Drinks

December's Drinking Hole: Miracle on Walnut

Springfield’s Christmas pop-up bar hosted by Missouri Spirits is open for business, promising seasonally-themed cocktails in a festive setting along with around-the-calendar activities like karaoke, trivia and an ugly sweater party.

By Dayle Duggins and Shannon Hoffmann | Photos courtesy Miracle on Walnut

Nov 28 2017 at 10:57 a.m.

Paint It Red, LLC was called on to add a dash of holiday spirit to the pop-up bar's exterior.

Christmas has officially thrown up on Missouri Spirits in downtown Springfield—in a good way. As of Thanksgiving evening, Miracle on Walnut is open for business. Instead of the distillery’s usual dark, industrial vibe, the Christmas pop-up bar has filled the space with a boatload of twinkling lights and decor inspired by A Christmas Story. Is there a leg lamp? You’ll have to go to find out. 

Brought to life in New York City in 2014, Miracle has now made its way across the United States, into Central America, Canada Europe and Asia. Missouri Spirits is taking the Christmas spirit one step further and partnering with Child Advocacy Center for the seasonal affair that lasts through December 30. A portion of all sales benefit the organization, which serves as a place where young victims of abuse are able to safely and comfortably share their difficult stories.

This magical pop-up bar is filled with activities like Christmas karaoke, an Elvis white Christmas, trivia nights, an ugly sweater party, a re-gift party and an eve of New Year’s Eve party. Your heart is sure to grow three sizes during these festive holiday nights. 

Miracle on Walnut decor

Missouri Spirits’ famous fried bologna sandwich is making a comeback for the occasion along with other snacks and dishes that will rotate throughout the month. But the real star of the show is the seasonal cocktails—many of which incorporate Missouri Spirits booze. 

“There is lots of planning that goes into not only the cocktails themselves but the preparation, the batching and the execution,” says Kala Russell, who has spearheaded the festivities. “Several of the cocktails involve infusing overnight or over several days.”

Of the extensive cocktail list, Russell anticipates a few to be the most popular:

Christmopolitan
Vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, rosemary, lime, absinthe mist
 
Jingle Ball Nog 
Cognac, amontillado sherry, peanut butter, almond milk, pandan, cream, nougat syrup, egg, nutmeg
 
Run Run Rudolph
Blanco tequila, coffee liqueur, iced hot chocolate, Mexican spices


Miracle on Walnut Calendar

In addition to seasonally-themed cocktails in a festive setting, Miracle on Walnut promises around-the-calendar activities like karaoke, trivia and an ugly sweater party. Follow Miracle on Walnut's Facebook page for more details and schedule adjustments.

Miracle on Walnut calendar