Omni Hotels & Resorts Across the U.S. have Created a Festive Pop-Up Bar for the Holidays and the Cocktails are the Star
During our recent anniversary staycation at the Omni Louisville Hotel, my wife and I were excited to visit an unexpected holiday gem inside the hotel. Blitzen’s Bar, one of the festive holiday pop-up experiences that have quickly become the talk of the city. Found within the Omni’s Pin + Proof speakeasy, this winter wonderland was the perfect start to our evening, offering a fun mix of cocktails, appetizers, and holiday cheer.
Blitzen’s Bar, which runs through January 4, 2024, is a collaboration between Omni Hotels & Resorts and renowned mixologist Julie Reiner. Known for her appearances on Netflix’s Drink Masters and for her iconic NYC bars like Clover Club and Milady’s, Reiner has curated an exclusive cocktail menu that’s intended to be playful and delicious. As soon as we stepped through the door, we were greeted by the over-the-top holiday decor—think neon signs, red and green galore, tinsel, and, yes, a Leg Lamp straight out of A Christmas Story. The vibe was festive and fun, setting the perfect tone for our night.
Our group of four was invited inside Blitzen’s Bar at 6 p.m. on a Saturday evening, and I highly recommend arriving early. As the night went on, the line outside the speakeasy venue grew longer, making our early evening arrival feel even more fortunate. Once inside, we settled into our section near the Christmas tree-lined bowling lanes and began with a round of the imaginatively named cocktails. A few standouts were the Naughty or Spice (a twist on an Old Fashioned featuring Louisville’s own Old Forester Bourbon), Baby It’s Cold Outside (a warm apple cider made with reposado tequila), and the Holiday Haze (a twist on a Gin Sour / Gin Fizz). Each drink that left the bar came with fun garnishes — from the sugar “snow”-rimmed Old Fashioned, to garland wrapped glassware, and holiday-themed cocktail umbrellas.
Snacks To Soak Up The Holiday Spirits
The food menu was just as festive. We snacked on “Blitzen’s Ballsey Bites” (Swedish meatballs) and “Ralphie’s Nibbles” (soft pretzel bites with maple mustard). Other food items on the menu include Popcorn Garlands with winter truffles and parmesan as well as the Blizzard Bark, with coconut, pistachio, and cranberries. Each item was light, perfect for sharing and snacking, and designed to highlight and pair with the crafted cocktails.
It’s clear that the Omni Louisville team went above and beyond to create a memorable holiday experience for every guest. I’d like to give a special shout-out to Erica B. and Jose P. with Omni Louisville’s Food & Beverage team for their hospitality. They made sure we had everything we needed throughout the evening, from recommendations on the menu to ensuring we were fully immersed in the holiday spirit.
Whether you’re a Louisville local or visiting as part of your winter travels along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Blitzen’s Bar at the Omni Louisville is a must-visit destination for a festive, memorable evening. Just be sure to book early, as this speakeasy-style bar gets busy! With its innovative cocktails, delicious bites, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to toast the holiday season. If you can’t make it to Louisville, check out your local Omni Hotel to discover their unique spin on Blitzen’s Bar.
Fast Facts about Blitzen’s Bar Holiday Pop-Up at Omni Hotels & Resorts:
- What: Blitzen’s Bar is a festive holiday pop-up collaboration between Omni Hotels & Resorts and renowned mixologist Julie Reiner at 13 locations across the U.S.
- Who: Julie Reiner, co-founder of iconic NYC bars like Clover Club and Milady’s, and judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters, created the exclusive holiday cocktail menu.
- When: Blitzen’s Bar is open for the holiday season from November 15 through December 30 (the Louisville location is open until January 4, 2025)
- Where: Participating Omni properties include locations in Louisville, New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, and more, with each bar featuring holiday-themed decor and a festive atmosphere.
- What’s on the Menu: The cocktail menu includes 12 drinks inspired by holiday flavors like rosemary, cranberry, and pumpkin, with notable creations such as The Blitzen (a rum negroni twist) and Frost Bite (a festive piña colada). Festive food options include “Reindeer Nuggets” (olives), “Ralphie’s Nibbles” (pretzel bites), and sweets like Blizzard Bark and Santa’s Secret Cookie Stash.
- How to Get More Info: To learn more about celebrating the holidays at Blitzen’s Bar, including a full list of participating properties and locations, visit here. To learn more about Omni Hotels & Resorts, visit OmniHotels.com.
Image Credits: Cover (Omni Hotels & Resorts); Body (Author: Scott Dilley)
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