Seasonal Sips at The Select: ReVUE of Atlanta’s Best Holiday Bar

This year’s most beloved trend is the rise of holiday pop-up bars. Understandably so, as it provides an excuse to don your finest attire, snap the most Instagram-worthy photos, and enjoy finely crafted festive cocktails. Among the contenders, The Select reimagines holiday magic, delivering an experience that blends elegance, exceptional taste, and flawless service.

With a curated menu featuring artfully crafted cocktails and delectable small plates, The Select offers something to please every palate. From date nights to glamorous girls’ nights out or simply a well-deserved escape, this chic destination transforms ordinary evenings into extraordinary celebrations. Here’s a reVUE of their seasonal offerings to spark your excitement and inspire your next holiday outing.

Ski Bunny

Pictured on the left of the photo above is a combination of gin, sage, lemon, brandy, and sparkling wine topped with a festive miniature Santa hat. This cocktail called the Ski Bunny is a light and invigorating cocktail, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated holiday refreshment. The gin gives it a refreshing base, while the sage and lemon add a burst of fresh herbal and citrus notes. The brandy brings a touch of warmth, and the sparkling wine finishes the drink with a celebratory fizz. This is one of two cocktails in The Select’s holiday pop-up selection that I felt were perfect examples of classic cocktails with a unique twist.

White Christmas

For those who crave the indulgence of a creamy, dessert-like cocktail, White Christmas is an absolute must. This drink combines eggnog, whiskey, white chocolate liqueur, and peppermint, creating the perfect combination of sweet and smooth flavors. The white chocolate liqueur introduces a velvety sweetness, and the peppermint gives it that truly holiday spirit touch. It’s the ultimate cozy, winter treat, perfect for sipping after a long day of shopping or holiday parties.

Shown on the right of the photo above is its frosty white appearance, paired with a candy cane garnish and a red-rimmed glass, perfectly embodies the magic of a snowy day. No matter if Atlanta gets lucky with a white Christmas or not, I’ll definitely be celebrating with this cocktail.

Let’s Get Toasted

The Select wins in presentation with their holiday cocktail Let’s Get Toasted. I was told this was the most photogenic one, and from the above photo I took, it is completely true. Served in an adorable gingerbread mug, this playful cocktail mixes velvety hot chocolate with chocolate mint whiskey, topped with toasted marshmallows. This drink was served on a plate with an extra sweet side of more mini marshmallows.

The chocolate mint whiskey adds a festive twist, adding a festive twist that transforms this childhood favorite into a holiday treat for adults. Perfect for those who still believe in Santa, but are ready for a holiday treat with a little more kick. The cozy warmth of the drink and the nostalgic feeling of drinking hot chocolate makes this a true spirited drink for this season.

Naughty or Nice

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, this drink is still available to you. Santa’s choice is made easy with Naughty or Nice. This is the second cocktail on their holiday drink menu that I felt was a great classic cocktail. It blends together rum with velvet falernum, an aromatic liqueur, and allspice dram. Lemon and crushed ice balance the drink, making it perfect for those looking for something a bit bolder and more tropical. A tiny, festive umbrella is presented on top because even cocktails deserve holiday decor. It’s the ideal companion for an evening of laughter and festive fun.

Gingerbread Man

For whiskey lovers, the Gingerbread Man cocktail is a seasonal delight that highlights the bold character of dark spirits. Rye whiskey lays a rich, warming foundation, enhanced by the velvety sweetness of crème de cacao and marshmallow vodka. A dash of cardamom bitters elevates the drink’s depth, capturing the essence of the gingerbread cookie on top. This cocktail is a festive balance of sweetness and complexity—ideal for those who appreciate the depth and nuance of whiskey-based drinks during the holiday season.

Small Plates

Going for the drinks, doesn’t mean you can shy away from the small plates- they’re just as much as part of the experience.

Our favorite was the Lobster Arancini. Crispy on the outside and indulgently creamy on the inside, these risotto fritters are hiding chunks of wild Maine lobster. The basil pesto truly added a lovely touch, while the nduja aioli brings a hint of heat and spice. Pairing this plate with your drinks is non-negotiable.

Another option are the Duck Meatball. An average meatball simply wouldn’t do alongside The Select’s crafted cocktails. This star small plate has spiced fig jam that adds a subtle sweetness, balanced by creamy tahini yogurt. Served with cilantro chutney, Fresno peppers, and pine nut crunch adds different elements in every bite.

The Sweet Spot

For those taking a pass on alcohol, the Reindeer Don’t Drink delivers festive cheer without the buzz. Seedlip Spice 94 lays the foundation with its warm, aromatic blend of allspice and cardamom, paired nicely with apple cider for a crisp, autumnal touch. Lemon and sage add a hint of brightness and herbal complexity, while star anise brings just the right amount of holiday spice. It’s super cozy, very refreshing, and proof that a non-alcoholic cocktail can still bring the great vibes.

Then there’s Sticky Toffee Pudding which offered such deep comfort, it felt like a hug on a plate. Our kind waiter recommended this, and my taste buds are still thanking him. The moist date cake offers deep, caramelized sweetness, heightened by the crunch of candied pecans. A generous pour of warm toffee sauce melts into every crevice, blending with the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent hot-and-cold contrast. This is the kind of dessert that keeps the table quiet until the very last bite. Whether you’re capping off the night or just getting started, this pairing hits all the right notes

Want to see all of this through our eyes? Watch the TikTok video here. Check out our Instagram page as well @VUEAtlanta. As well, here’s The Select’s Instagram for more delicious foodie content: @TheSelectATL