THE VILLAGE COCKTAILS | OUR TOP PICKS
Raleigh might be soaked in craft beer and packed with more microbreweries than you can shake a stick at, but there are plenty of spots to grab a decent cocktail around town. The Village District in particular is a happening, walkable spot filled with several restaurants that have solid cocktail programs. No, they’re not necessarily the types of places that refer to the bartenders as “mixologists,” but you’ll get quality spirits and combinations nonetheless. Whether you’re looking for something trendy, creative, or just the classics, here are our top picks for the best cocktails in the Village.
68 Likes, 2 Comments - Cameron Village (@shopcameronvillage) on Instagram: "We'll take one of each 🍽 📷: @raleighwhatsup"
AIR SIGN OR ANY SEASONAL HOUSE COCKTAIL | TAZZA KITCHEN
This one is a bit of a cop-out, but Tazza Kitchen’s beverage menu is so ever-changing that we can’t pick just one. Contemporary, spacious, and casual, Tazza continues to impress with its consistent quality and dishes that exude international influence, but it’s the bar that’ll keep you coming back. The atmosphere is always buzzing from brunch ‘til dinnertime, and their cocktail list will make you step away from that old standby vodka soda - if you don’t get wooed by their expansive wine list, that is. The original Tazza Kitchen in Richmond got quite the reputation for its innovative craft cocktails, and they’ve had enormous success expanding into North Carolina and South Carolina.
110 Likes, 20 Comments - Foodie Patootie (@boujeethefoodie) on Instagram: "It's Friday... I'll drink to that! This is the top knot and air sign cocktails from @tazzakitchen"
Make no mistake, just because there are multiple locations, Tazza is no chain restaurant. Their cocktail lists reflect the unique characters of each city, and a few Raleigh favorites have been profiled in Walter Magazine. Tazza utilizes adventurous yet approachable ingredients in clever ways as they create both classic and seasonal house cocktails. Their evolving drink list contains clever names accompanied by illustrations of each drink, so you’ll know just what you ordered. Because they change seasonally, it’s hard to recommend one, but if we must: Try the aromatic, herbaceous, and floral Air Sign, a cohesive blend of Cathead Vodka, rosemary and lavender infused Carpano Bianco Vermouth, Rothman & Winter pear liqueur, and absinthe. The best thing about Tazza’s bar? It’s one of those places where you can tell the bartender what you like and they’ll be able to recommend the perfect cocktail!
View the ever-changing Tazza beverage menu here.
23 Likes, 0 Comments - so*ca raleigh (@soca_raleigh) on Instagram: "Masters, Hurricanes, clouds. All good reasons to enjoy a Little Mendoza. #weekendvibes..."
LITTLE MENDOZA OR RUM DIARY | SO•CA
If there’s such a thing as “casual fine dining,” so•ca is it. With a blend of several Latin cuisines, the menu at this small plates restaurant allows diners to dabble in dishes they might not otherwise get the chance to try. We’re talking Peruvian, Brazilian, Dominican, and Puerto Rican, just to name a few. It’s the perfect spot for cocktails and quick snacks or a lengthy dinner shared with friends (well, those friends who are okay with sharing food anyway). Known for their outstanding service, chic ambiance, and beautiful plating, their libations menu is also a trip to the Southern Hemisphere (or south of the Tropic of Cancer, as the restaurant’s name suggests). These exquisite craft cocktails feature ingredients like hibiscus, habanero, coconut, mezcal, cachaça, and of course, rum!
45 Likes, 6 Comments - Janet | 919 Drinks (@919drinks) on Instagram: "THE RUM DIARY | flor de caña 4 year, cruzen light rum, fresh pineapple, coconut milk, habanero,..."
It’s tough to decide between all of their unique preparations, but we’re recommending the Little Mendoza for something you can’t get anywhere else. With a combination of Bulleit Rye, bitters, Lillet blanc, Malbec-chicory reduction, and brandied cherry, it’s a nod to Argentina, a twist on the classic Manhattan, and the perfect transition into fall weather (whenever that finally happens in NC). If you’re not into whiskey or red wine, try the ever-popular Rum Diary. It’s an elegant take on piña colada flavors that’s slightly spiced and not too sweet. For those not ready to relinquish patio-weather drinks yet, their Rosé Spritz features Cappelletti, grapefruit-peach infused rosé, “Rizzo” Crude Bitters, sparkling wine, and club soda. And never fear, there are plenty of beers from south of the border available, plus a few NC craft beers if you hold that kind of allegiance to the Raleigh beer scene.
Check out so•ca’s full libations menu here.
149 Likes, 3 Comments - RALEIGHWHATSUP (@raleighwhatsup) on Instagram: "| DRINK | when #nationaltequiladay lands on #tacotuesday. #margarita #cantina18 #cameronvillage..."
TOP-SHELF MARGARITA | CANTINA 18
This Village District staple has been serving up fresh takes on Tex-Mex cuisine made with local NC ingredients for years. When the menu’s taco options include seared pork belly, duck confit, and braised short rib, you know you’re not sitting in an average Mexican joint. But Cantina 18 also has a strong bar program and a tempting list of weekly drink specials as well. While you might wisely choose one of the many beers on tap, a fun brunch-time drink like the habanero screwdriver, or even a tequila flight, the obvious pick here is a margarita.
63 Likes, 2 Comments - Cameron Village (@shopcameronvillage) on Instagram: "Cheers to #MargaritaMonday 🍹 @cantina18 📸: @akeeleywhite #cvtrendreport"
Perfect for after-work drinks on the patio, dinner on the airy second floor, or even solo sipping at their spacious wooden bar (hey, you can watch sports there too), Cantina 18 serves up a fabulous Top-Shelf Margarita. It’s made with Tres Agaves blanco tequila, Patron Citrónge, and their house-made sweet and sour mix (because there’s nothing worse than store-bought marg mix at a restaurant). Oh, and it’s the drink special on Wednesdays for $9! If you like things spicy, we’d also point you to their Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita. Cantina 18 is an unpretentious, family-friendly place, but it’s also perfect for a girls’ night or drinks with a bowl of chips and salsa. They offer $6.50 house margs on Monday, a colorful selection of flavored sangrias, and a Skinny Girl Margarita here as well, but hey, why not treat yourself?
Browse Cantina 18’s full menu and daily drink specials here.
78 Likes, 4 Comments - @danr617 on Instagram: "What Sundays are made of #brunch . . . #instagood #sundayfunday #sunday #gayboy #instagay..."
QUEEN MARY, BEER CITY G&T, OR ETERNAL SPRING | TUPELO HONEY
A southern spot renowned for their brunch, yes, but don’t sleep on the cocktails at Tupelo Honey. What better drink to pair with your hangover, er, fried chicken eggs Benedict than a fully-loaded bloody with all the trimmings? Get the Queen Mary for a larger version of their classic Bloody Mary. It comes with bacon, shrimp, pickled jalapeños, green bean, cherry tomato, celery, and a lime salt rim. (Hey, maybe you won’t even need to order brunch with all those extras?) For those craving a little extra spice, we can also get into their Black Pepper Bloody Mary made Dixie Black Pepper Vodka and a chili salt rim.
77 Likes, 8 Comments - Jenny | Life in Raleigh (@lifeinraleigh) on Instagram: "I'd say it lives up to the hype \o/ @tupelohoneycafe everything here is delicious 😋 looking..."
If you’re not going for brunch (or pre-tailgate drinks), check out Tupelo Honey’s happy hour menu and choose one of their signature cocktails accompanied by a few bar snacks. The mixologist (yes, he really is one) in charge of their award-winning beverage program previously worked at the famous Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. He now focuses on combining local, quality products with classic techniques. Try the Beer City G&T made with gin, Jack Rudy small-batch tonic syrup, soda, and Bittermens hopped grapefruit bitters served on the rocks. For something more floral and citrusy, the Eternal Spring, made with Cathead honeysuckle vodka, triple sec, lemon, lime, and lavender is also a crowd favorite (and beautiful to look at too). If you want to stick with the classics, we also hear they do a great Moscow Mule. Their happy hour specials make this the perfect place for weekday drinks and apps with friends.
View their full cocktail, bloody, beer, and wine menu here.