Every city has its signature flavors—but the best bars don’t just serve drinks, they tell stories. From custom creations inspired by local culture to one-of-a-kind presentations that can’t be found anywhere else, these ten cocktails are unique to their cities and worth the trip (or at least the toast). Here’s a curated list of must-try cocktails that combine originality, reputation, and a whole lot of personality.
- The “Bourbon Renewal” – Portland, Oregon
Bar: Clyde Common (Now Closed, Legacy Lives at Deadshot)
Flavor Profile: Bright and tart with bourbon, lemon, crème de cassis, and bitters
Why it’s special: Created by Jeffery Morgenthaler, this modern classic launched from Portland’s craft cocktail renaissance and still influences menus nationwide.
Price Range: $13–$15 - The “Penicillin” – New York, New York
Bar: Attaboy NYC
Flavor Profile: Smoky-sweet with Scotch, lemon, honey, and ginger
Why it’s special: Invented by bartender Sam Ross (now at Attaboy), the Penicillin has become a global staple—but there’s nothing like ordering it where it was born.
Price Range: $18 - The “Trouble in Paradise” – Los Angeles, California
Bar: Death & Co LA
Flavor Profile: Mezcal-based with tropical and earthy undertones
Why it’s special: This drink is known for its visual impact—bright orange with a chili-dusted garnish—and tells a story of fire, fruit, and flair.
Price Range: $20
- The “Log Cabin” – Chicago, Illinois
Bar: The Violet Hour
Flavor Profile: Rye, maple, lemon, and house bitters
Why it’s special: The drink’s rich, woodsy profile matches the bar’s moody ambiance. Made with house-crafted ingredients, it’s one of their most requested menu staples.
Price Range: $16 - The “Corpse Reviver #Blue” – Seattle, Washington
Bar: Canon
Flavor Profile: A twist on the Corpse Reviver #2 with blue curaçao and dry absinthe mist
Why it’s special: Served in dramatic glassware and lit tableside, this drink is an experience as much as a refreshment.
Price Range: $22 - The “Thai Me Down” – San Francisco, California
Bar: Trick Dog
Flavor Profile: Lemongrass gin, Thai chili, coconut water
Why it’s special: With flavor rooted in Southeast Asian ingredients and a name that reflects Trick Dog’s cheeky menu style, it’s a playful yet balanced stunner.
Price Range: $17 - The “Truffle Shuffle” – Dallas, Texas
Bar: Midnight Rambler
Flavor Profile: Truffle-infused vodka, chartreuse, and citrus oils
Why it’s special: Earthy and elegant, it’s the drink version of haute cuisine and comes with a unique table-side pour.
Price Range: $21 - The “Barrel-Aged Sazerac” – New Orleans, Louisiana
Bar: Cure NOLA
Flavor Profile: Cognac, rye, absinthe rinse, aged in oak barrels
Why it’s special: A classic NOLA drink reimagined with a smoky finish and a deep flavor only aging can provide.
Price Range: $14 - The “Garden Gnome” – Denver, Colorado
Bar: The Cooper Lounge
Flavor Profile: Cucumber vodka, elderflower, mint, and citrus
Why it’s special: Served with a mini garden garnish and a playful name, this cocktail is equal parts whimsy and refreshment.
Price Range: $16 - The “Gin Blossom” – Atlanta, Georgia
Bar: Kimball House
Flavor Profile: London dry gin, peach liqueur, lemon, house-made bitters
Why it’s special: A nod to Southern hospitality, this cocktail balances floral notes with stone fruit sweetness. Known for its dedication to craft and seasonal menus, Kimball House has earned national acclaim for both its bar program and raw bar.
Price Range: $15
Plan Your Sip-Worthy Tour
Whether you’re a collector of rare spirits or just love a drink with a story, these cocktails capture the spirit of their cities. Check each bar’s menu or Instagram to see what’s currently being poured—many offer seasonal twists or evolving versions of their signatures.
And if you’re visiting bars like Buffalo Wild Wings or Applebee’s during your travels, don’t forget to preload a gift card through Fluz for cashback on your night out.
