Merry Kitsch-mas, everyone! It’s Christmas at the Coop. Who’s up for a full-on Coop-style Christmas that delivers a smidgen of kitsch, a dash of whimsy and, a sprinkle of childish fun that comes with a lineup of fantastic Christmas-themed cocktails? Of course it’s you!
We love creating atmosphere at the Ørchard on Catawba Island, but transforming the Coop, our cool and cozy cocktail lounge, to match the season is by far our favorite undertaking. We save beautiful and sparkly for the Ørchard Bar & Table dining room but we deck the Coop with retro tinsel trees, 9’ inflatable Santa Rooster and smaller chickens among a bunch of other oddly tasteful inflatables, endless strands of colored lights and garland, and throwback Christmas trimmings. It adds a special sauciness to the Coop and resonates with our guests. How?
First, it’s just plain nostalgic. The familiar and sometimes cheesy aesthetic kindles fond memories of Christmas as a kid and gets us in the spirit to reminisce. Playful by nature, kitschy décor reminds us to embrace the holidays lightheartedly and welcome it as a diversion from the stress of season (yes, holiday stress is real, Virginia.) It’s a reminder to stop in the midst of Christmas chaos and share some silliness and make some memories with those around us.
Quirky is just plain fun and we’ve crafted some holiday cocktails to pair with the mood at the Coop, like Santa’s Midnight Snack, a blend of Pusser’s British Navy Rum, Rumchata Cream Liquor, local eggnog and a fresh grate of nutmeg served with a freshly-baked gingerbread man. This one is worth a squeeze down the chimney to drink.
The drink to clink during a girls’ night out following a day of Christmas shopping is the Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini. Ketel One Nitro Espresso (Ketel One Vodka and premium Farm Stand cold brew), Peppermint Bark Rumchata and a drizzle of chocolate liqueur, is definitely a little naughty but really nice. If you need a little more retail therapy before calling it a night, be sure to walk over to the Farm Stand for some stocking stuffers, fun gifts for the kitchen, candles, and more.
We love tradition so we’ve hung some mistletoe at the Coop. But if it’s a slow night, we recommend just ordering a Mistletoe Martini, which never disappoints. Ketel One Vodka, white cranberry juice, house made rosemary syrup and lemon, is shaken, festive and really unique.
Don’t forget that as nice as it is to receive it’s even better to give family and friends a gift certificate to the Ørchard on Catawba island, which can be used at the Coop, Farm Stand Café or shop, or the Ørchard Bar and Table. Stop by this holiday season to shop, drink, dine and be merry…so very, very merry.
The Christmas Coop is now open and shaking up our holiday cocktails Monday through Friday, 4PM-10PM and Saturday and Sunday, Noon - 10PM. We’re also taking holiday reservations for our newly-expanded Orchard Bar & Table steak & seafood restaurant. You can find the new menu online.
- off the vine -
a catawba island blog
Ørchard on Catawba Island is about an hour from Toledo and just over an hour from Cleveland. We’re on the way to the Miller Ferry and an easy stop whether you’re going or coming back. We are open daily at 8AM and invite you to join us for dining, wine, beer and cocktails, a wonderful shopping experience and a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the grounds, from the orchard to the vineyard and all the feature we create to make your visit special. Visit us at 3350 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452.
