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Sip on These Seasonal Beverages in Downtown DSM This December

Warm Drinks Downtown

December 11, 2024

Try a warm drink from our list of drinkeries in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), so you can enjoy the season’s offerings from local bars and coffee shops. We’ve rounded up seasonal libations including where to find hot toddies, local holiday craft beer releases and festive coffees and tea, too!

Downtown Des Moines: Seasonal Beers & Holiday Drinks

Bellhop Tiki  

Located in the Historic East Village  
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — holiday menu time! The “Krampus Kristmas” is made of Pinnacle whipped vodka, Kahlua chocolate sips, Crème de Cacao, Fernet, toasted coconut cream and espresso; “Eggnog Painkiller” is a mix of Pusser's rum, eggnog, toasted coconut cream, pineapple and orange; the “Santa's Night Cap” is made with a 3 Star Plantation rum, Aperol, orange chocolate toffee syrup, cinnamon and garnished with an orange twist ... and that’s just naming a few!
@bellhoptiki

Big Grove Brewery

Located in Sherman Hill  
A Real Nice Surprise Hazy Double IPA? Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, here come the holidays! What we have here is a big old double IPA with a pile of New Zealand and Australian hops. Motueka, Riwaka, Nelson Sauvin, and of course, the one and only Galaxy combine to create a cross-hemispheric delight. Something you might want to drop in a stocking or even put on the top of the tree.  
@biggrovebrewery

Big Grove Brewery

Confluence Brewing Company  

Located in the Gray’s Lake Area  
There are several limited time, seasonal flavors to try before they’re gone! The “Saison Des Moines” “evokes the taste and feeling of the holidays” with its tart cranberry and spruce flavorings. The “Saint Nick’s Gingerbread-Inspired Ale” is a spiced brown ale brimming with warming ginger, rich vanilla and baking spice aromas. Cheers!  
@confluencebrew

Good News, Darling  

Located in the Downtown Core Area  
Now through Saturday, Dec. 31, Good News, Darling takes on its holiday persona: Naughty List. During the season, sample the cocktail pop-up menu including “Irish Coffee,” “Grasshopper,” “Tom & Jerry” and more! And snag a couple shots of the CTC shot (Cinnamon Toast Crunch) made with Oh High Cookies cinnamon and snickerdoodle cookie shot glass, Rumchata and cinnamon whiskey. Table reservations are encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome when space is available.  
@goodnewsdarling

Good News, Darling

The New Northwestern  

Located in the Historic East Village  
It’s beginning to look a lot like cocktails! Highlights include the “Christmas Morning,” a warming mix of Four Roses bourbon, Averna Amaro, Crème de Cacao, espresso, Demerara and Angostura bitters — just the thing to unwrap your holiday cheer. Love a little spice? “I Burnt the Cookies” is a creamy, flavorful blend of Allspice Dram, Domain de Canton, Drambuie, ginger, Chai, vanilla, walnut bitters and cream. Eat, drink and be merry!  
@thenewnorthwestern

The New Northwestern

Nightingale Cocktail

Located in the Historic East Village  
Sip, sip, hooray! The holidays are here and Nightingale’s festive cocktails are ready to dazzle. Cozy up with “Christmas Vacation,” a rich and comforting blend perfect for chilly nights (pictured below). Or toast to joy with “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a heartwarming classic. Feeling flirty? “Under the Mistletoe” is a merry mix that’s hard to resist, while “The Grinch” delivers a cheeky twist with a burst of seasonal flavor. Cheers to a holly jolly good time!
Nightingale Seasonal Bar Menu

Nightingale Cocktail

The Republic on Grand  

Located in the Historic East Village  
Get festive at Rudolph’s Rooftop at The Republic on Grand, a holiday pop-up that’s sure to sleigh! Sip on the “White Elephant,” a creamy delight with Kahlua coffee liqueur, peppermint-infused vodka and cream. Warm up with “The Gingerbread Man,” featuring Patron XO Cafe, gingerbread syrup, cardamom bitters and espresso. With festive vibes and holiday flavors, it’s the perfect spot to make spirits bright this season. 
The Republic on Grand Menu

The Republic on Grand

Secret Admirer  

Located in Historic Court District  
Known as the Nice List through the end of December, Secret Admirer’s holiday cocktail pop-up will include yummy seasonal libations such as the “Nice Rum Punch,” “Teddy Graham,” “SWish List,” “Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew Martini” and several more! Space is first come, first served.  
@secretadmirerdm

Secret Admirer

Downtown Des Moines: Seasonal Coffee, Tea + Other Beverages  

Kava DSM

Located Near Principal Park
‘Tis the season for festive sips and Kava DSM’s seasonal drinks have arrived! Indulge in the creamy decadence of the “Egg Nog Smoothie” or cozy up with the holiday warmth of the “Egg Nog Latte.” Feeling fresh? The “Merry Mint Smoothie” is a minty delight that’s sure to jingle your bells. Other winter inspired drinks include “Swiss Alps,” “Spiced Sugar Plum Fairy” and lots more. Stop in and sip your way into the holiday spirit! 
@kavadsm

Kava DSM

Smokey Row Coffee  

Located in Sherman Hill  
Stop in for your favorite cup of java or tea and stock up on bagged coffee, such as the Christmas Crème flavor: the aroma of French vanilla and almond will add a festive ambiance to Christmas morning brew, perfect to share with visiting family or to give as a gift!  
Seasonal Menu

Smokey Row

Vibrant Coffeehouse  

Located in the Historic East Village   
Make your holidays merry and bright with festive drinks from Vibrant Coffeehouse! Indulge in the classic “Peppermint Mocha” or try a sweet new creation: “Pink Hot Cocoa” or the “Very Merry Chocolate Cherry” energy drink. Don’t miss the “White Chocolate Cranberry” coffee or the holiday-favorite “Secret Santa.” Whether you’re treating yourself or spreading cheer, these seasonal sips are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! 
@vibrantcoffeehouse

Vibrant Coffeehouse

Find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation, explore more restaurants and nightlife options plus discover a list of upcoming events on the Downtown DSM events calendar. Additionally, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.  

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DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research. The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.