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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

Charleston Happy Hours

5 Charleston Oyster Happy Hours That Are A Shuckin’ Good Time

What’s better than happy hour? Happy hour with oysters.

Here are a few of our favorite oyster happy hours around Charleston:

Chubby Fish


Tucked away in Charleston’s Historic Elliotborough neighborhood, Chubby Fish proudly serves local sustainable seafood and produce. For happy hour, Tuesday through Saturday locally-sourced, shucked-to-order oysters are only $1. Even better, you can pair them with $2 Tecates or $6 glasses of Oysterman wine from French importer Frederick Corriher.

The Darling Oyster Bar


Located on King Street, pedestrians can see the stunning interior of the Darling Oyster Bar from the huge windows looking into the restaurant. During the week, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., select oysters are only $1. Sit at the raw bar for a great view of King Street while enjoying a $2 Miller High Life Pony alongside your dollar oysters.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar


Tucked away in the newly renovated 19th-century cigar factory, Rappahannock Oyster Bar offers half-off oysters from its Virginia farms and $1 dollar select oysters Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Discounted bar snacks, as well as beer and wine selections, go along great with the bivalves.

The Ordinary


Known for its top class seafood, at top class prices, Charleston residents and visitors can experience the well-known seafood mecca with half-price oysters from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar


It’s hard to find a better-priced dozen of half-shells than Amen Street with dozens during happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) only costing $9.95. Pair that with house liquor drinks for $3 or High Life Bottles for $2 and there’s no better deal on the peninsula.

Next time you and your co-workers want to have an after work adult beverage head to one of these Charleston oyster happy hours and pair your favorite seafood with a delicious beverage.

Happy shuckin’

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Eat & Drink

Drink Up Charleston, It’s #NationalMoscowMuleDay!

Featured Photo: The Rarebit Facebook

The Moscow Mule has slowly become one of the most popular cocktails to order in the Charleston area and each bar has decided to put their own spin on the highly popular drink. Check out the Top 5 Moscow Mules in town for #NationalMoscowMuleDay!

The Rarebit

Looking for the best Moscow Mule in Charleston? The Rarebit tops the list with their delicious twist of the newly popular drink. Combining vodka, Sweatman’s Ginger Beer and Limeade make this Moscow Mule a must try.

The Cocktail Club

The Cocktail Club is Charleston’s premiere cocktail spot so of course, they have to make the list. Their Moscow Mule is a mix of Cathead Vodka, house ginger beer, and fresh lime juice – YUM! If you’re feeling adventurous try their Kentucky Mule, you won’t be disappointed.

Prohibition Charleston

Prohibition’s bartenders sure do know how to whip up a mean cocktail – even the classic ones. With Pinnacle Vodka, ginger beer, mint and lime this Moscow Mule will make your taste buds rejoice in happiness.

Seanachai Whiskey & Cocktail Bar

This hidden gem specializes in delicious and unique cocktails. Their Mule Over Baby is a mix of Sweatman’s Legendary Fresh Ginger & Lime and then your choice of Vodka, Rum, Irish Whiskey, and Bourbon. We personally suggest the Irish Whiskey.

Tavern & Table

Not only is their Moscow Mule one of the most delicious mules in town, but you can enjoy gorgeous views of Shem Creek while sipping on your cocktail. The Black & Blue Mule is made with Stolichnaya vodka, blueberry & blackberry compote, fresh lime and ginger beer.

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