Festive spirits run wild during Miracle on 30th Street

Dec. 7, 2017 10:35 AM PT

It’s a Christmas miracle! Selected as one of only 50 locations worldwide, North Park’s own Polite Provisions is participating in the beloved Miracle pop-up at its 30th street location. Launched in 2014 in New York City, the annual event draws in crowds to celebrate the holidays between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

The San Diego event, entitled “Miracle on 30th Street,” has Polite Provisions adorned in a festive array of garland, lights and a vintage decor, including kitschy glassware and mugs.

Other cities taking part in the event include Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal, Paris, and Panama City, Panama. Each of the pop-ups worldwide feature 10 Miracle cocktails, with each lending their own local twist.

PACIFIC spoke with Brian Vong, manager of Polite Provisions for the lowdown on Miracle on 30th and his top suggestions for cocktails and Christmas gifts.

PACIFIC: Being one of only 50 bars in the world for Miracle is impressive. How did you get involved in the pop-up?

VONG: The founding Miracle team has been a fan of Polite Provisions since its opening and reached out to us. Of course we jumped at the opportunity to bring some of that festive, Yuletide spirit to sunny San Diego!

What in the world is the Budweiser-marshmallow syrup seen in the You’ll Shoot Your Rye Out cocktail?

Top secret deliciousness combining two great things, marshmallow fluff and a nice, crisp lager. It’s a total game changer and brings a great malty depth to the cocktail. (See what else in in this cocktails at end of story)

What’s your favorite cocktail on the list?

My personal favorite would have to be the Run Run Rudolph. I’m a sucker for chocolate and this cocktail is essentially a take on a Mexican hot chocolate combining great spices with chocolaty goodness. We top it off with whipped cinnamon cream and cocoa powder to combine nostalgia with something truly delicious.

Best Christmas present for a cocktail lover?

The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey Morgenthaler. This book is great for anyone getting into serious cocktail making. Whether you are a home enthusiast or an old pro, you will learn loads from all of the interesting information in here.

Favorite thing about the holidays?

The excitement and energy in the air — even here in San Diego, when we’re more likely to be in the middle of a December Santa Ana than pleasant winter chill — it’s hard to not enjoy the holidays with all the shining lights and smiling faces.