There’s almost nothing we love more than sipping on a tasty and pretty cocktail with friends in our beautiful Queen City. To celebrate the sunny days of Spring and soon-to-be Summer, we set out to find the best fruity, colorful cocktails in Charlotte. Here’s what we found, organized by neighborhood ’cause that’s how we usually decide where to meet for a drink 🙂 :
SOUTHPARK
Margarita Furioso at 800° Woodfired Kitchen
BAR ONE Lounge, connected to 800° Woodfired Kitchen, has the perfect warm-weather cocktails to keep us cool. A new fiery favorite is the Margarita Furioso made with Don Julio Tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass alongside muddled strawberry, jalapeno, and a salted rim.
Pear of Cucs at Leo’s Italian Social
New to town, this social gathering spot has many fruity cocktails to keep us satisfied and sipping all summer long. Order the Pear of Cucs for the perfect combination of pear-infused Vodka, muddled cucumbers, and lime.
Lemon Berry Sangria at Village Tavern
Change up your ordinary Sangria this season with Village Tavern’s fruity version – a mix of La Marca Prosecco, fresh strawberry, and sweetened citrus fruits. Delish.
BALLANTYNE
Gin & Tonikku at Hestia Rooftop
A new addition to Ballantyne, Hestia Rooftop offers creative spring cocktails along with breathtaking views of South Charlotte. Our current favorite is the light and refreshing Gin & Tonikku made with Tenjaku Gin, ginger syrup, and Elderflower Tonic. Who doesn’t love a drink that shade of purple?
Salted Mango Cooler at Duckworth’s
Spring cocktails launch May 1 at this local favorite! For something fruity with a twist, try the Salted Mango Cooler — a tropical fruit and Rum libation showcasing their house-made Salted Mango Syrup, Tiki bitters, and pineapple.
Lake Love at Link & Pin
Freshly pressed red grapes, lemon and basil center this crisp, clean and contoured fusion of McQueen Brazilian Gin, Italian Limoncello and French St. Germaine liqueur. It may well be the perfect patio sipper but performs equally well as a celebratory toast, entree pairing or evening nightcap.
NODA
Spring Fever at Ever Andalo
A favorite this time of year, and for a good reason. Made with Hornitos Reposado Tequila, ginger beer, fever syrup, lime juice, orange bitters, and super carbonated soda water.
Spring Fever at Haberdish
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 also find this drink at their sister concepts, Ever Andalo, Supperland, and Growlers Pourhouse.
Poptails at The Spindle Bar
What’s better than an ice-cold popsicle on a hot day? A popsicle cocktail! Head to The Spindle Bar Airstream to try the new Poptail, made with Deep Eddy seasonal popsicles that are made in-house, and then topped with bubbles. Deliciously cold and IG worthy.
Bramble On at Billy Sunday
For a healthy option of spring drinks head to Billy Sunday, located right below Optimist Hall. A fan favorite this season is the Bramble On with gin, lemon, bubbles, and blackberry sorbet. You can never go wrong with an ice-cold, fruity drink.
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 Frosty Hawaiian – a frosty, blue, tropical drink; or the Plea to Mary – A citrusy and frothy blend of grapefruitcello and pomegranate.
PLAZA MIDWOOD
Karma at Supperland
Another summertime favorite, Karma features mellow corn kentucky straight whiskey, amaro montenegro, lemon, honey, vegan egg white, & orange blossom water. Partial proceeds from this cocktail will benefit the Charlotte chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild.
SOUTH END
Rye Tai at State of Confusion in LoSo
Very new to Charlotte, State of Confusion brings a spacious rooftop and delicious drinks to LoSo (Lower South End). A great option to sip on this season is their version of a Mai Thai, the Rye Tai, made with Rye Whiskey, Banana Liqueur, orgeat, and lime juice. Sweet, tiki-inspired, and just what we need for sunny days on the patio.
Peach, Please! and So Many More at The Waterman Fish Bar
Fins up for boozy boat drinks. The Peach Please! is a new addition to the cocktail menu at Waterman Fish Bar, and has us feeling all the summer vibes. Featuring Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom Vodka, Peach Schnapps, lemon, pineapple, and demerera.
Wine Not? at Elsewhere Cocktail Bar
New to town, Elsewhere Cocktail Bar provides unique, flavorful combinations to sip on. This spring, we’re ordering the Wine Not? made with Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, Los Siete Misterios Dobra-Yej Mezcal, Campari, lime, raspberry, egg white and Pinot Noir. Other favorites include the Osaka Shandy and Don’t Text, all pictured above.
Blind Melon Mule at Pins Mechanical Co.
It’s official – the spring cocktail menu at Pins Mechanical Co. has dropped! While it was hard to choose a favorite, we love the idea of a light green drink to hold while duckpin bowling. The melon and cucumber are a fabulous touch, too.
MYERS PARK & WESLEY HEIGHTS
Boozy Shakes at Ace No. 3
Boozy milkshakes, anyone? Cool off with alcohol-infused “Boozees” from Ace No. 3. Enjoy classic flavors such as Choc N’ Skrewed, Strawberry Shotcake, and Crown and Caramel, as well as seasonal options (be sure to check out the delicious Cheesecake Shake out now!).
Moonlight Mile at Restaurant Constance
New to town, Restaurant Constance is a farm-to-table eatery from chef Sam Diminich that not only has a delicious menu created by the seasons, but an extensive NA list as well. For something light and bubbly, order the NA Moonlight Mile with Yuzu, spring berries, and lemongrass.
UPTOWN
Watermelon Paloma at Cloud Bar by David Burke
Take in breathtaking views of Uptown Charlotte from one of our favorite rooftops, Cloud Bar by David Burke. For a fruity option and carbonated option, order the Watermelon Paloma with Blanco Tequila, Owens Sour, Owens grapefruit lime, and watermelon Red Bull.
Hawaiian Delight at Sea Level
A beautiful drink to order during the warmer months, Hawaiian Delight is a delicious blend of RumHaven, Parrot Bay Passion Fruit Rum, pineapple, lime, hibiscus syrup, demerara, and passion fruit flakes. Other favorites are the Kentucky Sting (Beeswax-infused Yellowstone Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, lavender, honey) and Opal Ocean (Hpnotiq, Los Vecinos Mezcal, peach schnapps, agave, lime).
Utopian Desires at Mariposa
Head to Mariposa at the Mint Museum to try this all-new cocktail — made with Muddy River Silver Rum, ginger liqueur, housemade strawberry rhubarb cordial, fresh grapefruit juice and house rosemary bitters.
Strawberry Spring Breeze at McNinch House Restaurant
For something simple and refreshing, you can’t go wrong with the Strawberry Spring Breeze – made with Vodka, lemon juice, strawberry purée, and simple syrup. It’s a drink we can (and will) be sipping on all season long.
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.
Opposites Attract 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 light and refreshing “Opposites Attract” with Tequilla, Vodka, honey, basil, lychee, and bubbles.
Boulevardier of Broken Dreams at Fahrenheit
This drink is what fruity dreams are made of. Order the new Boulevardier of Broken Dreams with Elijah Craig, strawberry-infused Campari, Crème de Cacao, disaronno, lemon juice, walnut bitters, and white strawberry foam. We recommend enjoying it while watching the sun go down from Fahrenheit’s rooftop.
AND BEYOND…
New, Fruity Drinks at Port City Club
Port City Club By David Burke has been working up some cocktails with fresh herbs, flavor bombs, citrus peels and bitters to jump-start lake season. Stop by for sunshine in a glass and stay for the Drunken Mussels and the Cornflake Crab Cakes. Yum.
Brazilian Lemonade at Thigs Cocktail Bar
An intimate cocktail bar in the heart of Cornelius features many drinks to help keep cool this spring. Order the Brazilian Lemonade for something creamy, sweet, tart, and refreshing.
Yacht Club at Hello, Sailor
Welcome the start of warmer temps by relaxing on Hello Sailors waterfront oasis, cocktail in hand. Our spring and summer go-to is the new “Yacht Club” with Mezcal, elderflower, lime, grapefruit, and jalapeno. The perfect combination of bright and smokey.
