Celebrate! is a your guide to events, shopping, dining, and enjoying the holiday season in the Pikes Peak region.

A Rocky Mountain Christmas, while lovely, can leave a chill in your bones. This season, there are plenty of delicious drink options that will warm your fingertips and bellies.

“Holiday time is when we serve a lot of muddled Old Fashioneds,” said Tracy McGinty, owner and proprieter of McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub, located at 11115 US-24 in Divide. Muddling helps release the flavors of fresh ingredients – like oranges, cherries and blueberries – so they bind better with alcohol. “We muddle fruit with bitters, sugar, a little soda water, and then put ice on top and whatever whisky we’re using. We usually use an Irish whisky like Jameson.”

Irish coffee is another crowd favorite at McGinty’s during winter – no surprise when you consider its authenticity. “We use the Powers Irish whiskey, Sugar in the Raw and real whipped cream,” McGinty said.

For those with a real sweet tooth, McGinty recommended the Chocolate Scotchy – a delectable blend of hot chocolate and butterscotch schnapps. For a kick, try McGinty’s Hot Apple Cider, a spicy blend of Tuaca liqueur and cinnamon schnapps and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

“We usually mix up a few new signature beverages for the holidays,” said Jessica “Flower” Conway, manager at PJ’s Stagecoach Inn, 702 Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs.

On the docket for this year are The Gobbler, a spiced drink mixed with Kahlúa, and a Chocolate Peppermint Martini, made with real Hershey’s syrup and mint leaves. “We also have specialty winter beers like Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout from Bristol Brewing Company and Boulder Beer’s Slope Style Winter IPA.” Conway also recommended PJ’s Spiced Rum Cider. “It’s an adult version of infused hot tea, and we use real cinnamon sticks.”

For non-alcoholic seasonal teas, consider treating loved ones to a Christmas Yule Tea at the Glen Eyrie Castle, located in the Glen Eyrie Conference Center area at 3820 N. 30th Street.

“It’s a chance for friends and family to get time together and experience the Glen Eyrie Castle and grounds,” said Megan McIlvaine, marketing coordinator for Glen Eyrie. “I’ve seen grandmothers bringing their granddaughters, mothers and daughters, even families who come in to celebrate birthdays.”

From November 28 through December 29, guests can reserve a spot at a daily, three-course Christmas Yule Tea to try any number of available specialty teas, including popular holiday flavor Winter Palace Marzipan. On December 7, 8, 15, and 28, Christmas Yule Tea will be served twice daily, at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.