Sip on These Seasonal Beverages in Downtown DSM This December

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 “Kris Kringle Jingle” mixes Pinnacle whipped vodka, Frangelico and ginger spice for a festive kick, while the “Eggnog Painkiller” combines Pusser’s rum, eggnog, toasted coconut cream, pineapple and orange. And don’t sleep on “The Gingerbread Man!!!”, a delicious blend of Trader Vic’s spiced rum, Trader Vic’s macadamia nut, toasted coconut and eggnog. And that’s just naming a few!
@bellhoptiki
bellhoptikidsm.com

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
biggrove.com

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
confluencebrewing.com

Good News, Darling  

Located in the Downtown Core Area  
Good News, Darling has taken 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

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. Want something bold with a twist? The “Ol’ Razzle Dazzle” mixes Knob Creek Rye, Dolin Blanc, Dolin Dry, raspberry Demerara, lemon, and a splash of absinthe for a sippable showstopper. Eat, drink and be merry!  
@thenewnorthwestern
thenewnorthwestern.com

 

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 “Gingerbread Lane,” a heartwarming classic. Feeling flirty? “Snowball Bomb” is a merry mix that’s hard to resist, while “Winter Wonderland” delivers a cheeky twist with a burst of seasonal flavor. Cheers to a holly jolly good time!
Nightingale Seasonal Bar Menu
nightingale.bar

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 “Under the Mistletoe,” featuring El Mayor Blanco Tequila, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, lime juice, agave, cranberry bitters, Grand Marnier float. With festive vibes and holiday flavors, it’s the perfect spot to make spirits bright this season. 
The Republic on Grand Menu
therepublicongrand.com

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
secretadmirerdm.com

Downtown Des Moines: Seasonal Coffee, Tea + Other Beverages  

Horizon Line Coffee

Located Near Principal Park
Get your caffeine fix with a festive twist! The “Jack & Sally” is a dreamy malted vanilla peppermint latte made with housemade syrup, a shot of espresso, and a sprinkle of peppermint dust — served hot or iced, it’s holiday cheer in a cup. Prefer something cool and sweet? Try the Krampuccino" — a chilled espresso drink topped with sugar cookie cold foam for a naughty-but-nice treat that’s sure to jingle your taste buds. 
Seasonal Menu
horizonlinecoffee.com

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!  
@smokeyrow_desmoines
smokeyrow.com

Vibrant Coffeehouse and Kitchen

Located in the Historic East Village   
Make your holidays merry and bright with festive drinks from Vibrant Coffeehouse! Indulge in the classic “Peppermint Mocha,” “Secret Santa,” “Shaken Gingerbread Cold Brew” or try a sweet treat. Whether you’re spoiling yourself or spreading cheer, these seasonal sips are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! 
@vibrantcoffeehouse
vibrantcoffeehouseandkitchen.com

 

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.