Applebee’s Holiday Menu Is Here With 7 New Items

It’s time to “put one foot in front of the other,” like those claymation classics, and head straight to your favorite chain restaurants because the holiday season has officially begun, according to many menus nationwide. We know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but with many parts of the country experiencing their first snowfall, the Jonas Brothers‘ new holiday movie “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” officially streaming on Disney+, and Starbucks’ Red Cup Day having come and gone, we’re ready to blast the holiday music, pop some cookies in the oven, and get the festive party started. 

It’s true that some chains have skipped over the foodie holiday altogether, going all-in on sugar cookie-flavored treats and warm, festive sippers. However, there are quite a few “holiday” menus that feel pretty ambiguous this year. So, whether you’re not ready for Santa Claus to come to town or don’t like the traditional flavors of the season, you’ve got options, like Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Turkey or McDonald’s McRib.

Now, Applebee’s has released its holiday menu that’s equal parts festive and comforting. 

Applebee’s Releases New Menu Items for the Holidays

Applebee’s recently added seven new items to its menu. The three new food offerings lean into winter comfort with Crispy Pickles, a Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger, and Sizzlin’ Cookie Dough Pie. While the drinks will bring festive cheer with a new Sleigh All Day Rita, Espres-So Happy Martini, Golden Goose, and Perfect Cranberry Margarita. 

Applebee’s new Crispy Pickles are the chain’s first-ever fried pickles and are joining the appetizer menu, which includes the Ultimate Trio sampler platter. The pickles are fried to crispy, golden perfection, then tossed in Tajín’s chile lime seasoning and served with Mexi-ranch or your choice of dipping sauce. 

The new Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger combines two comfort food classics into one. It starts with two slices of potato bread filled with an all-beef patty, four slices of American cheese, and sweet-savory bacon jam that’s grilled for a melty, crispy bite. The burger is served with a side of tomato basil soup for dipping and can be ordered as an entrée on its own, or as part of Applebee’s fan-favorite 2 for $25 meal deal, which includes an appetizer or two side salads and two entrées.

To round out the meal, Applebee’s Sizzlin’ Cookie Dough Pie features chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla ice cream, and a caramel drizzle, all served in a warm skillet. 

To keep spirits extra merry and bright, Applebee’s has two sets of cocktails this year. It’s bringing back its fan-loved $6 Sleigh Bell Sips and introducing a new line of Shake’N Up Your Holiday Cocktails, which are served tableside in a chilled shaker for extra sips. 

The $6 Sleigh Sips include the returning $6 Tipsy Reindeer, made with Smirnoff Vodka, Ocean Spray Cranberry juice, grenadine, and lemon sour. And the new $6 Sleigh All Day Rita is made with Teremana Tequila Blanco, blue curaçao, melon liqueur, lime, and pineapple juice. Both $6 Sleigh Sips are served with a Santa gummy and can be upgraded with a Don Julio Reposado or Grey Goose Vodka “Vibe Drop” top-off. 

The new Shake’N Up Your Holiday Cocktails include the Espres-So Happy Martini, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Kahlúa, Owen’s Nitro-Infused Espresso, and topped with a Pocky Chocolate biscuit. The Golden Goose, which is a festive take on the Lemon Drop, features Grey Goose Vodka, triple sec, mango, and lemon sour. And the Perfect Cranberry Margarita is made with 1800 Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, lime, and Ocean Spray Cranberry juice.

All eight of Applebee’s holiday menu items are available at U.S. restaurants now, but only for a limited time. A word to the wise on your next trip to the Neighborhood Bar & Grill: Be sure to pair your Sleigh Bell Sips with an Ultimate Trio or 2 for $25 meal, as the seasonal spirits are strong.