Come A-Wassailing Your Way With Lake County Holiday Libations 2024
By: Sam Ornig 12/06/2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for festive fun, food and, of course, seasonal holiday beverages! Explore the creative libations brewers, distillers and wine makers have crafted throughout Lake County’s Libation Trail. Savor winter’s distinct flavors as you Holiday Your Way around Lake County, sipping everything from rich beers and bold wines to ornate cocktails and other imaginative drinks, featuring peppermint, cranberry, winter spices and more. Whether you’re enjoying a glass on your own or stocking up for your holiday parties, Lake County’s makers are promising festive, cheerful vibes in every drop. There’s no place like Lake County for the holidays!
Mardröm: Mounds | 5.6% ABV
Get a taste of the tropics with Black Lung Brewing’s latest beer, Mardröm: Mounds. This 5.6% porter perfectly blends decadent chocolate and toasted coconut to create a smooth, sweet and dangerously delicious brew that will keep you coming back for more. Envision warmer days as you savor this chocolatey, rich beer during the holiday season!
Black Lung Brewing Locations:
Round Lake Beach Taproom, 2217 N. Illinois Rte 83, Round Lake Beach.
Fox Lake Taproom, 115 Nippersink Rd. Fox Lake.
Cranberry Wheat Lager | 4.7% ABV
Bosacki’s Cranberry Wheat Lager is back for the holiday season to perfectly pair with your favorite festive foods! This naturally carbonated lager is launched just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and features delectably sweet and subtle tart notes from the cranberries and the carefully chosen hops. Have a pint of this lager and ready your taste buds to enjoy other holiday treats. You won’t want to miss this tasty brew this season!
Bosacki’s Brewery, 610 E. Hawley St., Mundelein.
Shankorama Orange/Mango Kettle Sour | 5.3% ABV
Sour beer enthusiasts are going to love the new Shankorama Orange/Mango Kettle Sour from Broken Tee Brewing! The refreshing fruity flavors blend together wonderfully to create a tropical fruit salad in a glass. Grab a case of Shankorama to bring home or give as a gift. This beer will remind you of the warmer, summer days during this chilly season.
Broken Tee Brewing Co., 406 Green Bay Rd., Highwood.
Angelic Helles | 4.9% ABV
Warm up from the winter weather at Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Alpine Biergarten with a crisp Munich Helles. The Angelic Helles is the perfect German-style beer to drink in the German-inspired biergarten. Cozy up under the twinkling lights next to a warm fire and sip on the clean, malt-forward brew. The Angelic Helles is lagered for eight weeks and boasts a gentle, bready malt flavor. Buffalo Creek Brewing knows how to create the perfect winter ambiance to enjoy a delicious beer on a cool night!
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
Spiced Apple Brandy | 40% ABV
Elevate your holiday spirits with a touch of warmth from Copper Fiddle Distillery’s Spiced Apple Brandy, a meticulously crafted libation with a robust 40% ABV. As the holiday season unfolds, this creation is the perfect gift to share moments of joy with friends and family. The Spiced Apple Brandy is a celebration in a bottle, blending the rich, nuanced flavors of apple with carefully selected spices to create a sensory experience that resonates with the festive spirit. Cheers to moments shared and memories made with Copper Fiddle Distillery's exceptional spirits!
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. Illinois Route 22, Ste. 110, Lake Zurich.
Vin Glogg | 13% ABV
This season, enjoy the Glunz Family Winery’s winter red blend varietal, the Vin Glogg. The Vin Glogg is a harmonious marriage of half dry red wine and half port, expertly blended with a symphony of spices including cinnamon, cardamom and orange peel. This distinctive concoction is intended to be heated and promises to warm you from the winter chill. Indulge in the spirit of the holidays with the Vin Glogg – a celebration in a glass from the heart of Grayslake.
Glunz Family Winery and Cellars, 888 E. Belvidere Rd., Ste. 107, Grayslake.
ELA Fruited Ale | 5.5% ABV
Indulge the senses in Half Day Brewing Company’s ELA Fruited Ale. Brewed with a delicious seasonal blend of blueberries, cranberries and plum, the fruity flavor is rich and sweet, perfect to pair with favorite holiday treats. Usher in the festive cheer with a visit to Half Day Brewing to sip and savor this delightfully tasty libation. Cheers to good times and even better brews at Half Day Brewing!
Half Day Brewing Company, 200 Village Green S., Lincolnshire.
HBC Root Beer | 0% ABV
Shake things up this holiday season and try Harbor Brewing Company’s take on everyone’s favorite: classic root beer! The new HBC Root Beer is the first flavor in Harbor Brewing’s craft soda line, and it’s a hit. With a creamy feel, sweet and slightly spicy taste and beautifully bold color, you won’t waste time ordering another pint from the tap. HBC Root Beer’s nostalgic flavor complements the season’s spirit perfectly, enlivening and uplifting the holiday cheer to your festivities. Ring in the holidays with a pint of this masterful creation from Harbor Brewing Company.
Harbor Brewing Company locations:
Lake Villa Taproom, 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa.
Winthrop Harbor Taproom, 811 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor.
Lakefront Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor. (Closed For The Season)
2020 Syrah | 12% ABV
Sip and savor Lynfred Winery’s December Wine of the Month, the 2020 Syrah. This rich wine features delicious ripe fruit, floral notes and velvety tannins, making it perfectly pairable with your holiday party hor dourves. Lynfred Winery's commitment to quality shines through in every detail, making it a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations and a wonderful gift for the wine aficionados in your life.
Lynfred Winery Locations:
Lynfred Winery Highland Park, 1823 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park.
Lynfred Winery Roselle, 15 S. Roselle Rd., Roselle.
Lynfred Winery Wheeling, 971 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.
Santa's Magic | 8.2% ABV
Join Mickey Finn's Brewery & Pub in celebrating the holidays with their most beloved seasonal creation – Santa's Magic, a Belgian Strong Golden Ale. Indulge in the enchanting flavors of this festive brew, with essence of pear and stone fruits, and subtle hints of clove and spice. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual sipper, this Belgian Strong Golden Ale invites you to "Feel The Magic!" Don't miss out on the opportunity to add a touch of enchantment to your festive moments.
Mickey Finn’s Brewery, 345 North Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Xocalatl (Aztec Hot Chocolate)
Spice up your holidays with Xocolatl, a fiery seasonal drink featured on the holiday menu at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing. Xocolatl, or Aztec Hot Chocolate, takes traditional Mexican hot chocolate and adds mild heat and extra spice with cinnamon, ancho, and New Mexico chili peppers. Tailor this drink to your taste buds by spiking it with Heat Check Chili Pepper Vodka, traditional tequila or, for the more adventurous sippers, Ghost Pepper Infused Tequila. This warm, spicy libation is sure to heat you up and melt the chill away this holiday season.
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Company, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan.
Dean’s List Imperial Stout |11.4% ABV
9th Hour Brewing has released their first bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout just in time for the holidays. With a whopping 11.4% ABV, Dean’s List has been aged in bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Sazerac Rye and Four Roses for 14 months. Grab a bottle from each barrel to taste how the different bourbons offer distinct characteristics to this uniquely rich stout. Cheers to the dedicated craftsmanship and unique flavors that defines 9th Hour Brewing’s Dean’s List Imperial Stout!
9th Hour Brewing Co., 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa.
Kringle Juice | 47% ABV
Travel to the Caribbean this Christmas with North Shore Distillery’s holiday masterpiece, Kringle Juice. Featuring North Shore’s distinctive Gin No. 6, Kringle Juice blends classic winter spices and flavors with tropical tastes like passionfruit and pineapple, making you feel like you’re on a sunny beach in paradise. Liven up your holiday party with a pitcher of Kringle Juice for all your guests, and let North Shore Distillery’s holiday creation be the centerpiece of your festivities.
North Shore Distillery, 13990 Rockland Rd., Green Oaks.
Warmest Wishes: Peppermint Mocha | 7.3% ABV
Grab a can of festive cheer at Phase Three Brewing with their latest release, Warmest Wishes: Peppermint Mocha. The seasonal favorite oatmeal milk stout gets a candy-cane twist to create a delectable libation similar to everyone’s favorite holiday coffee drink. Enjoy the flavor of creamy chocolate blended with roasted coffee, and feel the swirl of peppermint dance on your tongue with every sip. Toast to the season with this delectable new favorite by Phase Three Brewing!
Phase Three Brewing Company, 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich.
Smiling Is My Favorit
Pips Meadery has a festive drink inspired by the Christmas movie "Elf" for all the cotton-headed ninny muggins out there. Their holiday cocktail Smiling is My Favorit takes house-infused popcorn ball rum and blends it with an explosion of flavors, including molasses bitters, Pip Meadery's Banana Cake mead and egg whites. Topped with holiday kettle corn, this festive libation pairs perfectly with the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. Head over to Pips Meadery this December to spread holiday cheer and try this delicious drink.
Pips Meadery, 1350 Tri-State Parkway, Suite 124 Gurnee.
Tiny Tim's Cookie Beer | 8.5% ABV
Steep Ravine Brewing Company is turning the holiday season into a can of pure joy with Tiny Tim’s Cookie Beer, an gingerbread stout. Immerse yourself in the delightful combination of gingerbread sweetness and aromatic spices that characterize the ideal holiday beer. Tiny Tim’s Cookie Beer achieves the perfect balance, offering a nuanced sweetness that pairs seamlessly with the comforting snap of a ginger cookie. Whether you're toasting to festive gatherings or seeking the perfect accompaniment to a plate of ginger snaps, Steep Ravine Brewing Company has crafted a holiday delight that's sure to delight your taste buds.
Ravinia Brewing Company, 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park.
Oh No! I’ve Mistaken My Personal Preferences For Objective Reality (Again!), Piquette-Style Oak-Aged Ale | 7.5% ABV
Lake Zurich's Roaring Table Brewing has unveiled another unique creation, Oh No! I’ve Mistaken My Personal Preferences For Objective Reality (Again!), Piquette-Style Oak-Aged Ale. Bramble berries and a blend of Zinfandel Enologica and Saison make this rosé beer tart and sweet, with strawberry, cherry and raspberry top notes and undertones of oak. This brew is perfect with food, so stock up for all your holiday entertaining.
Roaring Table Brewing Co., 739 W IL State Rte. 22, Lake Zurich.
Reformator | 7.5% ABV
Beer enthusiasts will love Tighthead Brewing’s bold and flavorful Reformator, a Doppelbock that pays homage to the traditional German brewing heritage. This strong and malty lager promises a taste experience that is both robust and refined, crafted with traditional Pilsner malt, Noble hops and Bavarian lager yeast. Cheers to the artistry of German-style brewing at Tighthead Brewing Company!
Tighthead Brewing Company, 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein.
Sugar-Free Gin Fizz | 41% ABV
Tonality Brewing Company introduces their take on a classic cocktail with the Sugar-Free Gin Fizz. This stunning beverage adds sugar-free vanilla syrup and black walnut bitters to Hendrick’s gin, and tops it off with noroi to create the fizz. Sweet, refreshing and bubbly, the Sugar-Free Gin Fizz is a perfect example of Tonality Brewing Company’s exceptional craftsmanship and creativity.
Tonality Brewing Company, 169 N. Seymour Ave., Mundelein.
Elf Butterscotch Bourbon Whiskey | 33.3% ABV
28 Mile Distilling Co. introduces a bewitching elixir to its lineup with their Elf Butterscotch Bourbon Whiskey, a captivating blend of flavors that transcends the ordinary. This magical concoction weaves together enchanting notes of butterscotch and whiskey, creating an experience so mythical that some jest there might be an actual elf inside every bottle. Embrace the magic, savor the smoothness, and make every sip a memorable experience with 28 Mile Distilling Co.'s enchanting Elf Butterscotch Bourbon Whiskey.
28 Mile Distilling Co., 454 Sheridan Rd., Highwood.
Valentino White Port 2019’
Impress your holiday guests with the Valentino White Port from Valentino Vineyards and Winery in Long Grove. This golden dessert wine has been barrel aged for four years, boasting a rich, sweet aroma. Enjoyable at room temperature or chilled, the White Port pairs well with fruits, cheeses and delicious holiday desserts. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet, delectable wine.
Valentino Vineyards Inc., 5175 Aptakisic Rd., Long Grove.
Winter Spice Red | 12% ABV
Revel in the quintessential holiday flavors with Vigneto del Bino’s Winter Spice Red. Created from the winery’s popular Frontenac wine, this one-of-a-kind creation features a red currant and clover base spiced and sweetened with cinnamon and nutmeg. Sip and savor Winter Spice Red chilled or heated — whichever you prefer. Enhance your festive moments with this aromatic and delightfully tasty vino.
Vigneto Del Bino, 42150 N Crawford Rd., Antioch.
Thin Mint Martini
Celebrate the season with a burst of flavors at Wild Onion Brewery. Indulge your senses in the Thin Mint Martini, a wintery concoction that brings joy to your taste buds. This mix features the perfect blend of Ole’ Smoky Mint Chocolate Chip Whisky, vanilla vodka and white chocolate liqueur. Sip, savor, and toast to the holidays with the Thin Mint Martini!
Wild Onion Brewery, 22221 N. Pepper Rd. Lake Barrington.
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