Spring is officially in full bloom and we’re here for it. As temperatures continue to rise, we’re looking for ways to keep cool, and what better way than by sipping on an ice cold cocktail? We’ve searched the Queen City for spring and summer-inspired cocktails to help with your 2022 sips. Here’s what we found:
Il Paradiso Perduto at Mariposa
This new spring cocktail at Mariposa at the Mint Museum gives us all the warm weather vibes — thanks to it being made with vodka, pomegranate, lime, blueberries, and strawberries. This drinks also makes the perfect Insta-worthy pic for our IG girls!
A customer favorite that is not new to the menu at Mariposa but keeps smiling faces coming back and has a perfect flavor profile for spring and summer is the Fuego Roca Tierra — with mezcal, watermelon shrub, housemade mango habanero syrup, fresh watermelon, and a Tajin rim. Yummy.
Matcha Bee at 800° Woodfired Kitchen
We can all agree that pollen is the worst, right? Lucky for us, BAR ONE Lounge connected to 800° Woodfired Kitchen has the ultimate allergy repellent: the Matcha Bee.
The Scoop ~ At the turn of the century, it was discussed amongst elders that combining matcha with honey & gin would drive away allergies, or so someone told someone who told our mothers who then dispelled that tale upon us.
This new cocktail features Botanist Gin, matcha organic honey, elderflower, fresh lemon juice, grapefruit bitters, and a matcha sugar rim. Yum.
So Many Spring Drinks at Napa at Kingsley & Napa on Providence
Photo courtesy of Napa at Kingsley/E Joy Photography
Charlotteans, you don’t have to travel all the way to Napa Valley to get its unique culinary style and vineyard aesthetic, thanks to our local Napa restaurants. Save the travel and head to Napa at Kingsley or Napa on Providence where delicious food, amazing wines, and seasonal cocktails await.
On the spring cocktail menu are the Strawberry Mule (vodka, strawberry purée, lime juice, ginger beer), Napa Sour (bourbon, Lillet rouge, lemon sour), Uptown Bee (gin, lemon juice, honey simple syrup, sweet vermouth), and the Red Dahlia (tequila, Luxardo maraschino, cranberry and lime juice, simple syrup, citrus salt, amarena cherry).
Stop And Smell The Rosé at Fahrenheit
The best part of spring is all the blossoming flowers, and this drink will remind you of just that. Order the new Stop And Smell The Rosé with Strawberry-Lemongrass Grey Goose Vodka, rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, Prosecco Rośe, and rosewater essence. We recommend enjoying it while watching the sun go down from Fahrenheit’s rooftop.
Tequila and Tinder at Fin & Fino
Meet your Tinder date at Fin & Fino, where the food and cocktails won’t disappoint, even if your date does. Try the Tequila and Tinder with reposado tequila, chartreuse, and pineapple liqueur. The drink alone will make the night a win.
Electress at Aura Rooftop
This colorful rooftop is inspired by the regal aura of Queen Charlotte herself, which also reflects on their tasty cocktails and food. To kick off spring, order the Electress, a refreshing blend of tequila, orange liqueur, hibiscus, and lime, blended together with ice. Delicious.
Hibiscus Bellini at Crave Dessert Bar
Dessert and craft cocktails? Yes please. Grab a seat at Crave Dessert bar where you can enjoy food, desserts, and the Hibiscus Bellini made with sparkling italian, cipriani peach, and hibiscus flower.
Pisces Punch at Aria Tuscan Grill
This Uptown favorite boasts a tropical cocktail that features Malibu Coconut Rum, pineapple, and lime. Delicious.
The Koi Pond at PARA
Ever eaten a koi fish? Okay, we know it’s not real, but it’s still fun.. This tropical drink is a favorite at PARA, with coconut rum, blue spirulina, orgeat, lime, and coconut water. Insider Scoop: they make the koi fish gummy in house, and it’s delicious.
Topside Treasure at The Waterman Fish Bar
Fins up for boozy boat drinks. The Topside Treasure at Waterman Fish Bar has us feeling like we’re on the lake, all summer long. Featureing Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, lime, agave, sea sugar rim, and a blue iceberg. PS: their new location in Cornelius sets sail April 7, which means seafood and cocktails by the lake.
Pineapple Express at Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria
New cocktails have arrived at Calle Sol and we’re loving them! One of our favorites is the Pineapple Express, with Mt. Gay Black Barrel Rum, Plantation Pineapple Rum, house pineapple cordial, and crushed ice.
Another spring favorite is the new A Mango Called Rita made with Gran Centenario reposado tequila, mango purée, agave syrup, lime and a dash of rocoto pepper for spiciness. Delicious.
Regina George at Protagonist Beer
This NoDa favorite is known for its craft brews but also has delicious cocktails just in time for spring. A new favorite is the Regina George, with vodka, blueberry syrup, lavender lemon syrup, and lemon, topped with Sprite. Another refreshing option is the Tuco Salamanca with tequila, lime, Triple Sec, and simple syrup.
Berry Curve at Pins Mechanical Co.
Duckpin bowling and a cocktail anyone? Try the Berry Curve next time you stop for a game — with raspberry vodka, strawberry, OJ, lemon, and a spear of berry candy.
Spring Has Arrived at Suffolk Punch Brewing
The patio is warm at Suffolk Punch, but don’t worry, the drinks are cold and delicious. On our radar this spring are the Hibiscus Collins, Bees Knees mule, Pink Whitney lemon drop, and Iced Irish coffee.
Raspberry Jalapeño Margarita at Paco’s Tacos and Tequila
So many great spring cocktails are at Paco’s Tacos, including the Raspberry Jalapeño Margarita made with raspberry and jalapeño-infused Hornitos plata tequila, house sour, lime juice, and a splash of soda water.
ALL the tropical drinks at The Royal Tot
Tropical cocktail in hand, head to The Bird’s Nest (their rooftop patio) for a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Not know what to order? Try the OG Mai Thai (pictured below), or the Pina Dream — with coconut rum, spiced rum, Fernet Branca, pineapple, Falernum, orgeat, and DOLE® Whip.
Strawberry Daiquiri at The Spindle Bar
Frozen, delicious, and made for warmer weather. You can’t go wrong with ordering a frozen strawberry daiquiri this spring and summer.
Minty Spring at Bulla Gastrobar
A warm, sunny day plus Bulla’s Minty Spring cocktail is everything we want (and need). Skyy Vodka, rosewater blackberry syrup, Aperol, lime juice, and mint leaves.
Too Much Of A Good Spring at Stagioni
Is there such thing as too much of a good spring? Head to Stagioni to find out, where their seasonal cocktails are in full bloom. This delicious drink features Empress Gin, Aperol, hibiscus thyme simple, and lime.
Lavencello Martini at Little Mama’s
Purple drinks just taste better, right? Order the Lavencello Martini made with Empress Gin, lavender simple syrup and lemon juice.
Another favorite is the Elderflower Spritz, a refreshing and easy drink for the warmer temps. Made with Prosecco, St. Germaine, mint and lime juice.
Spring Fever at Haberdish
We love a drink that’s equally delicious and beautiful. Haberdish keeps this seasonal drink on tap, and we’re all about it. el Jimador Tequila housemade fever syrup, lime, jalapeño, ginger beer, and cilantro.
You can find this drink at their sister concepts, Ever Andalo, Supperland, and Growlers Pourhouse.
An Americano at Ever Andalo
Recently opened in NoDa, Ever Andalo features a cozy spot to enjoy Italian food and drinks. To get in the spring/summer mood, order the classic Americano with a vermouth blend, Campari, salt tincture, soda water, and orange slices.
Sun’s Out, Bums Out at Oh My Soul
Yes, you’re seeing this right — this drink is served inside a real pineapple. The Sun’s Out, Bums Out gives us all the summer vibes, with Bumbu Caribbean rum, Tres Agaves Anejo Tequila, house-made pineapple date syrup, and fresh squeezed lime. Insta-worthy and totally delicious.
El Canario at Customshop Handcrafted Food
This tangy blend of juices and top-shelf spirits is sure to awaken your senses. Ilegal Mezcal, Cappelletti aperitivo, pineapple, fresh sour, lemon, and xocolatl molé bitters.
Honey Bee and the Buzzing Monk at Supperland
Another summertime favorite, the Honey Bee and the Buzzing Monk features London Dry gin, yellow chartreuse, saffron-infused local honey, lemon, and vanilla honey Szechuan flower rim. Best enjoyed watching the sun set on the patio.
Pear Blossom at Dilworth Tasting Room
For a refreshing and Insta-worthy drink, try the Pear Blossom with Grey Goose la Poire, absinthe, creme de menthe, lime juice, ginger beer, and fresh cucumbers.
Another spring favorite is the Red Light District with hibiscus flower infused-Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Vermouth Blanc, elderflower, pomegranate, plum bitters and chipotle pepper tincture with a grapefruit peel garnish.
Whale Tail at Hello, Sailor – Lake Norman
Welcome the start of warmer temps by relaxing on Hello Sailors waterfront oasis, cocktail in hand. Our spring and summer go-to for frozen drinks is the classic Pina Colada, with lime, rum, coconut, and pineapple. Another option for summer sipping is the Whale Tail (pictured above). New to the menu, this cocktail features spiced rum, luxardo, falernum, lemon, and tiki bitters.
