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Quebec City is a charming Canadian Christmas Town located a few hours from the United States border. Every year, the city gets dressed up as it celebrates its holiday spirit. With twinkling lights covering downtown to their German Christmas Market, you will feel like you stepped inside a Hallmark movie.
We only had a few days to explore the city; my goal was to do everything Christmas, from Quebec City Food to Speakeasies and activities like Toboggaing. So, I was delighted when I found the city’s only pop-up Christmas Bar, located at Maelstrøm Saint-Roch.
Quebec City’s Pop-Up Christmas Bar
The pop-up is located in a coffee shop that is situated outside of Old Quebec, which is the primary tourist destination. I made sure to put our hotel a few blocks from the bar so we could visit with ease.
We decided to drop by around 7:00 PM on a Saturday night, and to our delight, the place was bustling! Both staff and visitors were dressed in their ugliest holiday sweaters, and the entire bar was covered with festive Christmas decor.
Fortunately, we snagged the last spot at the bar and began our Christmas Cocktail experience.
The attention to detail in this pop-up bar was truly commendable. From the carefully curated Christmas music playlist to the bar wrapped in festive Christmas paper. Every corner exuded excitement and holiday cheer.
Christmas Cocktails at Quebec City’s Pop-Up Christmas Bar
Now let’s get to the main reason for the visit: the Christmas cocktails! Their menu was extensive, and there were so many different ones to choose from!
The Krampus
Krampus is a mythical creature originating from Alpine folklore, often depicted as a horned, anthropomorphic figure who accompanies St. Nicholas during the Christmas season, punishing misbehaving children.
But the cocktail version is way nicer, filled with Tequila Reposda, sherry, allspice, mezcal, ginger, lime, and hellfire bitters. Let’s say that Krampus did not disappoint!
Christmapoltion
The holiday take on the Christampoliton has exceeded my expectations with vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, absinthe mist and lime. I love Cosmos, but it’s hard to find one done right. Maelstrom had no problem doing that.
Marshmallows & Unicorns
This adorable drink is in a mug resembling the head of a smiling, red-maned unicorn! The cocktail is made with gin, vanilla, cherry liqueur, lemon, tiki bitters, and foam, garnished with a marshmallow on a stick.
We paired this cocktail with two Nice Shots, which are small shots of Rye, Whiskey & Gingerbread. For only $4, we couldn’t resist! Mostly because of the cute Santa shot glasses.
Yippie Ki Ya Mother F***ker!
For all the rum lovers out there, this drink was amazing! It was a blend of rums, ube coconut orgeat, and pineapple juice. The fun rum and pineapple came in a Santa Cup! It doesn’t get more festive than that!
There are so many other options at this Quebec City’s Pop-Up Christmas Bars. From Mulled Wine to Hot Buttered Rum. We wanted to try them all! But by drink four, we were all tapped out.
If you can visit Quebec City’s Pop-Up Christmas Bar during the holiday season, do it! They do not take reservations, but they will do their best to get you a spot.
The staff was incredible, the decor was festive, and the drinks were out of this world. Santa would be so proud, and Krampus would be too!
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