Hold on to your Santa hats, we’re going cocktail tasting. Sometimes getting into the holiday spirit means tasting some holiday spirits *wink, wink*. With that said, we decided to take ourselves out on a self-guided holiday cocktail tour, sipping some of the best creations that Hoboken and Jersey City have to offer. Read on for our growing list of where to get holiday cocktails in Hoboken + Jersey City.
Photo Credit: Miracle on Mercer
Hoboken
The Ainsworth | 333 River Street
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If making decisions isn’t your forte, The Ainsworth has you covered with a seasonal flight of holiday cocktails. Try a little bit of everything with mini versions of colorful house-made cocktails such as Jack Frost, Frosty, Grinch, and Rudolph.
Antique Bar + Bakery | 122 Willow Avenue
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Antique Bar + Bakery, which is known for having fun and innovative drinks, is serving a signature coquito cocktail this holiday season. This drink can be served at the bar or taken to-go to be enjoyed at home.
Backstage | 1039 Washington Street
Backstage, an upscale cocktail lounge run by the owner of Sirinetta and Sorellina knows how to whip up a good cocktail — it’s their specialty. This year, holiday cocktails in festive glasses are ready to hit the spot with flavors including a Gingerbread Old Fashioned and Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini.
Read More: These Hoboken + Jersey City Restaurants Have the Best Holiday Decor
Byrd | 800 Jackson Street
Byrd, a new addition to the Hoboken dining scene, features new-age American fare with unique cocktails to match. The house cocktail titled Symphony features seasonal flavors with Kaatskill vodka, fig, cassis, foaming agent, and a red wine mist.
Dear Maud | 205 1st Street
Dear Maud’s cocktail creations are some of the best Hoboken has to offer. Besides a decked-out interior, the restaurant is serving tasty cocktails such as Sugar Spice, Everything Nice with gin spiced pear, pink peppercorn, rose petals, pineapple, lime, and grenadine, The Spritz Carlton with Aperonl, Le Mone Cordial, orange, pineapple, prosecco, ginger beer, and rosemary or a classic Hot Apple Cider with bourbon, apple brandy, spiced rum, and house apple cider.
Fat Taco | 32 Newark Street
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Tacos and cocktails, a match made in heaven. This winter, locals can try a variety of Christmas cocktail creations at Fat Taco such as Oaxacan Nights, Pearfection, Sol + Sangre, Hoboken Coquito, Apple Pie, and the Grinch Fat Taco.
Il Tavolo di Palmisano | 700 Clinton Street
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The Molly Christmas Martini is here at Il Tavolo in Hoboken. This hand-crafted cocktail made its debut on the Il Tavolo Instagram page as the restaurant’s Martini of The Month. The recipe includes Citron vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. The drink is shaken and served in a chilled martini glass with a sugar rim, cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. *chefs kiss*
Olivia’s | 1038 Garden Street
Olivia’s in Hoboken has a Christmas cocktail for everyone. From dessert drinks to spritzes, this creative menu speaks for itself. We tried the Pomegranate Spritz with prosecco, pomegranate puree, and rosemary simple syrup, topped with bubbles, and the Marshmallow Espresso Martini made with marshmallow-infused vodka, s’mores liquor, and Owen’s espresso.
Metropolis | 96 River Street
Rooftop drinks are always a must- even during the holiday season. Metropolis has some zesty creations this season such as the Napoleon with Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Patron Blanco, pink grapefruit, rosemary syrup, fresh lemon, and ginger bitters or the Way Down East with Pistola Anejo, Poire Williams Pear Brandy, pear juice, fresh lime, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Sirenetta | 1039 Washington Street
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Sirenetta is serving some A+ cocktails this holiday season. Patrons can try favorites such as the Gingerbread Old Fashioned with Makers Mark Private Selection with chocolate bitters, walnut bitters, and a gingerbread garnish. If martinis are more your thing try the Dulce Navidad martini with Ketel One Vodka, Baileys Churro, heavy cream, and gingerbread, topped with a roasted marshmallow.
Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street
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Just across the street from Sirenetta is its sister restaurant, Sorellina. The Italian eatery is showcasing a fresh take on its beloved espresso martini collection with flavors such as gingerbread, peppermint mocha, and chocolate-covered pecan affogato. For a more fruity flavor, try the Nonna’s Fruitcake which is made from Planetary Run, allspice, dram, cassis, ginger, lemon, and orange bitters.
The Waiting Room | 72 Hudson Street
The Waiting Room in Hoboken has seven must-try cocktails in its latest rollout. The menu features creations such as the Sugar Cookie Martini, Gingerbread Espresso Martini, Peppermint Espresso Martini, Eggnog Martini, Seasonal Spritz, Gingerbread White Russian, and the Grinch Martini.
Jersey City
The Archer | 176 Newark Avenue
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Cocktails at Archer in Jersey City are always a work of art. The holiday season is no exception. This year the impressive menu is filled with unique creations such as the Jingle All The Way made with peppermint tea-infused bourbon, honey, and cardamom bitters. Another show-stopper is the Silver Bell Fizz with rye, vanilla liqueur, lemon, Ogreat, egg white, bubbles, and a biscotti float.
The Ashford | 145 Newark Avenue
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Besides the photo-worthy decor, The Ashford is serving up a fantastic list of Christmas cocktails including a tasty treat called Toy Chest. This mouth-watering cocktail is served up in a martini glass and made with Rumchata, butterscotch, screwball peanut butter whiskey, and salted caramel rim with a butterscotch crumble.
Better Days | 143 Newark Avenue
This bar and restaurant is serving up four different kinds of holiday cocktails this season. Among the highlights is Holiday Sour, made with pumpkin bourbon, Frangelico, blood orange, pine cordial, honey, fresh lemon, and more, as well as Santa’s Tropical Island, which includes almond butter rum, dry curaçao, orgeat, orange, cold brew syrup, coconut milk, and fresh lemon. See other options on the menu here.
Buddy’s JC | 247 Washington Street
Buddy’s JC goes all out every year when it comes to Christmas when it comes to events and decor and cocktails are no exception. With clever names for chilled drinks like Oh Ginger Tree and Naughty Santa, Buddy’s also serves a delicious hot beverage called Oatally Awesome. This Misunderstood Whiskey Oat Nog features Stranahan Whiskey and non-dairy hot cocoa.
Cellar 335 | 335 Newark Avenue
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Every year Cellar 335 transforms its tropical interior into a winter wonderland. The ambient, insta-worthy restaurant even hosts Sleighs + Leighs each year, an exclusive holiday pop-up within the dining experience. Cocktail highlights include a humorous list of names like Rum Rum Rudolph, Don’t Bother Mrs. Claus, and Kringle in Kensington.
The Hutton | 225 Hutton Street
Cozy up at The Hutton in Jersey City Heights to get into the holiday spirit. The neighborhood staple is serving cocktails such as the Fig on the Hudson, Rosemary’s Baby, Northern Heights, and the Jersey City Donkey which consists of Jameson Caskmate, fresh lime, and ginger beer.
Luna | 279 Grove Street
Luna’s Italian fare and craft cocktails are a Jersey City favorite. Aside from a 10/10 menu, Luna is serving up festive cocktails as well. We recommend the Thyme Bomb with Nolet gin, Fever Tree, orange peel, dried cranberries, and a fresh sprig of thyme or the MOT-Toddy served hot with Yerba Matè tea, honey, lemon, and Bulleit bourbon.
Miracle on Mercer at Franklin Social | 292 Barrow Street
Photo Credit: Miracle on Mercer
Franklin Social’s reopening back in October of 2024 means Miracle on Mercer is finally back this year. Experiencing the nostalgic magic of Miracle on Mercer each year is always an exciting moment for Jersey City locals. With memorable cocktails with various styles and flavor profiles, we can’t get enough of the Christmaspolitan and the Jingle Balls Nog.
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
Enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan and sip cocktails by the fire during a visit to the Rooftop at Exchange Place. The trendy bar and restaurant has a seasonal cocktail titled Cozy Nights which is made with coconut rum, pomegranate, lemon juice, star anise syrup, egg white, and ginger bitters.
See More: The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide 2024
The Roxy | 66 Monitor Street
Roxy, an upscale eatery in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City has an exciting list of winter cocktails to choose from. Most notable have to be the Hot Buttered Rum with Diplomatico rum, brown butter, cinnamon, and clove or the Peppered Pear with Stateside vodka, prosecco, pear, black peppercorn, maple syrup, and lime.
The Table: Kitchen + Bar at 3 Acres | 400 Claremont Avenue
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The Table is hosting a holiday pop-up this season with a special menu based on the classic movie, A Christmas Story. Cocktails include hot cocoa with bourbon, a refreshing iced beverage called Ralphie’s Red Ryder with cranberry and rosemary, and more. Be sure to ask for the exclusive menu when dining in.
Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Even though Hudson County is known for its incredible nightlife scene, sometimes a person needs to mix it up. With many people exploring the sober-curious lifestyle, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite alcohol-free activities to enjoy in Hoboken and Jersey City. From learning a new skill to trying out an adventurous hobby, there are plenty of choices for a fun way to spend the day or evening. Read on for some of the best alcohol-free activities in Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ.
Make Coffee an Event
Bwè kafe has coffee and so much more. The Hoboken Ukulele Appreciation Society meets every Thursday at 7:30PM in the Bwe Kafe at Washington and 10th. With a donation of $20, beginners can borrow an uke and join in the circle. “Cheaper than therapy, more fun than going to the gym,” says Dave Lambert who organizes these happy events. All kinds of pursuits — be they intellectual, athletic, or social — are way more satisfying when amped up on copious amounts of caffeine. Finding your fit for a coffee home is easy in a place where ambiance abounds. The signature sparkling espresso drinks at Sober Shot will definitely fire up neurons, motivate, and inspire.
Try an Only-Safe-When-Sober Skill
Some activities — such as rock climbing at Gravity Vault, go-kart racing at RPM Raceway, Jet-Skiing with New York Harbor Jet Ski, and archery at Aerow Archery are not advisable inebriated. Beginners and experienced rock climbers can stretch their limits at the Gravity Vault in Hoboken. At Jersey City’s RPM Raceway, thrill seekers can go fast and furious on 3,000 feet of lightning-fast straightaways and 90-degree hairpin and spiraling ramps. While jet skiing, you'll cruise up and down the Hudson River, around Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, with the potential for a full loop around Manhattan. Aerow Archery delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body in an 8,000-square-foot open loft space that features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets ranging from 11 to 22 meters.
Read More: 9 Team-Building Activities to Try in Northern New Jersey
Do Something New
Patrons can book a virtual cooking class with a chef at Tony Baloney’s or an in-person cooking class at Hudson Table. Or, learn to box for fun and fitness. Budding artists can take a painting class at Urban Arts at Monroe Center. Collect some friends for an open studio sewing session at Galastella Studio in Hoboken, or if you're into fashion, visit Youssoufiani in Hoboken — a leather craftsmanship studio that lets you create your own designer bag. Workshops at Blue Sky Pottery are ninety minutes of stress-free, messy fun with a take-home prize to be proud of. Despite the name, Tipsy Tie Dye, doesn’t serve alcohol and is BYOB for those who want to participate tipsy. The ticketed events — private party sessions are available — include tie-dying sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, towels, baby onesies, dog outfits, you name it. Painting does not require sipping at Art Mango in Jersey City.
Learn All About the Area
The constant calendar of events at the Hoboken Historical Museum runs a vast gamut between regionally reflective artists, film showings, lecture series, and exhibitions that tell stories of the Mile Square City in more ways than there are residents. The Jersey City Free Public Library’s New Jersey Room holds a trove of documents, artifacts, and new and old tomes telling tales of regional history for the history curious. A search for information about the former homeowners of a property can become a romantic mystery for current-day residents wondering what those walls have seen.
A Hoboken Food Crawl
With all of the tasty treats in Hoboken, one could easily organize a different food tour each weekend. Salty, sweet, or savory could each be the theme. Maybe the crew missed the summertime MutzFest — just pick a handful of Hoboken’s fantastic delis and compare the mutz. Perhaps mortadella or meatballs is more your speed. There are easily a dozen spots in Hoboken and Jersey City to do an ‘around the world’ style taste test. Or organize your own pizza tour, comparing slices from all around town.
The sweet tooths of the group aren’t left out of the fun. Hoboken is home to New Jersey’s top-rated chocolate chip cookie at Baking Mama. Pick up competitors from other local bakeries like Chip City or Dolce + Salato to see how they stack up. And if you’re one of the people who thinks ice cream is a year-round treat (let’s be honest, it is), Hoboken and Jersey City are lucky enough to have several top-tier ice cream shops. From il Laboratorio del Gelato and Morelia Ice Cream Paletas in Hoboken to the classic Jersey City shop Torico, the choices are anything but bland.
Photo Credit: Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Why not roll from one easily walkable great food location to another with a taste-testing mission? Fresh mozzarella aficionados will attest to the superiority of one mild velvety ball over another. What could be more delightful than a great sober date themed around a tour di mutz stopping at Fiore's, Vito's, Biancamano's, Lisa's, and Luca Brasi's? Try one shared plate from each to tally which is creamy but firm, milky sweet, and most irresistible. Or compare sizes — the bocconcini slightly smaller egg-sized balls versus ciliegine slightly smaller cherry-sized bites. If that’s too much dairy, you and yours might center an eating outing on shared cupcakes. Pit delicious bites of moist vanilla bean lusciousness at Baking Mama, Annie + Em’s, and Carlo’s Bakery against one another. Everyone wins.
There are actually professional foodies ready to take the crowd on a walking tour showcasing four or five of the best and most unique restaurants in town. Beyond the Plate seats walking tour groups around a table, to chat with chefs and owners and hear delicious stories about the local food scene.
Jersey City Art Crawl
Jersey City has a serious art scene. What could be more uplifting than gathering a group of besties to discover contemporary art by regional artists? The best-laid plan for art enthusiasts is to jump on any JC Friday or attend the popular JCAST, Jersey City Artist + Studio Tour, when nearly 150 art spaces provide a weekend of performances, installations, studio tours, and art exhibitions.
Catch a Show
Jersey City Theater Center boasts two adjacent professional theatrical venues that host an impressive lineup of local and regional artists and performers for a fun ticketed night out. Snagging a seat at a local production set in the black box theater of Mile Square Theatre is not particularly difficult, but very rewarding. The global music, vibrant regional theater productions, and raw and innovative dance acts at Nimbus Arts Center are way more memorable than barstool antics. Shows are typically similar in cost to a movie.
Pursue a Challenge
Free pickleball or very affordable ice skating at Newport Skates in the winter is a great reason to hang out in Jersey City’s Newport area near the Hudson River waterfront. Push your limits by joining a local run club and elevate your fitness routine.
Play Well with Others
From billiards to board games, Play! Hoboken is a great place to have fun with friends. Symposia Bookstore has so much going on that a general theme is impossible to pin down. Open mic nights, trivia, philosophy discussions, book groups, craft-making events, and you name it — Symposia will host it.
Treat Yourself
We all need a little help taking care of ourselves. Everybody loves a luxury treatment experience and a spa day with friends is a terrific treat for celebrating healthy living. Facial treatments, massages, and sand and pumice stone full-body exfoliation are the rewards we all deserve. Some spas to check out are Zahara Day Spa, Mia Spa, and of course, the growing list of medspas in the area — Evolve, Attain, Aspen Prime, Hello Hydration, and more. We also have a list of spas in Northern New Jersey Jersey here.
See More: A List of Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey
Explore Your Home Sweet Home
A group photo walk may be just the thing for exploring our picturesque city streets. Capture the beauty of cozy corner cafes and stately architecture and document the fact that Hoboken and Jersey City are home to stunning landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. Bowling in the basement of the Barrow Mansion or a trip to historic Harsimus Cemetery are very cool ways to experience local splendor. Planning for a picnic party in a stunning setting is always a great activity, too.
Take a Nature Bath
Hoboken and Jersey City hold many unique park corners and green nooks to restore and refresh among the trees. There are also a few excellent locations for full nature immersion. For tips on how to get the most eco-explorative experience of Liberty State Park, it’s best to start at the Nature Center at Liberty State Park. The year-round center features exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary and has all kinds of cool programs for exploring and learning. Lincoln Park West is home to a wonderful preserved natural habitat for birds. Jersey City Reservoir No. 3, a decommissioned reservoir atop Bergen Hill in the Heights of Jersey City just south of Pershing Field, is another great place for finding the peace that only comes in nature.
