Moon Bartenders Share New Year's Eve Drink Choices

Patrons taking to Moon Township watering holes this New Year's Eve weekend can ring in 2012 with a traditional lager or a sugar-sweet mixed drink, according to area bartenders. 

For those who enjoy the simple and effortless taste of a good beer, offers the traditional Sam Adams Winter Lager on draft, said bartender Cindy Heggins. This beverage has a tell-tale dark ruby color and is infused with all of the best holiday spices.

If you'd like to sample something with more of an edge,  is the place for you. The menu offers 13 kinds of martinis that have been designed for the fall and winter months. 

“We try to make different martinis for each season,” said restaurant manager Amber Reiser. “We get to taste them all, so it’s not too bad. We do it this way instead of having separate ones on separate days.”

One of the most popular selections from the menu is the Caramel Apple Martini, which is made with apple vodka, sour apple schnapps, butterscotch schnapps and a healthy dose of caramel sauce on top.

Reiser’s personal favorite is the Cinnamon Bun Martini, which is concocted of Goldschlager, butterscotch schnapps and vanilla vodka.

If this doesn't sound like enough to quench your thirst, don't worry: Reiser said Jackson's is devising something spectacular for New Year's patrons, but for now they're keeping it under wraps. 

“We have a couple candy cane ones coming in for New Year’s Eve, but we haven’t had them done yet,” she said.

on Spring Run Road takes a different approach, sticking to more traditional favorites, such as the Candy Cane and the Black Velvet.

The Candy Cane is made of peppermint schnapps, strawberry schnapps, cranberry juice and Sierra Mist and is perfect for those still lingering on the leftover magic of Christmas.

For those looking ahead, the Black Velvet is the very zenith of drinks for New Year’s Eve: It combines classy and traditional champagne with a kick of Guinness, which makes it perfect for toasting with when the clock strikes midnight.

Even though his bar has several holiday selections to choose from, owner Shawn Crago is more of a traditionalist.

“The best is the beer - Christmas Ale,” he said.