Holiday drink season at Walt Disney World is officially here, and we are so ready. But this year, we’ve got some insider info. Four bartenders from Disney Springs and EPCOT just shared their secrets for making the perfect holiday cocktail, and honestly, their tips are almost as fun as the drinks themselves.
We’re talking balance, killer ingredients, zero-proof options, rum, gin, and a whole lot of hospitality. Grab a notebook, because you’ll want to remember this for your next cocktail crawl.
Jensly Camacho Is All About Balance
First up is Jensly Camacho from Enzo’s Hideaway, the hidden tunnel bar at Disney Springs that feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret club. If you haven’t been, it’s seriously one of the coolest bars on property.
Jensly calls himself part chef, part artist, and part storyteller, and he thinks being a great bartender is about way more than just mixing drinks.
His top secret for the perfect holiday cocktail? Balance. And not just in the glass. Jensly thinks the ingredients, the food you’re eating, the atmosphere, and the occasion should all work together. When everything clicks, the whole night sticks with you long after you finish your drink. Honestly, that’s a whole vibe.
Lara McClelland Says Start With Great Ingredients
Next, we head over to The Edison at Disney Springs, where Lara McClelland is one of the longest-serving bartenders on the team. She also won Fan Favorite at the Bartender Bash, so yeah, she knows what she’s doing.
Lara keeps it simple. Great cocktails start with great ingredients. She focuses on carefully picked flavors that come together into one drink that actually makes sense, not a random pile of stuff thrown into a glass.
She’s also really excited about zero-proof spirits, which are getting more and more popular. We love this, because it means everyone at the table gets to join the toast, whether they drink or not. The designated driver deserves a fancy drink too.
Francisco Obregon Treats Every Drink Like Art
At Morimoto Asia, also at Disney Springs, Francisco Obregon approaches every cocktail like an art form. He says he gets inspired by the creativity behind each drink and by that moment when guests light up after their first sip. Which, same. That first sip is everything.
When the holidays come around, Francisco likes working with rum and contemporary gins. He uses their unique flavors to put a creative twist on seasonal favorites. So if you’re tired of the same old holiday drinks, his bar might be the place to switch it up.
Alec Chase Brings the Hospitality at Space 220
Our last stop is literally out of this world. At Space 220 in EPCOT, bartender Alec Chase says the secret to a memorable holiday cocktail goes way beyond the drink itself.
For Alec, it starts with hospitality and making every guest feel welcome, which is especially important during the holiday rush, when everywhere is packed. He also says it’s important to master your technique and stay consistent, so your second festive drink is just as good as your first. Honestly, that’s the dream.
Time for a Holiday Cocktail Crawl
Here’s the best part. Enzo’s Hideaway, The Edison, and Morimoto Asia are all at Disney Springs and super easy to walk between. That’s a three-stop holiday cocktail crawl just waiting to happen. Pace yourself, maybe grab a snack between stops, and maybe try a zero-proof option in the middle.
Then save Space 220 for your next EPCOT day, because sipping a holiday cocktail with a view of space is not something you get to do every day.
Cheers to a Merry Season
Whether you’re out with family, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself after a long day in the parks, the holidays are the perfect time to order something special. And now that you know the secrets behind the bar, your next holiday cocktail at Disney might taste even better.
So which bar is first on your list?
