Mariah Carey is opening Christmas-themed bars around the country

On By Littum

Mariah Carey has become synonymous with Christmas. Her holiday album is practically a soundtrack to the season — and all the cookie-baking, frantic shopping, gift-giving, in-laws bickering that comes with it.

Now you can have a very Carey Christmas on one exclusive pop-up bar experience inspired by the Queen herself and just in time for the 30th anniversary of her hit song, “All I Want for Christmas”.

Virgin Hotels has partnered with Bucket Listers to open the Mariah Carey Black Irish Holiday Bar in Chicago, New York City, Dallas, Nashville and New Orleans.

“Guests can step into a magical photo showcase adorned with a custom ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ neon sign, or sit on a festive wreath to recreate the iconic album cover from Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” according to marketing material.

When I visited the New York City pop-up for myself on opening night, there were plenty of photo ops, like an interactive photo booth with Mariah herself. As well as a station to write your own wish list for Mariah, a stacked playlist of her Christmas greatest hits and a cocktail menu that did not disappoint.

You can sip on a variety of themed cocktails, including the MC Martini, which is topped with candy and glitter. If you’re dying to try them all, head to the Tini Tree flight and pick your three favorites.

a cocktail with a candy cane garnish held by a gloved handpinterest

Bucket Listers / Virgin Hotels

Here are the rest of the cocktails:

  • Make my wish come true Martini: Black Irish Cream, Gray Goose Vodka, Borghetti Coffee Liqueur, Créme de Menthe, Espresso
  • It’s time: Black Irish Cream, Herradura Reposado Tequila, Borghetti Coffee Liqueur, Espresso, Cinnamon Sugar
  • What else can I do Martini: Black Irish Salted Caramel Irish Cream, Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, Borghetti Coffee Liqueur, Espresso, Chocolate Covered Pretzels
  • The Queen of Christmas Cocoa: Choice of Black Irish Cream, Hot Milk Chocolate, Frangelico Foam
cocktail in glass with festive decoration and a bottle of Irish creampinterest

Bucket Listers / Virgin Hotels

To visit the bar, purchase a $20 ticket that gets you a 90-minute reservation and a free Signature Black Irish Cocktail, made with the singer’s own Irish cream liqueur.

Main photo by Megan Schaltegger

Megan Schaltegger is a NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in the third person IRL.