Devil Takes a Holiday is Burlington's latest boutique cocktail bar. Located on St. Paul Street just across from City Hall Park, it has quickly become a local favorite. Owner Taylor Watts, a tenured bar tender with a penchant for finely crafted cocktails, left the hustle of NYC to bring his passion to the Queen City. Following the closure of Monarch and the Milkweed, Devil Takes a Holiday reopened its doors in the space in the fall of 2021, bringing a new vibe to downtown Burlington. 

 

Taylor and his exceptional team of bartenders bring forth a dynamic experience, offering a rotating list of over 26 distinct cocktails, reinventing seasonal favorites every few months. At any point in time you'll be able to find something completely unique to their restaurant. During Halloween, the menu featured a drink called the "Wednesday Addams" a distinctive libation that showcases Devil Takes a Holiday's ingenuity. The black tequila, a result of blending cuttlefish ink with blanco tequila, which turns the drink black, provides a unique texture, and a subtle hint of salinity. This foundation is then mixed with a Devil-made hibiscus syrup, fresh pineapple juice, ancho chile liqueur, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Another unique twist on an all time classic is "The Sam I Yam," a signature concoction made by infusing roasted sweet potatoes and spices into a syrup, forming the base for an old-fashioned build. Served with a garnish of toasted marshmallow and pecan. 

 

The staff generously offered not only their top recommendations, but also the recipes to make these works of art in the comfort of your own home. These cocktails promise to be a unique reward, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors that will warm your spirits during the winter months—just be sure to follow the recipes closely!  You'll also find an equally thrilling non-alcoholic option. And don't be worried, these are all on the menu still at Devil Takes a Holiday - So if you don't have the time, equipment, or the motivation to try these at home, leave it to the masters and pay Taylor and his team a visit! 

 

Devil Takes a Holiday (Mama Ghia)Forgive me For I have SynthedDevil Takes a Holiday: French Mistress

 

HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES WITH RECIPES SHARED FROM DEVIL TAKES A HOLIDAY:

 

  1. French Mistress:

    • 1.5oz cantaloupe-infused Aviation gin
    • 0.25oz fresh lemon juice
    • 0.5oz agave
    • Shake with ice, double strain into Nick & Nora glass
    • Top with Cava (sparkling wine), garnish with fresh mint

2. Forgive Me for I have Synthed:

  • 1oz white rum
  • 0.5oz dark rum with some funk
  • 0.5oz absinthe
  • 1oz cream of coconut
  • 0.75oz sour orange juice
  • 0.75oz fresh pineapple juice
  • 5 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Shake with ice, strain into glass with crushed ice
  • Top with vegan coconut whipped cream, grate fresh nutmeg over top.

3.  Mama Ghia: (Non-Alcoholic)

  • 1.5oz Ghia
  • 0.5oz NA gin
  • 0.75oz sour orange juice
  • 0.75oz agave
  • Shake, double strain into a Nick & Nora glass
  • Expressed lemon peel garnish.