‘Tis The Season For A Holiday Drink

The holidays call for a time of celebration, so what more to celebrate than with the return of three favorite alcoholic holiday beverages here at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar located steps from the Disneyland Hotel!  Back on the menu includes the ‘Mele Kaliki-Mocha,’ ‘Red-Nosed Zebra,’ and ‘Gorilla Nog,’ where each elicits a distinct emotion that appeals to the winter Holiday season.

The ‘Mele Kaliki-Mocha’ ($11.25) has the most unique name of the three drinks. It’s a play on the Hawaiian word, Mele Kalikimaka, meaning “Merry Christmas” and is comprised of iced coffee, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, cream of coconut and orgeat syrup, embellished with a winter wonderland of whipped cream “snow,” sprinkled “lights,” and a rosemary sprig “pine tree.” This pleasantly sweet blend of coffee and hot chocolate-like concoction is the epitome of Christmas morning – pure joy and happiness.  It’s like waking up to the song of “Let It Snow,” and to the sight of a half-eaten tray of chocolate chip cookies, fully-lit fireplace and presents under the Christmas tree.  What more can you ask for?  The drink definitely deserves a spot on Santa’s “nice” list!

Next up is a cocktail that Trader Sam’s has classified as the ‘Red-Nosed Zebra.’ ($10.00) Composed of Bacardi 8 Rum, agave nectar, strawberry purée, and lemon and lime juices garnished with sprigs of mint and maraschino cherries. This drink is distinctively more tart than sweet.  The redness and flavor evokes the essence of cranberries, which gives the drink a grown and sophisticated “Santa Baby” vibe.  The Red-Nosed Zebra is a drink that would be more ideal to sip throughout the day. This gives it the upper hand and place it on the “nice” list.

Finally, we have the ‘Gorilla Nog,’ ($11.25) made from Jack Daniel’s Honey, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, and ginger and orange liqueurs topped with mint, maraschino cherry, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.  Don’t let its name deceive you! In fact, it is far from sweet and creamy like the classic eggnog holiday treat.  The ginger and orange liqueurs along with the added spices overpower the lightly detectable honey whiskey, possibly something that the good ‘ole Mr. Grinch would appreciate.  This drink represents the ultimate disappointment of Christmas.  It’s the coal in your stocking, the present you need a gift receipt for, and the sorrow you feel when you go to Disneyland with your annual pass only to find that you are blocked out for the day.  Without a doubt, the Gorilla Nog is worthy of being on Santa’s “naughty” list.

With the holiday season in full effect, Trader Sam’s offers a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy…even the ones on the naughty list. But remember to drink, be merry, and play nice (and remember to tip your skipper bartender if he made it all happen)!

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Have you experienced Trader Sam’s during the holidays?  Will you be trying any of these festive drinks? Which ones do you think deserves to be on Santa’s “naughty” and “nice” list?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!