringing you the five beers of Christmas. A new beer is tapped each week starting this week. Stop in for a pint or take a growler to go.
5. Nosh Hot Cocoa | Nosh Café and Eatery Listen carefully … Nosh has delicious hot cocoa to enjoy as you shop the Historic East Village, but they also have hot cocoa bombs to take home and enjoy. Yes, please!
	6. Eggnog Painkiller | Bellhop You won’t get the winter blues in Bellhop, the neighborhood tiki bar. The Eggnog Painkiller features Pusser’s rum, eggnog, toasted coconut cream, pineapple, orange and shaved nutmeg. Mele Kalikimaka!
7. Pomegranate Bomb | The Locust Tap The Locust Tap is the oldest bar in Des Moines and a staple in the Historic East Village. This season try their Pomegranate Bomb. It’s made with pomegranate flavored vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice and topped with Red Bull or their Boozy Cider made with caramel vodka and apple cider.
	8. Zombie Shakes | Zombie Burger + Drink Lab Shake up your holiday season with one of Zombie Burger’s outrageously delicious milkshakes. Shakes feature a wide variety of ingredients and for those 21+, you can spike your shake if you’re feeling extra festive.
9. Beer! | The Iowa Taproom Always known for seasonal flavors, The Iowa Taproom’s selection feels endless. The restaurant features 99 taps from over 35 Iowa breweries. Malty, hoppy, stouts and ciders all flow in abundance. Fill your glass with something for the season or select an old favorite.
	10. Promenade Punch | Clyde’s Fine Diner Clyde’s Fine Diner has taken over the corner of E. Grand Ave. and E. 3rd with a delicious menu and a casual atmosphere. They are toasting to the Promenade with a special Promenade Punch. It’s made from sparkling rosé, grapefruit, elderflower cordial, lavender and rose water.
11. Tea! | Gong Fu Tea It’s always tea time in the East and Gong Fu Tea is always brewing something good. If you didn’t know, Gong Fu Tea is located on E. 6th St. and is your source for everything essentials to the sublime art of tea.
	12. Wine! | The Purveyor Des Moines The Purveyor is a modern, European-style market that curates the best local charcuterie, exclusive tap to bottle wines and luxury baked goods by Doré Bakery. Check out their free-flowing wine system which ensures that guests can enjoy a glass or two of wine without the potential of wasting the rest of the bottle or you can purchase a wine growler (pictured) to go.

 

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.