Beer isn’t the only thing being “crafted” around the QC these days. Â Check out Charlotte’s full-blown craft cocktail scene with our picks for places to grab a sip. Since this summer’s been a scorcher, there’s a section just for those who would prefer their spirits with a Big Chill (think alcoholic slushies and frozen margaritas).
Really ready to dive in? Grab a passbook from Liberate Your Palate CLT for the Cheers to the Queen City Summer Cocktail Tour August 1-September 15. Read all about it here and get to cocktail bar-hopping!
The Summit Room
1531 East Blvd.
Choose one of their “Seven Summits” and take your tastebuds on the trip of a lifetime to places like Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro. The crowd favorite is the Aconcagua, a drink that lives up to the 22,838 foot summit in Argentina from which it draws inspiration. Described as a margarita-type sip that has a kick at first and mellows out, the Aconcagua features cachaca, fresh squeezed lime sour, muddled jalepenos, ghost pepper syrup, and a salted rim. Other Summit Room favorites include the Blueberry Smash, Cucumber Collins and Lemongrass Basil Refresher.
Vivace
1100 Metropolitan Ave. Building E, Suite 100
With some new additions to their already patio-perfect cocktail menu, Vivace definitely earns its place on our list. Plan a happy hour to enjoy their bar bites with a drink made with fresh Italian ingredients. Top picks include the Ginger Peach Sangria, a light and fruity way to unwind after the workday, as well as the Strawberry Mojito, made with house-made liqueur.
5Church
127 N Tryon St.
At 5Church, they’ve found a way to craft a cocktail that is refreshing (ideal for summer nights) with an unexpected kick. Which is why top-seller The Viper practically has a cult following. Here’s what you’ll get: Patron Silver, orange liqueur, lime juice, cucumber water and cayenne pepper.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
3920 Sharon Rd.
We all love fresh fruit, right? We think it’s even better served in a glass. At Firebirds, they start with fresh pineapple that’s infused with citrus vodka for 21 days. Once it’s ready, a martini glass and fresh pineapple slice turn it into their signature drink, the Double Black Diamond Martini.
Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth
500 South Tryon St.
Get ready to try something new at this Uptown go-to. House Mixologist Andrew Shook is ready to find you a new favorite drink when you order the “Dealer’s Choice“, or  quench your summer thirst with the Summer Char (pictured): Cardinal gin and charred grapefruit muddled with fresh basil.
Heirloom
8470 Bellhaven Blvd.
Add Heirloom to your list of Charlotte restaurants with farm-fresh ingredients and a killer cocktail. With new specials added daily and weekly, there will always be something on the menu that keeps you coming back. A favorite for summer is the Workman’s Plough: Cardinal gin, fresh watermelon juice, fresh cucumber juice, sage, mint and Burlesque Bitters.
Soul Gastrolounge
1500 Central Ave.
This Plaza Midwood spot always tops “Charlotte Favorites” Lists and is known for having something for everyone. Soul’s best seller is their Tito’s Cucumber Mule: a twist on the classic, made in house with fresh juices carbonated in 5 gallon steel keg and served on draft. The scoop on what’s next at Soul? The Kentucky Corpse Reviver, a barrel-aged refreshing and bright bourbon cocktail, is being prepared in small 10 liter barrels to give it a mellow and oaky flavor and will be poured straight from the barrel.
Leroy Fox
705 S Sharon Amity Rd.
This Cotswold eatery known for its savory fried chicken is making a name for itself for another reason, their growing bar menu. Along with the Hotel Charlotte, crowd favorites include the Cucumber Basil Lemonade: Rainn cucumber vodka, fresh basil and house made simple syrup and the Strawberry Gin Fizz: Cardinal gin, muddled strawberries and house-made simple syrup.
Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St.
Join the folk at Fahrenheit for drinks with a view. Grab a favorite, the Aviation in the Skye (Hendrick’s Gin, Rothman & Winter creme de violette, luxardo maraschino liqeur and lemon juice) and stay awhile.
For the slushie seekers:
Kindred
131 N Main St., Davidson, NC
Now we’re talking. Kindred in Davidson doesn’t take any shortcuts when making their slushie drinks. The Take Two of These & Call Me Amaro (Fernet-Branca, St. Germain, light simple syrup and fresh lime juice) is made in its non-frozen form, frozen for 24 hours and then pureed and served.
Treehouse Vineyards
301 Bay St., Monroe, NC
Don’t feel left out from this list, winos! Treehouse Vineyards has the perfect summer cool down just for you. Pick your favorite Muscadine cider or wine to have it blended up by the experts into a WinoRita, best enjoyed from one of their treehouses overlooking the grounds.
RuRu’s Tacos & Tequila
715 Providence Rd.
In my mind, frozen margaritas are the adult (and way more fun) version of kids’ slushies. Get some good ones at RuRu’s Tacos & Tequila. Perfect for summer are the Frank the Tank classic and That’s a Pretty Purse strawberry frozen margaritas.
Cantina 1511
4271 Park Rd
Another Charlotte favorite for grabbing a margarita is Cantina 1511. Join them on Park Road or in Stonecrest for frozen margaritas all summer long.
Did we catch them all? Let us know in the comments of any we should add to our list.
