Charleston Food and 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.

Eat & Drink

A Charleston Staple, the History of Shrimp and Grits

Featured Image: Simply Recipes

A fresh seafood staple and this soulful Southern side have historically come together to create the perfect dish that we call shrimp and grits. We all know of it as one of the South’s most delicious staple meals – but how did shrimp and grits gain its popularity in the Lowcountry?

The answer is easy. The history of shrimp and grits started right here in the Lowcountry. The fancier, more sophisticated versions of the meal that we see today were not the beginning of shrimp and grits. The meal started as an easy dish for laborers on the coast to make. Fishermen would bring the ground corn to make grits and combine them in a single pot with what they caught that day, which was often shrimp, and boil it all with some salty seawater.

With two ingredients so available to those here in Charleston, the dish easily became a cultural icon. What was originally called “breakfast shrimp” or “shrimp and hominy” in some old cookbooks, became more widely known as shrimp and grits and was adopted into esteemed, local restaurants.

Today this dish has taken many variations from the original two ingredients. World class chefs in the Holy City have made this dish their own and brought a lot of attention from national and international news outlets. The Wall Street Journal even recognized these local restaurants as must-go-tos for shrimp and grits: Husk, Early Bird Diner, Red Drum, Nana’s Seafood & Soul and The Swamp Fox.

As The Charleston Insider says “all shrimp and grits are not created equal.” Some grits are cooked in milk, some in the traditional salt water. Some dishes have bacon, some have ham. Some have cheese, some have papers. Regardless of what type of shrimp and grits you’re eating, if you’re in Charleston, it’s safe to say that it will be one of your favorite meals of all time.

Eat & Drink

Wine Down At One Of These Awesome Charleston Wine Bars

Image Source: Uncork Charleston

Wine Wednesday, Sparkling Sunday, Merlot Mondays. Any day is a wine day if you want it to be.

Grab a friend, bae, or just a glass for yourself at one of these Charleston wine spots:

Bin 152

This Thursday July 26th, Bin 152 will be hosting Brian Lynch, the National Sales Director of Kermit Lynch. We will be featuring Cru Beaujolais wines and offering 3 & 5 ounce pours as well as flights. This is a great opportunity to taste these wines side by side and get in depth knowledge about the producers. We look forward to seeing everyone! #kermitlynch #crubeaujolais #bin152winebar

54 Likes, 2 Comments – Bin 152 (@bin152winebar) on Instagram: “This Thursday July 26th, Bin 152 will be hosting Brian Lynch, the National Sales Director of Kermit…”

Not just a wine bar, Bin 152 is also a cheese bar, art gallery, and antique market. This favorite wine spot is located in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston within walking distance of several inns and hotels. They offer over 40 different wines by the glass, 200 different wines by the bottle, and 40 different cheeses and charcuterie. Their hours are Monday through Sunday, 4 pm to 2 am.

Uncork Charleston

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Uncork is the self-proclaimed spot for “The Curious Explorer”. They offer wines from around the world and the staff is always available for great recommendations and insights. They have a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, small plates, and desserts for you to choose from. Happy hour is every Wednesday through Friday, 5 pm to 7 pm with 15% off all pours. They also offer 20% off food for all government employees.

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Avondale Wine & Cheese is located in Avondale right across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston. Avondale Wine & Cheese is a wine and cheese bar with a variety of wines, cheeses, and gift baskets. While their wine comes from all around the world, a few of their cheeses are actually locally made. They serve red, white, and sparkling wine by the glass or bottle.

The Wine Bar

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It’s all in the name; this is The Wine Bar. Located in Mt. Pleasant, The Wine Bar offers over 100 wines, 25 craft beers to choose from, and chocolates. Yes, you read that right. They have a selection of chocolates you can bite into while enjoying your vino. Happy hour is every Monday through Thursday, 4 pm to 7 pm and they have free wi-fi (work and wine?).

With so many new wine bars popping up around the city it was hard to choose just a few. Didn’t see your favorite on this list? Next time you’re at your favorite wine spot take a picture and tag us in it. We want to know about all the best wine bars in Charleston.

Eat & Drink

Charleston Restaurant Coziest In The State

Charleston Restaurant Named Coziest In The State By Travel + Leisure

Image Source: Harold’s Cabin FB

Travel + Leisure recently went on a mission to find the coziest restaurant in each state. They then compiled a list of spots which embody a “holiday-time feeling of friendliness, familiarity, and relaxation”.

So, what’s the most welcoming restaurant in South Carolina? Harold’s Cabin.

Located on Congress Street in downtown Charleston, Harold’s Cabin first served residents of the Lowcountry between the 1920s and 1950s. It started as a snowball shop followed by a corner grocery and lunch spot. Now Harold’s is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Friday, and for brunch and dinner on the weekends.

Boasting a rooftop garden, a lively bar, a grab-and-go market, and a dining area with seating for sixty-five, the article states Harold’s decor includes “woodsy bathroom wallpaper, “reclaimed wood,” and “mounted antlers” which “channels everything we love about the outdoors, sans the cold and bugs, plus the beer.”

While the cozy feel is welcoming, many people stay for the food.

With great specials, herbs and greens picked right from the rooftop, and a menu unlike any other, Harold’s Cabin is a great place to eat.

If you haven’t been there go see why Travel + Leisure dubbed this as the coziest restaurant in the state.

Check out the full list at Travel + Leisure.