Almost nothing is better than a refreshing cocktail on a Friday night after a long week. To celebrate the weekend, and every day in between, I’ve searched through countless Facebook and Yelp reviews, scoured Instagram, and conducted many Google searches to find the best cocktails in America. Here are the best cocktails in each and every state.
#SpoonTip: Please drink responsibly, no matter which state you’re drinking in. Spoon University does not promote underage drinking or binge drinking.
Alabama: Yellowhammer
It’s no surprise that the best cocktail in the state of Alabama is named after their football team. The Yellowhammer is served at Gallettes in Tuscaloosa. When it comes to the ingredients, that’s the best kept secret in Alabama. However, I can report that the cocktail is sweet, fruity, and strong.
#SpoonTip: Gallettes is a game day must in Tuscaloosa.
Alaska: Smoked Salmon Mary
If you travel to Alaska without stopping in Denali Park at The Crow’s Nest, then you’re missing out. I know what you’re thinking, this doesn’t sound very delicious. However, this combination of smoked salmon vodka, beef stock, horseradish, and hot sauce is changing the Blood Mary game. It also comes garnished with salmon strips.
Arizona: Conflagration Nation
This signature cocktail of Angel’s Envy rye whiskey, Bulleit 10 Year bourbon, Nardini amaro, ruby port, Calvados apple brandy, and mint simple syrup can be found at The Ostrich in Chandler. My favorite things about The Ostrich are that it is speakeasy-inspired and that it has a fun black and white mugshot wall.
Arkansas: Three Paws Tippin
Found at The Fold: Botanas & Bar in Little Rock, the Three Paws Tippin cocktail was named after the creator’s three legged dog. The drink itself is just as sweet as the story behind it.
It is a blend of vodka, Rothem & Winter Peach liqueur, lemon juice, Aperol, and organic agave. If that isn’t good enough, it is also topped with a skewer of gummy bears.
California: Mai Tai
Rumor has it that the best place in California to get a Mai Tai would be the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. This mixture of Jamaican Rum, Trinidadian Rum, Orange Curacao, Orgeat, and lime will change the way that you think about Mai Tias. Did I mention that a band plays live music from a boat there?
#SpoonTip: If a Mai Tai isn’t your thing, grab a friend and try “A Monk Walks Into a Luau.” You can thank me later.
Colorado: The Master Key
Found at Rioja, the Master Key is a delightful blend of Avuá cachaça prata, Fidencio mezcal, key lime, passion fruit, and cilantro. Rioja is located in the Historic Larimer Square in Denver. It is a can’t miss if you’re in the area.
Connecticut: The Rathbone
Found at Match in South Norwalk, the Rathbone, which is named for Basil Rathbone, is a delicious combination of Uncle Val’s Botanical gin, Japanese Sencha green tea, cucumber juice, lime juice, and a basil leaf. You won’t find a cocktail more refreshing in Connecticut.
Delaware: Moscow Mule
Word on the street has it that the best place to get a Moscow Mule in Delaware is Columbus Inn located in Wilmington. A visit to Columbus Inn is like a visit back to 1950. If you haven’t tried their Moscow Mule, which is vodka, lime juice, ginger simple syrup, and seltzer, then you are missing out.
#SpoonTip: They use the hashtag #drinkdrankdrunk, so you know it’s bound to get lit.
Florida: Prickly Pear Margarita
I’m pretty sure this drink is actually what dreams are made of. Found at the Canyon Southwest Café in Fort Lauderdale, the Prickly Pear Margarita is all over Instagram. As for what this drink is made of, that is Florida’s best kept (and maybe only kept) secret. However, a bartender told Broward Palm Beach New Times, “It’s cactus pear soaked in tequila, and the rest I can’t tell you.”
Georgia: Nuts & Grains Manhattan
Maybe you’ve had a Manhattan, but you haven’t had one like this. A. Lure in Savannah puts a twist on a Manhattan by making it the liquid version of a pecan pie. The Nuts & Grains Manhattan is a blend of Virgil Kane Rye whiskey, pecan vodka, chicory pecan bitters, and sweet vermouth. Nothing has ever been more Southern.
Hawaii: Tropical Itch
Who doesn’t love a drink that comes with a bamboo backscratcher instead of a swizzle stick? I have it on good authority that the best places in Hawaii to get a Tropical Itch would be either the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s Splash Bar or the Waikiki Beach Marriott. A Tropical Itch is a blend of light rum, dark rum, Lilikoi juice, and a shot of bourbon.
Idaho: La Pachanga
When it comes to cocktails in Idaho, Juniper in Boise does it best. They have a La Pachanga with is a blend of Vida Mezcal Rinse, tequila, Serrano-Thai Basil simple syrup, Thai basil, lime juice, and finished with a Himalayan black salt rim. They also have happy hour twice a day, and that’s important.
Illinois: Wishful Thinking
Wishful Thinking is a mixture of Modest Vodka, fresh lemon juice, house Grenadine, house peach bitters, Giffard Peche and Angostura. From what I hear, though, you can’t go wrong with any drink at The Violet Hour.
Keep in mind, you will be expected to follow the Violet Hour’s house rules, “No cell phone use inside the lounge, no reservations, no jager-bombs, no bombs of any kind, no Budweiser, no light beer, no Grey Goose, no Cosmopolitans, and please do not bring anyone to the Violet Hour that you wouldn’t bring to your mother’s house for Sunday dinner.”
Indiana: The Easy Lover
In Indianapolis, there is a place that features local beers, an extensive bourbon list, craft cocktails, and a hand selected wine list. This place is called The North End Barbecue and Moonshine. The North End serves a cocktail called The Easy Lover that is a mixture of lunazul reposado, agave, lime, salt, and house-made grapefruit soda.
Iowa: She Wore Lemon
Located in Iowa City, Clinton Street Social Club knows how to make a good cocktail. Their She Wore Lemon is simply to die for. She Wore Lemon is made with: vodka, St. Germain, ginger liqueur, Ricard, lemon juice, and lemon bitters. Clinton Street Social Club is known as Iowa City’s only true gastropub, speakeasy, and dedicated live jazz venue.
Kansas: Martini
When it comes to martinis in Kansas, Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar in Wichita does it the best. They have over 160 types of martinis, and have a selection of cigars. They also have half-price martinis on Mondays, as if you weren’t sold already.
Some of their martinis include: Golden Mean, a combination of Ketel One Vodka, Cointreau, and sweetened lime juice; Fallen Angel, a combination of St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Frangelico, Godiva White Chocolate and Dark Cream de Cacao; and Dirty McNasty, a blend of Smirnoff Vodka, olive juice, and fresh blue cheese olives.
Kentucky: Mint Julep
The Silver Dollar in Louisville was named one of the “10 Best Whiskey Bars in America” by GQ Magazine. Their Mint Julep is as tasty as it is beautiful. It’s a blend of Four Roses Single Barrel, made in-house demerara syrup and mint.
Louisiana: Vieux Carre
Vieux Carre can be found in the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge in Hotel Monteleone. What makes this bar so unique in a city full of unique drinking experiences is the fact that it is the only revolving bar in the city.
It has also been named a one of the “Top 20 Bars in the World” by Vogue. Vieux Carre is the signature drink of the Carousel Bar and is a blend of Bulliet Rye Whiskey, Pierre Ferrand 1840, Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine, and Angostura & Peychaud’s Bitters.
Maine: White Noise
Portland Hunt & Alpine Club is changing the game when it comes to cocktails. Their White Noise cocktail is more photogenic than I will ever be, and it is just as delicious. This mixture of enderlfower and cocchi americano and grapefruit zest. It is also carbonated and sure to change your life.
Maryland: Preakness Cocktail
Bookmakers Cocktail Club is an American craft cocktail bar and restaurant in Baltimore. Their best cocktail? The Preakness Cocktail. This is a mixture of rye, benedictine, sweet vermouth, and angostura. It’s a can’t miss if you’re in the area.
Massachusetts: Let Me Entertain You
In Massachusetts, you won’t find a better place to get a cocktail than Cuchi Cuchi in Cambridge. All of their signature cocktails are hand-muddled using fresh fruit and herbs. Their Let Me Entertain You cocktail is a blend of peach schnapps, blood orange purée, and champagne.
Michigan: Tunnel of Love
The Sugar House in Detroit is the best place to go for a cocktail. Their Tunnel of Love is a blend of mezcal, tequila, carrot, lime, and jalapeño. Try it along side Sugar House’s popcorn with truffle oil and sea salt for the perfect snack experience.
Minnesota: Ladykiller
It didn’t take much Google searching to find out that Marvel Bar is the best bar in Minnesota. Located in Minneapolis, Marvel Bar prides themselves on being a small, neighborhood bar that serves classic and original cocktails. The Lady Killer cocktail is a blend of Dolin Dry, apricot, Beefeater, Araki, Marqués de Cáceres, and water.
Mississippi: Jesus Maria
Maybe the Ole Miss in me is a little biased to a cocktail from my college town, but the Jesus Maria can be found at City Grocery in Oxford, MS. The drink is a blend of Patron, Cointreau, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, and Simple Syrup. It’s a 10/10.
Missouri: The Jaguar Shark
Planter’s House is named to reference the famous Planter’s Hotel, which was a St. Louis landmark from 1817 to 1922. The Jaguar Shark is a mixture of Sol Citrus Vodka, Blueberry-Rhubarb Citrate, Zucca, Lemon, and Club Soda. Talk about a delicious combination.
Montana: Montana Martini
Found at Trailhead Spirits, the Montana Martini is infused with Highroad Chocolate Whiskey and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Name a better duo. I’ll await. As if that wasn’t enough, it also contains mint, cream, and nutmeg and tastes like dessert.
Nebraska: The Chapman
The beautiful cocktail that is the Chapman is a blend of Laird’s 100 Proof Apple Brandy, vanilla caramel, malic acid, cinnamon, and clove bitters. This drink can only be found at The Berry & Rye in Omaha. They find their inspiration from pre-prohibition era drinks.
Nevada: Frisco
When it comes to Las Vegas, finding the best cocktail requires a lot of research. I found that the best one comes from Herbs & Rye. From the Gothic Age (1776-1865) section of their menu comes the Frisco, a blend of rye whiskey, benedictine, and lemon.
Their menu is also broken up into the Golden Age, Old School Age, Prohibition, Years of Reform, Rat Pack Era, and Tiki Boom. Each section features cocktails inspired by that time period.
New Hampshire: Lavish Habits
815 is a speakeasy in Manchester that requires a password for entry. Fear not, they post their weekly passwords on their Facebook account. Their Lavish Habits cocktail is a blend of gin, Sauvignon Blanc, raspberry, pomegranate, and orange bitters.
New Jersey: Blazer Smokeshow
The Iron Room prides itself on being Atlantic City’s first speakeasy since prohibition. In The Atlantic City Weekly 2017 Nightlife Awards, The Iron Room won: best happy hour, best wine list, best cocktail bar, best beer list, and best girls night out to name a few. The Blazer Smokeshow is a blend of cucumber water, green chartreuse, Bluecoat gin, lime, and a float of Fernet-Branca.
New Mexico: Arsenic & Old Lace
If you’re looking for a hand-crafted cocktail paired with an amazing sunset view from a rooftop, then the Apothecary Lounge on the rooftop of the Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque. Their Arsenic & Old Lace cocktail is a blend of Hendrick’s gin, campari, grapefruit juice, citrus bitters, and muddled rosemary all served in a double rocks glass.
New York: Pineapple Milk
This blend of Puerto Rican rum, Brandy de Ferez, cream, pineapple, hazelnut, vanilla, cherry, and aromatic bitters can be found at BlackTail in NYC. Their website claims that at BlackTail they “step back into the devil-may-care early days of aviation. A time when luxurious flying boats delivered the thirsty into the embrace of tropical sunshine, of decadent cocktails – of Cuba.”
North Carolina: Smoked Whiskey Sour
This is The Cellar at Duckworth’s house smoked version of a classic Whiskey Sour. Located in Charlotte, The Cellar is small in size but big in gratification. However, you should be prepared that they do not allow flash photography or videos. It’s all worth it, though, because the staff dresses up in prohibition-era attire.
North Dakota: Bomb Pop
In 1933, Peacock Alley opened its doors. This makes it the oldest bar in North Dakota. Known for their martinis, Peacock Alley ups the game when it comes to cocktails. Their Bomb Pop Martini is described on their website as “red, white, and blue layered goodness.” They don’t give you any more than that.
Ohio: She’s So Pisco
The word “Curio” means, “A rare, unusual, unique, or intriguing object.” At Curio in Columbus, you can find She’s So Pisco.
This beautiful drink is a blend of Pisco la Caravedo, Funaguchi Sake, Shiso Leaf, Pineapple Gomme, lemon, and vegan whites. Their cocktails range from bold and boozy to shaken and refreshing.
Oklahoma: The WASP
The WASP is a cocktail offered at WSKY Lounge in Oklahoma City. Fun fact: Their staff has to complete a 16 week apprentice program prior to their graduation. The name WSKY Lounge is also tribute to radio stations of yesteryear.
Named for track nine of The Door’s “L.A. Woman,” The WASP is a blend of Rhum Clement, Wellington Palo Cortado Sherry, Genepy, Suze, and Drambuie.
Oregon: 151 Swizzle
If you’re looking for a tiki bar in Oregon, then Hale Pele in Portland is the place for you. Rated a KA-BOOM!!! strength drink on Hale Pele’s strong ones menu; a 151 Swizzle is “the original potent potable from the islands blending overproof rum, falernum, and lime.” They recommend that if you let it sit for a moment, it will just keep getting better. However, it is not for the faint of heart.
Pennsylvania: Liquid Swords
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there is a cozy place called The Good King Tavern. It’s like stepping into a bar from you favorite television show. Their Liquid Swords cocktail is a blend of vodka, green tea, jalapeño, and lime.
Rhode Island: Siesta
When it comes to cocktails, at The Eddy Bar in Providence, you will not be disappointed. They also have a killer aesthetic on their Instagram. Their Siesta cocktail is a blend of Chinaco Blanco tequila, campari, lime, and grapefruit.
South Carolina: The Blinker
The Blinker is a blend of Rittenhouse rye, St. Germain, lemon juice, and grapefruit juice. It is on the Husk Restaurant‘s Four Corners-Representations of Governmental and Social Law and Structure cocktail menu. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
South Dakota: Honey Bear Bee’s Knees
The best drinks come in bear shaped glasses. Found at Kōl in Rapid City, this cocktail and bar experience will change your life. The Honey Bear Bees Knees cocktail is a mixture of gin, cointreau, honey, lemon, and angostura bitters. This is the perfect way to spend a day spent at Mount Rushmore.
Tennessee: Pinewood Social Sangria
If visiting Pinewood isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be. They have reclaimed six wooden lanes from an old Bowl O’ Rama in Indiana. They also have two dipping pools and a 30-foot Airstream. They also offer the Pinewood Social Sangria, which is a can’t miss.
Texas: The Batini
The Batini is the Official Cocktail of Austin. It is a blend of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Hibiscus & Ginger Simple Syrup, and Agave Sweet & Sour. The Batini can be found at the timeless Driskill Bar in Austin, Texas.
#SpoonTip: Follow @thedriskill on Instagram. Everything about it is perfection.
Utah: Commodore Cocktail
Who doesn’t like a good bourbon cocktail? The Commodore Cocktail is a mixture of Basil Haydens bourbon, ginger, bitters, and orange. This cocktail can only be found at The Copper Onion in Salt Lake City.
Vermont: Boozy Lemonade
If you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail, then the boozy lemonade at Mad River Distillers is the drink of your dreams. Located in Burlington, Mad River Distillers offers distillery tours for $10 that last approximately 45 minutes. However, be sure to schedule your tour at least 24 hours in advance.
Their boozy lemonade is a blend of vanilla rum, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters, and finger beer.
Virginia: The Crying Shame
This drink is as delicious as it is photogenic. The Crying Shame, found at The Roosevelt in Richmond, is a mixture of Punt é Mes vermouth, pineapple, tonic, lemon, and navy strength gin. The Roosevelt was awarded Elbys, a Virgina award, in 2013 and 2017 for Best Cocktail Program.
Washington: Bright Idea
When it comes to Canon in Seattle, it is important to know that their small, intimate restaurant can only accommodate parties that are four or fewer. They were voted one of the Three Best Bathrooms in Seattle.
Their Bright Idea cocktail is a blend of tequila, fresh watermelon, grenadine, and Racer 5 IPA. Did I mention that the drink is served in a lightbulb shaped glass?
Washington, DC: D.O.C.
The D.O.C. is a spectacular blend of pear vodka, lemon, truffle hones, and sparkling wine. This is a beautiful combination. It can be found at Barmini by José Andrés.
Barmini is a cocktail lab that celebrates classic cocktails alongside modern creations. Their menu offers over 100 options, experimental flights, and inventive snacks.
West Virginia: Bitter End
Tin 202‘s house cocktail, Bitter End, is a blend of rye, fernet branca, tawny port, and lemon oil. Tin 202 uses hand-pressed juices and fresh and local fruits and herbs in their cocktails. They pride themselves on honoring history, tradition, and creativity with their cocktail menu.
Wisconson: Tradewinds
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge‘s Tradewinds had to make this list. Tradewinds is the perfect tropical combination of rum, orange, and pineapple. Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge is Milwaukee’s oldest cocktail lounge. They opened their doors in 1938, and they’ve been open ever since. They have more than 450 cocktails to choose from. There is literally a cocktail for everyone.
Wyoming: Shark Bait
Through extensive research, I have found that The Rose is the can’t miss spot for cocktails in Wyoming. It is located in Downtown Jackson. The Shark Bait cocktail is a blend of Beefeater gin, pineapple, lime, and you can add a float of chartreuse to make a Sharknado.
After hours of writing about America’s best cocktails, it’s time to pour myself a drink. If it’s your goal in life to drink each of these cocktails, then I want to be your friend and will be happy to take this road trip with you (with a DD, of course).
#SpoonTip: If you don’t want to limit yourself to just cocktails, you can check out the 24 most unique bars to get drunk at in America.