Some people bake cookies.
Some people collect ornaments.
We decorate six Christmas trees… and one of them is filled with tequila.

Not metaphorically.
Literally.

The Tequila Tree

One of our six themed Christmas trees lives right by our home bar, and it’s become one of our favorite parts of the season. It’s a 7-foot, full-size tree, just a little slimmer than the standard — which turns out to be perfect when you’re hanging glass ornaments filled with tequila.

The topper? A sombrero, obviously.

The ornaments are a mix of Mexican hand-painted balls and clear glass ornaments — each one holding exactly one measured ounce of tequila. We fill them all with different brown tequilas, so the tree glows in subtle shades of amber, gold, and deep caramel depending on the bottle. It’s equal parts festive, ridiculous, and kind of beautiful.

Do we sip from the ornaments?
Eventually.
Slowly.
And always measured.

Decorating Week = Tequila Week

We don’t decorate in a single day. Christmas at our house is a week-long event that starts the day after Thanksgiving.

Movies on.
Boxes everywhere.
Trees going up one by one.

And in our glasses? Either a simple tequila soda with lime or our seasonal favorite — Tequila Nogg.

This year, we made our nog with Gran Coramino Reposado, and yes… it absolutely works. Smooth, warm, festive, and just different enough that people stop mid-sip and say, “Wait — what’s in this?”

Decorating with tequila has become part of the rhythm of the season — not rushed, not chaotic, just festive and fun.

Cookie Swaps, But Make It Tequila

This year we also went to a neighborhood block Christmas party that doubled as a cookie swap. Everyone brought their classics.

We brought our Spicy Tequila Balls — our tequila-forward spin on bourbon balls.

They disappear every time.

This year’s batch was made with Corazón, giving them just the right balance of warmth and bite. They’re festive, unexpected, and usually followed by someone asking for the recipe.

Christmas in Prattville

This weekend we leaned fully into holiday mode and toured the Christmas trees downtown during Christmas in Prattville. If you haven’t been, downtown Prattville turns into a full-on Christmas experience — lights everywhere, music, and over 30 themed trees decorated by local businesses along the Autauga Creek Christmas Tree Trail.

We especially loved the Santa Claus–themed tree. Classic. No notes.

After walking the trail, we did what we always do: scoped out tequila options.

And this is where we’ll be honest — if you’re in Prattville and care about tequila, Adrienne’s is the move. Hands down. The best tequila selection in town.

We found one decent option at 243, and elsewhere… well, mostly the bottles we intentionally avoid. It reinforced something we already believe: good tequila isn’t everywhere, but when you find it, you appreciate it more.

Why We Love Tequila at Christmas

Tequila has quietly become part of our holiday traditions because it fits how we celebrate:

It’s social

It’s flexible

It doesn’t need sugar or excess to feel festive

It works just as well while decorating as it does at a neighborhood party

For us, tequila isn’t just a drink — it’s part of the memories we’re making.

And at Christmas, that’s really the whole point.

Shots with Santa (Yes, Really)

The weekend wrapped with what might be our favorite new tradition: Shots with Santa at Hilltop Public House.

Festive décor. Jolly vibes. Groups of friends celebrating their Christmases together. The energy was exactly what you want this time of year.

They carry Milagro Reposado, which we’re fans of, and they leaned fully into holiday cocktails:

Koala La La La — a tequila mojito-style drink

The Naughty Shot — tequila with habanero (spicy, bold, not for the timid)

The Krampus — a smoky cocktail with both reposado tequila and mezcal
Yes, we tried all three.
Yes, we took selfies with Santa.
Yes, it was ridiculous and delightful.

The staff was fantastic, the ambiance was festive, and it felt like one of those moments you’ll talk about next Christmas and laugh all over again.

Christmas Traditions: Tequila Edition