T-minus 11 hours until 5 p.m. rolls around + we’ve got specialty drinks for you. 🍸
Liquor may not solve life’s problems, but it’s worth a shot—or 3, and after reading this intoxicating, summer cocktail list full of local drinks, we promise you’ll be in good spirits come happy hour.
Backyard Barbeque, Hendrix | Photo provided
Hendrix
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a “Backyard Barbeque” and Hendrix is shaking it up by serving it up in a glass. This cocktail is a mix of Goza Blanco, Poe d’Orange, Curacao, acid-adjusted watermelon juice, lemon basil syrup, and Memphis Mud dry rub.
Isolated Incident, Motor Supply Co. Bistro + Jake Smith | Photo provided
This “Isolated Incident’’ cocktail from Motor Supply Co. Bistro may have to turn into a habit-forming affair. It features Probitas white blended rum, house apricot brandy, Jagermeister, banana curry cordial, lemon and house toasted walnut bitters. It is spicy and naturally sweet. The toasted almonds help elevate a lovely blend of rum + brandy.
Meancia, Tazza Kitchen + Jake Cooper | Photo provided
Watermelon sugar, hi. 👋 Meet Melancia (watermelon in portugese).
This cocktail is a fruity concoction of Ypioca Ouro Cachaca (Brazillian sugar cane rum), Aperol, lime, and fresh watermelon juice. These ingredients are combined and a milk clarification is applied, taking out the all the color of the mixture, resulting in a clear cocktail that leaves you with an ultra-refreshing watermelon milk punch. The perfect balance of bitter and sweet.
Blueberry Palmoa, Publico | Photo provided
Publico is pouring a glass of their Blueberry Palmoa.
“It’s a blend of 1800 gold tequila, grapefruit juice, blueberry puree, agave, lemon juice, topped with elderflower grapefruit soda. Along with the frozen drink of goodness, they are also serving up their margarita flight with all 6 margarita flavors they have on tap: house Skinny marg, watermelon, strawberry, blueberry, mango, and spicy jalapeno.”
We think you’ll like all of these berry much.
Spiced Pineapple Mule, Saluda’s | Photo provided
This spiced mule from Saluda’s will be the pineapple of your eye this summer. “It’s made with altos tequila, ancho Teye, pineapple, citrus, and ginger beer.”
Peach-Aperol Spritz, Saluda’s | Photo provided
Saluda’s is also pouring out the Peach-Aperol spritz of your dreams. Ketel One Peach, St. Germain Aperol, blood orange, and peach sparkling wine.
From left to right, La Niña Fresa, El Atardecer, Coa Agaveria y Cocina + City Social Co | Photo provided
This La Niña Fresa, or “Strawberry Girl” is an añejo tequila & gin based cocktail with house-made strawberry shrub, citrus, Aperol, agave, and aquafaba (a vegan substitute for egg white) served in a coupe glass with an edible charcoal garnish and fresh strawberry.
“El Atardecer” translates to “the sunset” which looks + tastes like summer. It’s crafted with a mezcal base, lemon, mint, pineapple, Aperol, yellow chartreuse, agave and bitters served in a Collins glass with crushed ice and garnished with fresh mint & a lemon slice.
Cherry Limeade Slushie, Market on Main | Photo provided
Don’t walk, rum.
This Sonic-inspired, Market on Main-created Cherry Limeade Slushie features cherry vodka and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. This cocktail is sure to give you all the hot summer vibes you could ask for.