Experience original seasonal cocktails and mocktails at FLOCK in downtown Alton. Sip your drink beside the outside firepits. Or warm yourself indoors and enjoy the holiday themed decorations from Halloween through Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Each winter FLOCK turns in to a holiday wonderland with festive decorations and, of course, some great hot and cold holiday drinks. Enjoy a cocktail or mocktail created with FLOCK’s own syrups at the Holiday Pop-Up Bar for revelers 21 and up.

What’s your drink pleasure? Chances are 1818 Chophouse, an upscale Edwardsville restaurant has it. Let a sip or two of bourbon or whiskey warm your bones and take your pick from the more than 100 different varieties. Want to spice things up? Choose from a full menu of mixed drinks including Spice and Ice – a blend of red chili pepper, pineapple, infused Aperol; or Smoked in the City with Woodford Double Oaked Bourbon, Smoked Apple, Carpano Antica and Angostura.

When it comes to creative spirits, look no further than this fresh brewery and distillery in the heart of the city’s Uptown District. Sip on the award-winning spirits that are distilled on site including Ardent Spirits Horseradish Vodka, Ardent Spirits Rhubarb Gin and a 4 Year Bourbon among others. Or warm up with a signature cocktail including the Bloody Mary – Sunday Edition, the Headliner Mule or the Walnut Old Fashion created with house-made Walnut Bitters.

Warm up at the bar at The Bloody Bucket Saloon which sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Grafton. Once known for the bushwackers, horse thieves and other outlaws that graced its doorway, this self-described ‘cowboy saloon’ is now known for its signature cocktails and holiday pop-up bars. In December, order an ‘O Christmas Tree’ cocktail featuring vanilla vodka in a sweet hot chocolate garnished with cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, and oh yes, a Christmas tree cake. How about a ‘Reindeer Games’ drink with Fireball poured in to a hot apple cider? Monthly cocktail specials are on the menu.