The holiday season is upon us. Lights are out on houses, trees are up in living rooms, and friends and family are looking for reasons to get together. So here is a new option to consider in festive locales.
Brought to you by Rosie’s BBQ, the roaming red smokehouse on wheels, comes the “Christmas Cocktail Story Popup”. The pop-up runs from December 1st to the 23rd 2022, hosted within Dalina on Main. Utilizing their empty after hour space, the interior of the popular cafe and connivence shoppe will be dressed in festive flare. Show runners promise the perfect festive backdrop for taking photos and making memories.
It will be themed like a traditional family Christmas from the 1950’s. Think your aunt’s basement from middle-America. Familiar home cook small bites paired with more modern interpretations of classic seasonal cocktails.
This is a ticketed event where reservations are required, available from December 1st to the 23rd daily with the last reservation being at 9pm, and the pop-up closing at 11pm. Ticket prices are based on time spent: $36.50 for 1 person for a 1.5 hour seating. It includes a welcome drink, a Christmas cocktail of your choice and a platter of iconic festive finger foods, with the opportunity to add on more drinks a la carte at $15 cocktail.
We were given a sneak peak of the affair, focusing on the food and drinks options to help drum up some holiday excitement. The following is what we had towards the end of October, but there is a chance that it is not what the final product or presentation may be at the time of the actual event.
The preview event was held at Batch, a container-style pop up permanently located at the empty stadium area of Pacific Boulevard. With no specific address, it may be hard to find. Just look out for the tents and strung up outdoor lights if deciding to visit this unique cocktail bar for yourself. Be warned, dress warmly as it is outdoors all year round, and heat lamps and fire pits can only warm so much. During our visit it was also raining, but at least the coverings made it easy to stay dry in the elements.
The following is what we were given an opportunity to try, and it does vary from what the now updated menu list. The final menu has 10 cocktail options in total, we only tried 3.
Santa Jack, a punch version of a Moscow Mule featuring Jack Daniels. This is the welcome cocktail everyone gets coming in. Our version had a rim of gingersnap crumbs that I hope carry on into the actual event, as that was the little touch that made this all their own.
Blue Hawaiian with tequila, creme de coconut blue curacao, nutmeg, smoked pineapple syrup, and lime. Garnished with a tiki umbrella and pineapple fraud to take you away from cold and wet into hot and tropical. For those who like their cocktails on the sweet and creamy side.
The Christmas Stocking with Sailor Jerry’s rum and Fire Jack Daniels, and hot chocolate; fully loaded with whip cream and toppings. Our version came decked out with whole and half cookies, peppermint candies, junior mints, and a mix of sprinkles that were quick to sink into the creamy abyss. A fun one that feels like the epitome of Christmas.
Similarly, this mini platter is what we were given to try for small bites. It remains the same as what is listed on the final menu, minus the Pull Apart Christmas Knots that were not made available at that time.
Pigs in a Blanket which is pork and beef sausage in pastry dough served alongside mustard and pickles. A party appetizer favourite, also available in a vegetarian version.
Tammy’s Cheeseball one was new to me. A pretzel and pecan coated goat and herb cream cheese ball. As is, it felt like it needed some crackers or more pretzel on the side to use to gouge into it.
The Cranberry Meatballs were pork and 63 acres beef served in a cranberry chilli glaze. These were tasty and the ones I would gravitate towards if left unattended on a table for self-serving.
Devilled Eggs using Maple Hills eggs, dukes mayo, green onion and paprika. Another party classic that ate fulsome.
Classic Shrimp Cocktail with White Gulf shrimp and cocktail sauce over a cucumber crisp.
In closing a fun and casual way to meet up for the holidays. Forgo the coffee date and try this limited time only Christmas pop-up instead.
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For all the other drink options and to reserve your table today, visit the link below.
https://www.rosiesbbqsmokehouse.com/christmas
https://www.rosiesbbqsmokehouse.com/menu