The holidays are upon us, and we’re here to tell you, it’s not just enough to go to holiday events to get yourself in the spirit. You need to take things to the next level with holiday-themed desserts, cocktails, you name it. To get you started, we’ve rounded up a few of the merriest food items in the Valley below.

1. Last Drip Ornamentini 

LON’s Last Drop is serving up the season’s most festive cocktail, complete with a shiny ornament. This refreshing cocktail is crafted with vodka, fresh lemon juice and housemade cranberry, cinnamon and orange syrup finished with a crystallized cranberry rim. 

2. Peppermint Mocha “Show Stopper” Shake 

Hotel Valley Ho’s Cafe Zuzu is well-known for its legendary “Show Stopper” shakes and December is the best, because it’s holiday-themed, obviously. Also, we’re grateful to live in Arizona, where ice cream is still appealing in the dead of winter. This year’s edition of the shake features peppermint ice cream topped with white chocolate popcorn, chocolate-covered espresso beans, peppermint bark, candy canes, sprinkles, a peppermint ice cream sandwich and a holiday cookie. Yes, they find a way to fit ALL that on one shake.

3. Holiday Cheer Cocktail

Everything Maestro’s does is over the top and this specialty cocktail is no different. It features Tito’s vodka, Kerrygold Irish Cream, Kahlua and Licor 43 served in a martini glass completed with a cinnamon and sugar graham cracker rim. 

4. Turkey Tacos at Sandbar Mexican Grill

While Thanksgiving might be over, we’re looking forward to enjoying the festive flavors all the way until New Year’s Eve. This one-of-a-kind taco features turkey tinga, cranberry chutney, Mexican cornbread stuffing, chorizo, apples and raisins. If the taco’s not enough to satiate your festive food cravings, they’ll also be serving up caramel apple mimosas and pumpkin spice martinis. 

5. Ho-Ho Holiday Cocktail

This Cafe Zuzu specialty makes mezcal merry with warm liqueurs, creamy milk, espresso and most importantly — three different types of alcohol. It’s crafted with Mezcal Carreno Tobala, Cointreau, Borghetti liqueur, Nitro Irish Cream with chestnut, steamed milk and freshly-brewed espresso. 

Don’t forget to share your favorite holiday food and concoctions by tagging #FrayLife #PhxFray on social!