Holiday-themed pop-up bar brings miraculous cocktails to Waterside and Virginia Beach

I previewed Miracle on Waterside Drive, which runs through Jan. 1.

The staff checked my name twice upon entering the winter wonderland ― reservations are required.

Christmas music and laughter filled the room. I looked up at the multi-colored lights, ornaments and wrapped packages dangling from the ceiling — a nice touch to make the large room seem cozy. Red Santa hats covered the backs of chairs, and the tables were dressed with decorative plastic tablecloths, red votive candle holders and menus.

I headed toward the smiling bartenders wearing red T-shirts and headbands. I browsed the drink menu which consisted of 11 cocktails and two shots (naughty and nice). I sampled the Christmas Cricket, Christmapolitan and the snowball old fashioned.

They were strong but not enough for me to want to break into my interpretive dance to “Let It Snow.”

My favorite was the Christmapolitan with its vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary and absinthe mist. The bittersweet fruitiness had a smooth alcohol finish. The only thing missing was a plate of my mama’s cornbread dressing.

I admired the Christmas Cricket prepared by Sam Dickey. The chocolate shavings floated on top of a light green froth. It smelled minty and tasted like a peppermint patty dipped in tequila.

I visited the photo corner before grabbing something to eat. The garland-draped wall had a picture of the Grinch and a green neon sign, “Drink up Grinches.” A bench in front of it with four printed pillows waited to hold people for photographs. I opted for food instead of a selfie.

The server brought out the Treat Yo S’Elf Waffle and Buddy’s popcorn. The waffle felt fun on the tongue with its crushed candy cane, chocolate and sprinkles coating — even after it sat for 30 minutes (I was busy socializing). The popcorn — designed like a Christmas tree — reminded me of the snowball popcorn I used to eat as a kid around the holidays — salty, sweet and chewy. It consisted of white melted chocolate, M&M’s and crushed pretzels which excited my taste buds.

The popcorn would’ve paired well with my last drink of the evening, the snowball old fashioned. I made a mental note to try it together next time. The beverage captured the holidays in a glass with the spice from gingerbread syrup and citrus from the orange essence. It was too delicious to give it a third-place finish — let’s say it’s tied second with the Christmas Cricket. Another reason to love holiday miracles.