Festive Flavors: Holiday Cocktails & Treats Around Baltimore
The holiday season in Charm City brings more than twinkling lights and cozy markets; it’s also a time when Baltimore’s best bars, bakeries, and cafés unveil their most creative and comforting seasonal flavors.
Whether you’re craving spiced cocktails, rich desserts, or elegant afternoon teas, the city offers countless ways to toast the season in style. Here’s where to find the best cocktails in Baltimore and desserts in Baltimore this holiday season, all just moments from The Ivy Hotel.
Magdalena: A Celebration of Winter Flavors
At Magdalena, the acclaimed restaurant inside The Ivy Hotel, the holiday season transforms fine dining into an experience of pure indulgence. This year’s seasonal menu showcases locally inspired flavors elevated with a festive twist.
Think roasted winter vegetables paired with rich, savory sauces, and entrées that balance warmth and elegance, each beautifully complemented by creative craft cocktails. The bar team at Magdalena has also embraced the holidays with warming drinks like spiced old fashioneds and cranberry spritzes, perfect for savoring fireside.
As it’s located within The Ivy Hotel, you can step from dinner straight into your luxurious suite upstairs, making it the ultimate indulgence for food and drink lovers alike.
The Bluebird Cocktail Room: Cozy and Creative
Few places in Baltimore capture winter’s coziness like The Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden. Known for its literary-inspired drinks and candlelit ambiance, Bluebird releases a special holiday cocktail menu every year, featuring whimsical names and unexpected ingredients.
Try their “Ghost of Christmas Past,” a blend of rye whiskey, gingerbread syrup, and bitters, or the “Nutcracker Negroni” with spiced vermouth. The bar’s warm, book-lined walls make it feel like stepping into a winter story. It’s roughly a 15-minute rideshare from The Ivy Hotel.
Patisserie Poupon: Holiday Pastries Done Right
For sweet indulgence, few places compare to Patisserie Poupon, a beloved French bakery where pastry art meets holiday magic. Their display cases fill with festive treats like bûche de Noël, almond croissants dusted with powdered sugar, and chocolate tarts.
Pair one of these with a café au lait, and you have a perfect afternoon escape. Located just a 6-minute rideshare from The Ivy Hotel, it’s a must for anyone craving desserts in Baltimore with Parisian flair.
Bird in Hand: Books, Brews, and Baked Goods
For something cozy and local, Bird in Hand Café near Johns Hopkins University pairs its literary vibe with excellent coffee, pastries, and occasional holiday-themed drinks like peppermint mochas and spiced cider. It’s also a great stop to pick up a locally made gift or a winter read.
About a 9-minute rideshare from The Ivy Hotel, this stop combines the best of Baltimore’s creative community with comforting flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Magdalena
Sunday Afternoon Tea at Magdalena brings a beloved Ivy tradition into the heart of the restaurant each week, and during the holidays, it becomes even more magical. Served in the warm, refined setting of the signature dining room, the service features fine seasonal teas that warm the soul alongside an assortment of sweet and savory bites, all crafted with the elegance and care expected of The Ivy Hotel. For guests and locals alike, it offers a tranquil, unhurried way to elevate a Sunday afternoon and savor a timeless, cherished Baltimore ritual.
Sip, Savor, and Stay at The Ivy
From spiced cocktails and elegant teas to decadent desserts, Baltimore offers endless ways to celebrate the season. Each of these destinations brings a taste of the city’s creative culinary spirit, and all are just minutes from The Ivy Hotel.
After exploring Baltimore’s festive flavors, unwind in the comfort of The Ivy’s beautifully restored mansion. With its gourmet dining, refined charm, and intimate atmosphere, The Ivy Hotel is the perfect home base for a holiday getaway filled with cocktails and desserts in Baltimore worth savoring.
Book now and celebrate the season with The Ivy Hotel this year!
