As the holiday season unfolds, Butte County is showcasing an array of festive cocktails designed to warm spirits and provide a delightful escape from the seasonal hustle and bustle. Local establishments in Oroville and Chico have embraced the season, offering a variety of artisan-crafted beverages that celebrate holiday flavors.
Exploring Oroville’s charming downtown, we began our journey at Provisions, a gourmet pub-style eatery housed in the historic Washington Building. Manager Gracie Stewart introduced us to three signature drinks that embody the holiday spirit. The first was the poinsettia, a refreshing blend of Champagne, Cointreau, and cranberry juice, described by Stewart as “a funner way to drink champagne.” Next, we tasted the mistletoe margarita, which combines top-shelf tequila with pomegranate liqueur and lime juice, served on the rocks. Finally, we indulged in the fireside churro, a warm, creamy concoction featuring RumChata, cinnamon syrup, and tequila, garnished with a churro.
Just a short walk away, we visited VillaVino, an upscale wine bar with an inviting Italian ambiance. Owner Candy Knauth presented us with her new holiday offering, the peppermint mudslide slushy. This lower-alcohol slushy combines chocolate and coffee flavors, topped with a sprinkle of peppermint, capturing the festive essence perfectly.
Our next stop was Union, a California-style restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal dishes. Bartender Sam Wright and co-owner Louisa Louie welcomed us with three delightful cocktails. The icicle, a sweet blend of tequila, blue Curacao, triple sec, lime, and agave, was a standout. Next was the mistletoe mule, a unique take on the classic with vodka, cranberry juice, allspice liqueur, and ginger beer. We also enjoyed a hot drink, the persimmon pines hot toddy, made with in-house persimmon syrup, Captain Morgan Rum, and lemon, which proved to be a smooth and warming option.
Continuing our cocktail adventure, we made our way to Cheers Chico, where head mixologist Isaias Castro served three holiday cocktails. The season’s greetings is a delightful cranberry and cinnamon whiskey sour, while the Krampus margarita combines tequila, triple sec, and Heering cherry liqueur, rimmed with house-made Tabasco salt for an added kick. Castro’s Cheers eggnog, featuring bourbon and Amaretto, crowned our tasting experience, offering a velvety texture and classic holiday flavors.
Our final destination was the Golden Beaver Distillery’s Park Avenue Still House in Chico, where head bartender Bella Fredericks presented us with drinks crafted from their own liquors. The key lime pie cocktail tasted remarkably like its dessert namesake, while the spiced apple cider cobbler, featuring Apple Pie Moonshine, was equally impressive. We concluded with a nocino old fashioned, a unique blend that combined Honey Run Whiskey with cherry juice, offering a complex and autumnal flavor profile.
While we highly recommend these establishments for holiday cocktails, our experience reminded us of the importance of moderation. Enjoying the festive offerings at a leisurely pace will ensure that the holiday cheer lasts throughout the season.
