CocktailView
Aprés Skate Cocktails & Treats!
By Chris Murphy
I love winter sports! A day skiing is only made better by and evening of eating and drinking. The same must be for ice skating too. At Modesto on Ice, there are many skate sessions; so when you have had your fill of the rink, there are many reasons to stay downtown and stroll our streets. When you leave the rink, there are 30 restaurants in walking distance, filled with tasty holiday treats. If you must head home, there are some great places on the way that demand a pit stop. First on my list when arriving is to find a wonderful wintery frosty or warm holiday beverage. Let’s take a quick tour of some of our local favorites and let’s get into the holiday spirit.
Fuzio
First, two of Downtown’s most famous cocktails can be found at Fuzio on 10th St right around the corner from Modesto On Ice. These are consistently on the ViewCrew agenda and you need to check them out.
The GrinchTini is flat out one of my holiday favorites anywhere. The minute you order a GrinchTini, you feel festive. It is so delicious with vodka base and a hint of Crème de Menthe with a cool red sugar rim you can’t help but love it. Your heart will grow 10 x, just like the Grinch. Also don’t miss Gina’s special Jingle Juice with cranberries. So holiday refreshing.
Fuzio 1020 10th St, Modesto @fuziobistro
“Hokkaido” by Kimoto
This gorgeous cocktail is made with Kikusui Perfect Snow Unfiltered Sake and Ginger ale, garnished with a cherry. And it is aptly named, it looks like fresh crunchy snow!
1809 McHenry Ste B, Modesto @kimotosushi
Eggnog by the bottle!
Divine Swine – Limited Edition
The real deal! Take home a bottle of delicious eggnog for $30 while supplies last. Wow your guests or loved ones with this traditional smooth treat. This egg-nog is fantastic, rich, creamy with a wonderful brandy, rum and nutmeg flavor. Not only is it amazing, but it packs a good punch too. Great for entertaining or as a gift!
Devine Swine 825 Roseburg, Modesto @divineswine209
“T.H.B.R.” – The Hot Buttered Rum
It looks like a milkshake, but don’t let it fool you! Sweet butter, brown sugar, “holiday spices”, rum, and vanilla ice cream in the bottom of an Irish coffee glass with whipped cream and cinnamon. This is a downtown favorite and we are so happy it is back again this year! Pictured with it is a Hot Toddy. (A drink created to cure illnesses before modern medicine.) This will ease your heart and soul with it’s cinnamon spice aroma and relax every cell in your body.
Tresetti’s 927 11th St, Modesto @tresettis
Holiday Zest – Pom/Orange
Mike Shelton has created a bright new fresh taste with Rodin Farms Juice, muddled pomegranate and orange zest with Real McCoy 5 year Rum and a splash of Sprite. You need to add this to your holiday routine.
Ya gotta warm your bones this winter.
As a Murphy, my holiday go to is Irish Coffee, heck, it’s my go to all year long, but somehow it just tastes extra special this time of year. We have some amazing options here in Modesto and some great places to enjoy them. Multi flavor coffees are all the rage right now and there are lines at the national chain kiosks, but friends, some of the most amazing coffee is happening right here at home at local coffee shops.
My first stop is Ralston’s Goat for the Modesto variation of the Buena Vista original, although slightly larger. Fresh whipped cream, with a hint of cinnamon with Irish Whiskey and a good stiff coffee. What’s not to like?
Devine Swine
This tower of whipped cream is a great start to a wonderful warming treat. The right blend of sweet with a good stiff cup of coffee, you can get this all hours at Devine Swine, especially good when you pick up your Egg Nog.
Fuzio
For those après skate moments when you need to warm your hands around the corner from the Skate rink, you can get a Fuzio Irish coffee. This is the most traditional of the selections this year as it has a slightly sweet whipped cream and a touch of sugar in the coffee. Enjoy
Warm Coffee and Snacks
When you go downtown, you can’t miss out on the amazing sweet coffees at Rodin Farmers Market. They make an amazing churro or Reece’s coffee that is so rich and decadent. You can get these hot or cold and Marie uses Wanderoast Nitro and Clayton’s coffee for all of her drinks. This is an all-ages, non-alcoholic drink.
One of my favorite treats all year long are the hand made Sugar Plums. Yes, those of the legendary Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. These fresh made treats are made with dried fruits with spices, orange zest, nutmeg and powdered sugar and are just wonderful and make a perfect gift. Also, keep a look out as she may be doing roasted Chestnuts this season for the Holiday Parade.
Rodin Farms 1001 J Street, Modesto @rodinranch
State Theatre
When you are enjoying a movie on the big screen, you can also enjoy a Peppermint Patty, a delicious hot chocolate with Peppermint Schnaps. Sounds amazingly delicious and a great way to relax with your favorite holiday film.
1307 J Street, Modesto @thestatetheatre
Mocha Magic
If you love sweet custom lattes and coffees, there is one please you need to go. Mocha Magic on 16th St is amazing, with a big variety of flavors and add ons for coffee, this full service bakery makes amazing Orang Cranberry scones, holiday pies and cakes and many different treats for the whole family. This store is is friendly and the tastes are amazing.
920 16th St, Modesto @mochamagic
Village Baking
When you are strolling the corridors of McHenry Village, you will be drawn into Village Baking and tempted by multiple counters of handmade treats. You an also order your specialty coffee and then enjoy right there in the bakery café.
1700 McHenry, Suite 18 www.villagebakingcompany.com
