If you spend the better part of the year suppressing your vivacious holiday self, your time to shine has come. The team at Fairmont Royal York has once again bedecked a cozy hotel space with an extravagant amount of festive swag, kitschy décor, baubles and bric-a-brac all in the spirit of The Thirsty Elf pop-up. Opened Nov. 16, the pop-up is the spot to unleash your inner elf, embrace the season, and toast with one of the merriest cocktails around.
Launched in 2019, The Thirsty Elf is “an over-the-top holiday escape,” according to the team at Fairmont Royal York. Veritable kryptonite to Grinch-types, the pop-up is paradise for those engrossed by Christmas trees and tacky sweaters, the warm glow of tinsel and fairy lights, and decorating schemes that skew heavily toward red, green, white and gold.
Located on the hotel’s mezzanine level, home to the former York Station Bar, The Thirsty Elf can seat 25 and is only open for walk-ins. Once they settle in, guests will discover a menu of boozy (and non) sippable delights, crafted by Fairmont Royal York Director of Beverage Rus Yessenov.
From creamy libations to fruit-forward options, the menu features the flavours of the season in whimsical ways. Local Griswolds, take note: a refined upgrade to ho-hum eggnog, the Christmoose Vacation blends cream and Maker’s Mark with Irish Cream, bitters, and a hint of nutmeg. Not interested in playing nice? With cranberry, cinnamon, lime, ginger beer, Northern Keep Vodka, and mint, The Naughty List is a fresh option with a spicy side. Alternatively, the booze-free The Nice List offers a sparkling punch of apple cider, and citrus. Food may not be on offer but, with its crisp chocolate chip cookie garnish, the horchata-inspired Milk & Cookies delivers snack and sips in one.
Find a spot under the canopy of ornaments, beside the spray-snow frosted windows, and order up a round of holiday cheer. From there, it'll only be a matter of time before the lights and the liquor lull you toward your jolliest self.
The Thirsty Elf is open between 5pm and 11pm, Thursday through Saturday, from Nov. 16 to Dec. 17.
