The Charleston Vacationer’s March 2021 Cocktail Picks in Charleston
March 12, 2021
Charleston is known for its delectable cuisine and friendly hospitality – and where there is great food + service, there are amazing drinks! From unique cocktails to local craft beer and liquor, there are a variety of beverages to try all across the city. Each month we will highlight some of our favorite liquid concoctions around town that we have sipped, cheers’d, and dined over. Here are some of our favorite from January-March 2021…
1.) Mai Tai at The Citrus Club
Located on top of The Dewberry Hotel in downtown Charleston
This refreshing, classic cocktail is the perfect option during the warm, summer months in Charleston. Enjoy some of the best views in the city on the roof of the Dewberry Hotel while sipping on their Signature Mai Tai or another one of their island-inspired beverages.
Ingredients: Plantation 2008 Guyana “Zebra Barrel” Rum, Barbancourt 8 Year Rhum, Plantation O.F.T.D, Dry Curaçao, Orgeat, Lime, Rock Candy Syrup, Grated Almond
2.) Boozy Milkshakes at Cabana Burgers
Located on Johns Island
Craving something sweet? Cabana Burgers has some of our favorite milkshakes in town – and even better: you can add a little alcohol to spice it up! Two of our favorites are the Unicorn Shake + the Salted Caramel Pretzel. Not only do they taste great, but they are totally Insta-worthy.
3.) Tequila Salad at Bistronomy
Located in downtown Charleston
Not only does the new addition to downtown Charleston offer tasty dishes – their craft cocktails are on point. Our favorite being the Tequila Salad cocktail – it has an apple-cucumber puree that makes you feel like you’re drinking an extra healthy green juice—but WAY better.
Ingredients: Lunazul Reposado Tequila, Apple-Cucumber Puree, Jalapeño Syrup, Bulls Bay Saltworks
4.) Seasonal Painkiller at Bar George
Located on James Island
A dangerously delicious beverage, this drink goes down way too easily. We loved the Gingerbread Painkiller offered over the holidays (as shown in image), but we are sure you won’t want to miss any of their fruity, rum-filled Painkillers (try their current Passionfruit Painkiller!)
5.) Frosé Style Ale from Edmund’s Oast Brewing + The Co-Op
Found in multiple locations – including The Alchemist + Bev Co store in Mt. Pleasant
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company’s Website
Edmund’s Oast Brewing is a Charleston staple…and many locals are familiar with The Co-Op (located on Sullivan’s Island + Isle of Palms), which has some of the best frosé in town. The two have collaborated on the perfect summer brew with hints of strawberry, lemon, and wine grapes. Served ice-cold, this beverage is perfect for the beach, pool, or boat!
6.) The Nancy Paloma from Kiki + Rye
Located in Mt. Pleasant
The perfect addition to brunch, lunch, or dinner, this easy-sipper is light, refreshing, and appealing to any tequila-lover. Don’t forget to bite into the charred grapefruit garnish floating on-top between each sip – it takes this drink to a whole new level.
Ingredients: Tequila, Fresh Lime, Fresh Grapefruit, Simple Syrup, Torched Grapefruit Wedge w/ Salt
7.) Fresh Whipped- Fruited IPA from Estuary Beans & Barley
Located on Johns Island
Estuary Beans & Barley’s Website
Estuary Beans and Barley describes this brew perfectly: “Aromas of pineapple, tropical fruit, apricot, and mango. Flavor is more of the same with pineapple juice dominating but not overly sweet. Medium-bodied with a clean fruit-forward finish.” There is still a hoppy, IPA flavor – which we love. Not a beer-lover? We suggest trying out one of their fruity Sangrias or Smash Cocktails!
8.) Spicy Bloody Mary at Home Team BBQ
Located in Downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, and West Ashley
Hometeam is known for its fruity, frozen GameChangers, but we LOVE their Bloody Mary’s for brunch. With the addition of a salty, BBQ rub around the rim, and the Pork Cracklin for garnish, this cocktail is like a meal in a glass – perfect to pair with their incredible smoked chicken wings. Some of our other favorite beverages at Hometeam include their Frozen Irish Coffee and their Michelada.
9.) Turmeric Mule at Neon Tiger
Located in Downtown Charleston
This vegan spot is giving off all the hip vibes – with dim lighting and neon accents, it’s a unique addition to downtown Charleston. They may be known for their unique vegan menu filled with pizzas + “beyond” burgers, but we could go just for the cocktails. We highly recommend the Turmeric Mule, which was crisp, citrusy, and not overly sweet. We also loved the Paloma Cocktail infused with lavender!
Ingredients: Ginger, Turmeric, Choice of Spirit (we chose Vodka), Sweatman’s Turmeric Ginger Beer, + Jasmine Limeade
10.) Espresso Martini “Shakerato” from Melfi’s
Located in Downtown Charleston
This rich, frothy cocktail is the perfect finale to an amazing Italian meal at Melfi’s. We prefer to have our espresso martinis with ACTUAL espresso (some places use espresso-flavored liquor or creamy liqueurs that can be too sweet) – and Melfi’s quality espresso helps make this martini one of the best in town.
Ingredients: Espresso, Vodka, + Chocolate Liqueur
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