The chill has definitely settled in. But so have the warm holiday vibes around the city. 

At Zocálo Food Park, 636 S. 6th St., you’ll find cozy seats inside the Tavern and four new heated huts (all decorated for the holidays) that you can reserve for gathering with friends throughout the winter season.

Manager Rudy Montoya and Lead Bartender Armando Luna have also cooked up a brand new menu of winter cocktails that are sure to warm the cockles of your heart.

Take for instance the Aperol Frost, a wintery take on the popular spritz that incorporates grapefruit and Savignon Blanc (rather than Prosecco) to give the drink a bit more heft. Guests can also enjoy the return of a variation of a winter favorite, the Chai Espresso Martini which features Heady Bella Coffee Whiskey, Twisted Path Chai Liqueur and a bit of simple syrup ($12).

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The Grand Gimlet is another favorite that was featured during last year’s “Top Chef” watch parties at Zocalo. It features Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret Gin – which offers up the flavors of stone fruit and herbs – blended with basil, lime and simple syrup ($11). It’s good on its own, but you can also spice it up with a dash (or three) of Bittercube’s Disco Inferno. Just ask!

Or take a trip to a warmer clime with the Mangonada, a vodka-based drink with mango syrup and chamoy ($10)?  Not only is it the perfect pairing for dishes like tacos or arepas, but it fits right in with the Zocalo mission.

“When you’re here, we want it to feel like you’ve escaped to a home away from home,” says Luna. “This gives you exactly that with its tropical flavor profile. This is a cocktail that would be great in the summer, but it’s the perfect escape during the winter months.”

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There are also comforting standards like the Zoca-Old Fashioned (cute name, right?), a wintery riff on the classic bourbon Old Fashioned ($11). 

“Both Rudy and I come from a very bourbon-forward background, so Old Fashioneds are really important to us,” notes Luna. “For this version, we happened upon a Maple Rye that we really loved. It’s sweet and smooth. We added St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur and cinnamon simple syrup, both of which add to the sweetness and aroma.” 

Or try on the Raspberry Bourbon Smash featuring a backbone of bourbon softened up with raspberry puree, lemon, simple syrup and mint ($10). 

Or maybe you want to smooth things out. That’s where the delicious Coco-Chata comes in. Made with Mazorca’s housemade horchata, rum and cinnamon simple syrup, this cocktail is lighter than coquito and equally delicious ($10). 

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Last, but not least, there’s the La Ultima Palabra. A riff on the classic The Last Word, this cocktail subs in smokey mezcal instead of gin and Font Bonne Herbal Liqueur instead of Chartreuse. Finished off with Maraschino Liqueur and lime, it’s a beautiful cocktail that plays well with food. 

And that’s great news at a food park where you can enjoy fare from vendors including Mazorca Tacos (tacos, burritos, tortas, more), Modern Maki (sushi, ramen), Hot Box (wood-fired pizza, wings), Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan arepas), Ruby's Bagels (bagels, coffee), Ikigai (Asian inspired bowls) and Las Virellas (Puerto Rican fare).

Heated holiday huts

But the bar isn’t the only place where you can enjoy Zocalo’s new cocktails. Make a 90-minute reservation for one of their heated huts and you can gather with as many as 10 friends to enjoy lunch, dinner or even happy hour (Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6 p.m.). 

Fees are minimal ($6-$31, depending on the day and time) and guests can order both food from food trucks and cocktails from the tavern online for delivery to their hut.  Even better, you can choose from four different themed huts, decorated just for the holidays.

Hut 1: The Gingerbread Hut  

Inside you’ll find swaths of pink tulle, plenty of tinsel, candy canes and a subtle smell of ginger which emanates from the gingerbread decor.

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Hut 2: The Cabin

Embrace the Northwoods inside this cozy cabin sporting tasteful garland, stockings, wreaths, mini trees and multicolored lights.
 

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Hut 3: Winter Wonderland

Gold and silver accents bring a wintery sparkle to this hut which is decked out in white lights, twinkly snowflakes and festive oversized ornaments. 

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Hut 4: Santa’s House

Last, but not least, there’s this red and green wonderland complete with stockings, ribbons, multicolored lights and plenty of references to Santa himself. Look closely and you’ll even find a pair of his underwear hanging up to dry.

Each heated winter hut is ADA-compliant and can accommodate a group of up to 10 people for comfortable winter dining. Reservations for the huts are currently available online, with rates based on both the group size and the timing for the reservation.

Please note: If a wheelchair or scooter will be joining your group, please email events@zocalofoodpark.com before your reservation, so the Zocálo staff can ensure the perfect table setup for your party's comfort.

“We want to make Zocálo a third space for people in Milwaukee,” says Montoya. “We want it to be that comfortable go-to spot where people can grab a meal or drink, attend live events or watch sports. And everything that we do supports that.”

Zocálo Food Park is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 10 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Check zocalomke.com to find the hours specific to your favorite vendors.