Lots of Downtown shops and restaurants are pitching in to make a Merry and Bright holiday season, but Pamplona Tapas Bar is working on a miracle, importing a cocktail popup series — literally called Miracle — that’s been a hit internationally.
Miracle was founded in 2014 by Greg Boehm, an award-winning mixologist and owner of the popular New York bar Mace. Boehm hatched the celebration to satisfy his nagging mother, who complained building Mace was taking too long. She convinced him to cover the unfinished walls with wrapping paper and serve holiday-inspired drinks in order to open in time for the crowds. Two years later the concept has expanded world-wide with locations in eight countries and 38 states. Pamplona is one of two locations in Louisiana; the other is in New Orleans.
The concept features kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best Christmas party you’ve ever attended. The entire point is to be ridiculous and over the top.
Philippe Callais, Pamplona’s manager and sommelier, brought the concept to the restaurant. Callais says not just any bar or restaurant can host a Miracle pop-up, as the brand requires an application process. He spent weeks training in New York, and Boehm himself vetted each participating restaurant to keep the integrity of the concept intact. Miracle takes more than just throwing some eggnog in a Santa mug.
“Using incredible cocktails, top-notch hospitality, festive music and extreme holiday decorations, we’re re-imagining that nostalgic Christmas experience, translating it into something that can transport adults back to their favorite childhood Christmas memory,” Callais says.
Because every drink on the cocktail list is created using proprietary syrups, infusions and washes, the cocktail list is exclusive to Miracle partners. You can’t get these anywhere else except official Miracle locations. The drink list includes 10 cocktails and three shots, and each one is served in specialized Christmas-themed glassware made by Cocktail Kingdom. Here’s the full cocktail menu:
Christmapolitan: Vodka, Elderflower, Dry Vermouth, Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Rosemary, Lime, Absinthe Mist
Bad Santa: Rum, Batavia Arrack, Black Chai Tea, Date-Infused Oat Milk, Vanilla Syrup, served hot
Christmas Carol Barrel: Blanco Tequila, Coffee Liqueur, Cocoa Nib-Infused Orange & Cognac Liqueur, Iced Hot Chocolate, Mexican Spices
Jingle Balls Nog: Brown Butter and Cinnamon Fat-Washed Cognac, Amontillado Sherry, Almond Milk, Cream, Sugar, Egg, Vanilla, Nutmeg
Gingerbread Flip: Rye Whiskey, Gingerbread Syrup, Elemakule Tiki Bitters, Egg, GingerSnap Cookie Crumbs
Snowball Old Fashioned: Caramelized Pecan Bourbon, Spiced Molasses Syrup, Wormwood Bitters, Orange Essence
Run Run Rudolph: Prosecco, London Dry Gin, Mulled Wine Puree, Lemon, Cane Syrup
Koala-La La La, La La La La: Gin, Pine Tea Cordial, Grapefruit Oleo, Eucalyptus Bitters
Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r!: Barbados Rum, Cachaca, Trinidad Overproof Rum, Purple Yam & Coconut Orgeat, Pineapple
SanTaRex: Rye Whiskey, Oloroso Sherry, Spiced Apple Cider Concentrate, Lemon Juice, Hard Cider, Baked Apple Bitters
Naughty Shot: Bourbon, Cinnamon
Nice Shot: Rum, Peppermint Tea, Chocolate
Mistletoe Shot: Gingerbread Spiced Rye Whisky
Miracle takes over Pamplona beginning Nov. 26 and runs through New Year’s Eve with expanded hours. Be sure to check out ongoing events including the Ugly Sweater Party on Dec. 2, a costume party, a onesie party, Dirty Santa and pajama nights. They’ll even have an expanded menu with brunch.
All inquiries for groups of seven or more will be booked through Philippe. Email [email protected] for any questions. For general Miracle information, click here. For Miracle at Pamplona, click here.