December 2, 2025
Whether you’re a craft beer fan, looking for winter wines, or something non-alcoholic to drink—Cabarrus County, North Carolina has the perfect seasonal sips. Here are just a few jolly local joints offering festive beverage options this season.
For a full list of places to grab a drink in Cabarrus County, click here.
44 Mills Kitchen + Tap
This local favorite restaurant is a popular spot for amazing craft cocktails year-round. So it’s no surprise that 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap has wowed us once again with their seasonal offerings. Stop in for a festive dinner with friends and enjoy something from their winter cocktail menu, including the Mistletoe Mimosa and Winter Sangria.
Rocky River Coffee Co.
When you’re craving a caffeinated winter drink, stop by Rocky River Coffee Co. in Harrisburg. For a flavor-packed pick-me-up, try the Hot Apple Chai, Hot Frosted Gingerbread Mocha or the returning favorite Jack Frost Latte, made with white chocolate and peppermint and available hot, iced, or as a frappé. You can also pick up 1-pound bags of seasonal drip coffee in flavors like Mistletoe Joe to make at home. Keep your beverage toasty on the go in one of Rocky River Coffee’s insulated travel mugs.
Gaelic Alley Irish Pub
Located on Main Street in downtown Kannapolis, this locally owned pub is the perfect pit stop for a holiday beverage after shopping all of the area’s specialty stores and boutiques for holiday gifts. Gaelic Alley’s “Snowflake Spritz” cocktail is a festive delight made with prosecco, Tanqueray, triple sec, white cranberry juice, lime simple syrup and edible glitter, finished with rosemary sprig.
Other offerings include the Pomegranate Spiced Gin Sour and “Not Your Mother’s Banana Bread” black walnut bitters and a bruleed banana garnish.
High Branch Brewing Company
Head to the lower level of Gibson Mill Market to sample High Branch Brewing Company’s masterful creations. From bourbon barrel-aged stouts with vanilla or chocolate to citrusy IPAs featuring notes of stone fruit and orange, the range of offerings here will satisfy every craft beer enthusiast. Plus, wander upstairs for a meal from the food hall to pair with your brew.
Southern Grace Distilleries
There’s nothing like a little whiskey to warm you up during the cold winter months. Try this recipe from Southern Grace Distilleries featuring their award-winning Conviction Bourbon. For an insider tip from Southern Grace’s CEO and founding partner Thomas Thacker, check out the recent article “20 Top Bartenders Share Their Secrets” from Whisky Advocate.
Conviction Old Fashioned
- In a rocks glass, place 1/2 teaspoon of raw sugar, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1/2 teaspoon of water
- Stir to create a slurry in the bottom of the glass
- Add 2 ounces of Conviction Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Slide one large ice cube into the glass and stir around the cube until chilled
- Rim the glass with orange zest and then add zest to drink
73 & Main
Brunch is serious business at 73 & Main. Here you’ll find menu items featuring spirits from the neighboring distillery. Perfect for when you’re entertaining friends or family over the holidays, visit charming downtown Mount Pleasant to celebrate the season with a full spread of classic brunch favorites. 73 & Main serves up the beverages to match including Spiked Coffee, mimosas, and Bloody Mary’s. After your meal, wrap up your gift list at local shops along Main Street.
Rocky River Vineyards
Midland’s Rocky River Vineyards offers hand-crafted, small-batch wines. During the winter season, their selection of Christmas wines is a fun array of flavors including Rudolph Red red muscadine, Frosty Moscato, and Blitzen Merlot. Plus, the vineyard offers seasonally flavored wine slushies and mulled wine. Take home a bottle or two so you’ll always have the perfect host and hostess gift on hand.
Verb Coffee
The winter menu at this trendy local coffee shop features a Cardamom Brown Sugar Latte, Winter Maple Latte, Nutmeg Nog, Spiced Pomegranate Matcha, and The Classic– house-made peppermint mocha sauce with espresso and milk. Round out your festive meal with Verb’s limited-edition eats: Your choice of toast or waffle topped with whipped honey goat cheese, pear, walnuts, thyme and honey drizzle, or the cheesy potato cakes with pepper jelly, egg bacon, arugula and hot honey.
What’s your favorite seasonal drink?
Along with these tasty options, there are so many other seasonal drinks to try across Cabarrus County!
Find even more delicious craft beverage options at these breweries, coffee shops, wineries, and bars. Want to earn prizes as you discover Cabarrus County’s craft beverage scene? Check out the Explore & Pour Trail.
