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bourbon spots in Charleston

Eat & Drink

Five Signature Charleston Cocktails

When it comes to food and beverage, Charleston has plenty to talk about. With world-class restaurants serving some of the best food there is, it’s no surprise that Charleston yields some world-class cocktails as well. Take a look at these five signature Charleston cocktails:

The Charleston Fizz

Likely the most refreshing drink on this list, this gin cocktail combines fresh tarragon, Ruby Red grapefruit juice, St. Germain, simple syrup, club soda and, of course, gin. Originally inspired by Cannonborough Beverage Company, a Charleston-based soda company, their Grapefruit Elderflower soda can be used to add some extra flavor to this cocktail in place of club soda.

The Charleston Light Dragoon Punch 1792

Sean Brock, Husk’s executive chef, has created the perfect signature Charleston cocktail with this punch that uses tea, raw sugar, lemon juice, brandy, rum, peach brandy and soda water. The recipe was actually adapted from antebellum militia recipe that Brock received from the South Carolina Historical Society, making this drink a true Charleston classic.

Planter’s Punch

Rumored to have been created at Charleston’s own Planter’s Hotel in the nineteenth century, it’s unclear where exactly this recipe came from. While this cocktail isn’t necessarily a Charleston signature, Garden & Gun gives Peninsula Grill in downtown Charleston credits for making one of the best versions of this punch that you can get. With the ingredients of rum, freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine, this summer cocktail can help anyone beat the heat.

The Charleston Breakfast Coffee

Athens-based bartender Jerry Slater came up with this cocktail recipe during the Charleston Wine + Food Festival using local whiskey from High Wire Distilling Co. This drink, made to match the mood of the cold and rainy weekend it was created on, is perfect for any day that you’re stuck indoors. All you’ll need is High Wire’s sorghum whiskey, simple syrup, dark roast coffee and heavy cream.

The Charleston

Last, but not least, is an elegant drink worthy of being created in the high-scale food scene of Charleston. This signature cocktail uses bourbon, madeira, Angostura bitters and an orange peel for garnish. The Charleston is similar to a manhattan with its bourbon base, but uses madeira as they did in the early 19th century to give it that classic Charleston feel.

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Eat & Drink

bourbon spots

The 5 Best Places To Drink Bourbon In Charleston

Is a nice glass of bourbon the way to your heart? Do you know whether you like it neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail? A fine bourbon can make any bad day great again. And lucky for us Charlestonians, there some fantastic bars and cocktail clubs in town with impressive bourbon lists.  

Here are the top 5 spots in Charleston you have to stop at if you’re a bourbon snob:

Paddock and Whisky

This comfortable neighborhood bar in James Island has a curated bourbon selection. The owners of this bar successfully made a place where both whiskey enthusiasts and vodka-soda lovers can enjoy a drink or three. Take your pick from favorites like Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Weller, and Jefferson’s Presidential and enjoy your night sipping on your favorite liquor.

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The highly anticipated return of Jack of Cups @jackofcupssaloon to the Paddock @paddockandwhisky TONIGHT!

A post shared by Paddock&Whisky (@paddockandwhisky) on May 29, 2019 at 1:57pm PDT

Bourbon and Bubbles

King Street needed an upscale bourbon bar and that’s exactly what they got this past fall. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable about bourbon and can point you to the best selection based on your preferred taste. Head there for happy hour and get a flight of bourbon for $20.

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Ready to experience some of the oldest Bourbon barrels in Kentucky? • We have @elijahcraig 18yr available • Pair that with happy hour specials, like 25% off entrees • ??‍♂️ . . #bourbon #chshappyhour #chseats #chs

A post shared by Bourbon N’ Bubbles (@bourbonnbubbles) on May 24, 2019 at 6:14am PDT

Prohibition

A classy, but upbeat atmosphere with 3 bars to choose from. Ask for a bourbon list and you’ll be very impressed with the selection. If you’d rather drink a bourbon cocktail, you have to try the Bourbon Tyme. It’s amazing.

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Saturday night, part 2! Tomorrow's a holiday, so we're having a Saturday redo! Spectacular food today, a DJ tonight, and the best craft cocktails in Charleston throughout! Tomorrow, come by for a special brunch. 11 am – 3 pm! #happymemorialday #thankful . . . #patriotic #brunch #latenight #sundayfunday #craftcocktails #holycitydrinks #holycityeats #holycitycocktails #chscocktails #nightlife #chsnightlife #kingstreet #memorialday2019 #memorialday

A post shared by Prohibition Charleston (@prohibitionchs) on May 26, 2019 at 8:00am PDT

Bar Mash

Located next to the old Cigar Factory is this gem of a bourbon bar. Their extensive list of bourbons has all bourbon lovers coming in to enjoy a drink and delicious food that pairs excellent together. Have it on the rocks or try one of their specialty bourbon cocktails.

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Happiness is… not one but two cocktails + $10 Mash ? with curly fries #internationalhappinessday . . . #bourbonandburgers #wednesdaymood #springhassprung #cocktailsonthepatio #burgersmakemehappy #eaterchs #barmashchs

A post shared by Bar Mash (@barmashchs) on Mar 20, 2019 at 2:21pm PDT

Bar at Husk

Order anything bourbon here and you’ll be in good hands. The staff makes you feel at home and is more than willing to answer any questions about the long list of bourbons they place in front of you. Ask them to make you a bourbon cocktail with your desired taste in mind and you won’t be disappointed. Plus, they have fun making and mixing.

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Barrel aged Manhattan is pretty, pretty, pretty good.

A post shared by Nathan McCamic (@nathanmccamic) on Mar 6, 2017 at 1:01pm PST

Where is your favorite bourbon spot in Charleston?

 

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