Sure, we all know Charlotte’s got a thriving beer scene. But what about a good, hand-crafted cocktail? Imbibe at some of our top cocktail hotspots, plus take note of daily specials:
On the rooftop of the new Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, sip classics and new favorites while overlooking Romare Bearden Park and the Charlotte skyline. Try the Luna de Sangre: Hibiscus infused Mezcal Vida,Milagro Reposado, lavender, agave and Scarborough herbal bitters.
Another spot for cocktails with a view is Chef Rocco’s Fahrenheit. Grab a seat on the patio for a picture-perfect sunset view. Try the Alexis Aviation (named after Chef Rocco’s wife): Hendrick’s, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Roth and Winter Crème de Violette.
Whether you like it shaken, stirred or in a pint glass, Vivace has drink specials lined up Monday-Friday for all types of tastes:
Monday: $8 Signature Cocktails Enjoy signature cocktails such as the Bella Senorita (pictured), with El Jimador Reposado, amaretto, orangecello, agave & lime or the Pepe E Timo, withTitos, limoncello, egg white, simple, thyme & cracked black pepper for only $8!
Tuesday: $6 Vivace Mojitos Vivace Mojitos (house made cello, muddled mint, fruit & soda) can be made with your choice of lemon, lime, orange or strawberry, and are only $6 on Tuesdays.
Wednesday: $8 Seasonal Cocktails Try one like the Winter Smoke with mezcal, El Jimador Resposado, lime, simple, egg white & smoked salt for $8.
Thursday: $7 Negroni & $4 Italian Beers Negroni cocktails make for the perfect Apertivo and are only $7 on Thursdays. Choose from a more traditional Negroni or Negroni Bianco with Beefeater, Solerno and Cocchi Americano. Also, on special are Italian Beers for $4.
Uptown, The Imperial serves handcrafted cocktails in a jazzy, welcoming atmosphere. Try one of their Imperial originals or sip on a signature martini (we’re eyeing the Basil Gimlet-tini) which are all half off Thursdays.
WP Kitchen + Bar is both a dining and cocktail destination in SouthPark. Step up to the the bar on Wednesdays for half off classic martinis and Thursday for $6 seasonal cocktails Try the Blackberry Crush with BÃ n Vodka, blackberry, lemon and mint or the Carolina 75 made with BÃ n Vodka, St. Germain, prosecco and lemon.
Find your happy hour nirvana on the sunny patio at Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark. Try the Charred Grapefruit cocktail made with Cardinal gin, soda, and real charred grapefruit. On Thursdays, enjoy half price cocktails.
Whether you’re staying for dinner or stopping in for a drink, Bistro La Bon is sure to satisfy with an extensive and creative cocktail menu. Try the Lychee Martini featuring Stoli Vanilla, lychee puree, grapefruit shrub, pineapple juice. Enjoy $6 specialty cocktails at Bistro La Bon on Wednesday.
At Southend’s newest hotspot, grab a seat at the bar or on the patio for inventive spins on cocktail classics. Try the Pen-Pal topped with their signature “Z”, a smoked old fashioned or the Dilworth Dig.
Tucked into the Backlot at Park Road Shopping Center, Dot Dot Dot features an endless menu of expertly crafted cocktails in a Prohibition-style bar. Try the Truffle New York Sour, with Larceny bourbon, orange liqueur, truffle egg white, house sweet and sour and ruby port.
Find Irish classics and favorites reimagined with spirits made on right next door at The Broken Spoke. try Beesie’s Bread (pictured), made with cream, homemade cinnamon raisin syrup and Rúa Whiskey. The Broken Spoke also features coffee-infused libations, including the Morning Review with Great Wagon Road Rúa single malt, coffee, Cointreau, & cacao topped with orange bitters whipped cream and nutmeg.
This Dilworth hangout features $5 craft cocktails on Tuesday. Try the Goat’s Breastmilk, made with ouzo, amaretto, honey, lemon and mint.
Sip in Instagram-worthy surrounding at Sophia’s Lounge, where mixologist Patricia Smith served libations including the Shakespeare with rose infused vodka, rose water, egg white orange blossom water, citrus and bitters.
On the 15th floor of the Ritz Carlton, mixologist Bob Peters crafts a plentiful menu of winter cocktails and sharable punches. Try the Black Bubbles, made with Fernet Branca, homemade blackberry syrup and topped with prosecco. Share the fiesta punch, featuring tequila, cilantro, jalapeño, beet ginger kombucha, orange and lime. Or, splurge with the $400 cocktail, made with Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac, byrrh, sassafras & sorghum bitters.
This Plaza Midwood hotspot features skyline views, a cozy interior and some of charlotte’s best cocktails. Try the Honey Gold with Tito’s vodka, salted honey butter washed cocci Americano , doling dry and oragnzge bitters. Or, the on tap Winter Mule with vodka, cucumber juice, ginger, key lime juice, cranberry and honey.
At Stoke, inside the newly-renovated Marriott, try the Stubborn Burro, made with midnight moonshine, rosemary, grapefruit, ginger and salt.
At the Summit Room, order from the seven summits drink menu to experience Mount Everest (Firefly, Grey Goose L’orange, fresh squeezed lemon sour, cranberry splash and muddled mint) or Kilimanjaro (pama, st. germain, hendrick’s, fresh squeezed lemondae, cranberry splash). Or, opt for the blueberry smash with Tito’s, fresh squeezed lemon sour, lime sour and muddled blueberries.
Uptown at The Cellar t Duckworth’s, cozy up to the bar and order a Cellar Smash, featuring ginger and herbal flavors paired with citrus and elderflower.
