Cozy Cocktail Bars in the Sacramento Region

The holiday season is a time to make merry with friends and family. Whether celebrating at an intimate dinner party or hitting the town (especially at restaurants with fire pits or fireplaces), there’s plenty of cheer going around. If your idea of making merry is spending an evening in a cozy cocktail bar, there are great spots in the Sacramento region to choose from. Many places have gone all out on the holiday décor, and some have special cocktails to help ring in the holiday season. Following are some of the coziest cocktail bars in the Sacramento region.

The Snug | Midtown

Photo courtesy Butterscotch Den

Located on R Street in Midtown Sacramento, The Snug (and its sister restaurant, The Butterscotch Den in Oak Park), is perhaps THE merriest cocktail bar in the area. From mid-November through December, they’ve transformed their space into a Miracle Pop-Up Bar with kitschy holiday décor, specialty drinks, and a nostalgic Christmas vibe. Seasonal drinks include the Krampus, with tequila and spices, and the Marshmallows & Unicorns, with gin, vanilla & cherry liqueur, and of course, marshmallows. 

Cloud Bar | El Dorado Hills

Another wine bar on our list, this elegant hideaway in El Dorado Hills is designed with the discriminating connoisseur in mind. Velvet seating and moody lighting create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Their unique tasting experience allows you to interact one-on-one with the winemaker, either in-person or virtually. Or, cozy up underneath a heater on their outdoor patio.

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The DeVilbiss Room | Winters

Photo courtesy DeVilbiss Room

Adjacent to the Buckhorn Steakhouse in Winters, this craft cocktail bar has an old-school vibe, with brick walls, plush seating, and well-curated rustic décor, plus seasonal additions for the holidays. They specialize in classic cocktails such as martinis and old fashioneds, many with unique twists. They also serve bar bites and brunch on weekends.

Green Room Social Club | Placerville

This lively watering hole in downtown Placerville has dive bar vibes, but its brick walls, chandeliers and dark interior make it warm and inviting. It’s known for its stellar lineup of live musical acts, ranging from rock and country to blues and folk. They serve cocktails, beer, and wine, and also have a full kitchen if you need a bite to eat before a show.

Bottle and Barlow | Midtown

Photo courtesy Bottle and Barlow

Midtown Sacramento is the place to be if you’re looking for some holiday cheer alongside your seasonal cocktails. At Bottle and Barlow, they’ve gone above and beyond with the holiday décor, this time with a Gremlins theme! There are Gremlins on the ceiling, Gremlins on the bar, Gremlins on the Christmas tree. Just be sure not to feed them after midnight.

The Blue Parrot Lounge | Rocklin

Full disclosure: The Blue Parrot Lounge is technically a wine bar, not a cocktail bar. But if you’re looking for a cozy spot to unwind in Rocklin, it can’t be beat. It’s an intimate, classy joint that’s a throwback to the 1930s, with jazz playing in the background and lush décor. The wine list is extensive and they serve upscale bites and charcuterie.

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Jungle Bird | Midtown

Photo courtesy Jungle Bird

This tropical-themed midtown hotspot is known for its Tiki cocktails, but come Christmastime, it’s also known for its festive spirit! Their Sippin’ Santa popup means the jungle is awash in seasonal décor. They also have a festive drink menu, like the Surf Nut with rum and coconut water in a coconut shell, and the Ho Ho Hot Buttered Rum. You can also purchase special edition glassware and mugs!

Mojo’s Lounge & Bar | Woodland

Part of Kitchen428 Restaurant, Mojo’s Lounge is a cozy hideaway located in a charming 19th-century building in downtown Woodland. Brick walls, dark wood, and a tin ceiling create a cozy ambiance. They’re known for their craft cocktail menu, which includes a Manhattan, French 75 and White Linen, and they also serve creative mimosas alongside their weekend brunch.

Holbrooke Hotel | Grass Valley

Photo courtesy Miracle Bar

Another Miracle Pop-Up Bar, this retro hotel bar is decked out in tinsel, garland, twinkling lights and plenty of seasonal holiday knick-knacks. The cozy factor is on full overdrive (the bar is in the cellar of the 1800s-era hotel) and there are special drinks all season long. Throw back a Snowball Old-Fashioned, with whiskey and gingerbread spice, or a Yippe Ki Yay, with rum and tropical fruit.

Daniello’s | Roseville

This swanky speakeasy in Roseville has a dark and moody vibe, with gilded wallpaper, dark wood, and leather seating. In true speakeasy form, you need a password to enter. Once there, you can enjoy a selection of craft cocktails, elevated bar bites, or event full-sized entrees.

Bodega | Pocket/Greenhaven

Photo courtesy Bodega

This unassuming spot in the Pocket/Greenhaven neighborhood of Sacramento doesn’t seem like a wintery place — after all, they serve pan-Caribbean food and have an island aesthetic. But this season, they’ve transformed into a Deck the Halls Bar, a pop-up winter wonderland with colorful holiday décor from top to bottom. They’re also serving a selection of holiday cocktails, including Yellow Snow, a lemon slushie with rum, and a Jolly Old Fashioned, with whiskey, rosemary and cranberry.

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