RALEIGH, N.C. — On a hot summer night nothing is more refreshing than a cool summertime cocktail, and when it comes to cocktails, Raleigh definitely has it figured out! I took on the difficult task of finding the best summertime cocktails in Raleigh. Check out our list and let me know if there are any that I need to try! This is one assignment I don't think I will grow tired of researching.
The Green Thumb from The Station at Person Street - Cucumber, basil, lime and pepper vodka. Though this drink seems so simple at first, it packs a ton of taste and is very refreshing on a hot summer day. The pepper vodka gives this drink a unique flavor that really stands out from your usual summer drinks. This restaurant is relatively new but has become one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat and a drink. Whether you choose to hang out on their huge, dog-friendly patio or grab a seat inside, this place has an awesome vibe and a great selection of drinks.
If you like things on the spicy side give the Oakwood Heat a try. This tequila drink has jalapenos, cranberries and lime and really packs a punch. First, you get the refreshing taste of the lime and cranberries, then you feel the heat from the jalapenos and have to keep drinking. My only problem with this cocktail is that I drink it to fast!
The Big Mama from The Borough - How could you not order a drink called The Big Mama? This refreshing drink is made with Stoli Citrus, Cointreau, pink grapefruit juice and fresh mint. You can really taste the mint and it goes down smooth. If you are looking for a cocktail to sip in the afternoon I would definitely suggest this one.
If you love pears, give the Nice Pear a try. You will feel like you just bit into a freshly picked pear.
Seasonal Lemonade from Bittersweet - Bittersweet combines two of my absolute favorite things in life - desserts and cocktails! Ever since they opened, I have been dying to try it out. The first time I went was on a Sunday afternoon and they were not open. They are only open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m. for desserts and cocktails. They are also serving up morning coffee service weekdays 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Their seasonal lemonades are the epitome of summer drinks and they can be made so many different ways. You choose from vodka, ouzo, rum or tequila and then they mix it with their fresh lemonade. You can also choose to throw in one of their seasonal syrups like strawberry or blackberry.
The Champ from
Fox Liquor Bar - When you think cocktails in Raleigh you think Fox Liquor Bar. They have cocktails down to a science. One of my favorite things about Fox's is the ice. Each drink is made with a certain type of ice depending on what you order. The Champ is one of my favorite drinks from Fox's which is surprising because it is a bourbon drink. I do not drink a lot of bourbon but everyone told me to give this one a try and I am glad I did. The drink includes applejack, lemon juice, sugar and mint and is muddled then served with crushed ice.
If bourbon is not your drink of choice try the Mezcal Mule. This drink has mezcal, lime juice, passion fruit, ginger, cucumber slices and soda water. It is topped with cayenne pepper and a cucumber slice. You can really taste the ginger in this truly unique drink while the cayenne pepper is the icing on the cake.
Sit at the bar if there are open seats. It is fascinating to see the bartenders craft the cocktails.
Aperol Spritz from C. Grace - Aperol, lemon, honey and champagne - four simple ingredients that combine for an amazing summertime cocktail. C. Grace is another Raleigh staple in the cocktail world so you cant go wrong with anything you try. I usually just go in and describe to the bartender what I am looking for and they always select the perfect cocktail.
