Winter Cocktail Roundup
There’s nothing like the warmth a well-crafted, delicious cocktail brings! Here are a few suggestions from Tabletop Team Members, Danielle and Lewis, to brighten your chilly winter days.
STIR’s Flower Power
Banish wintertime blues with liquid sunshine in cocktail form. Head to STIR for Flower Power, a staple on their cocktail menu that is crafted with fresh lime and orange juice, vodka, housemade hibiscus syrup, and citrus essential oils. This vibrant drink gets major bonus points for its immunity-boosting ingredients. The best part? STIR has plenty of outdoor heaters and firepits to keep you cozy while you sip. Pair Flower Power with a dozen fresh oysters for a winter afternoon well spent.
Il Palio’s Vecchio Stile
Calling all whiskey lovers! Next time you’re in Chapel Hill, swing by Il Palio for a Vecchio Stile. Il Palio’s twist on an Old Fashioned is made with a combination of Bulleit Rye Whiskey, muddled Grand Marnier-infused cranberries and orange bitters. Fun fact: Vecchio Stile means "old style" in Italian! Ready to embrace this unique spin on a classic whiskey drink? Grab a seat under the pergola at the scenic Siena Hotel and enjoy the warmth of a Vecchio Stile on a chilly night. If you brought your appetite, make your way to Il Palio’s heated patio for a table and don’t leave without trying the Fried Green Tomato Caprese. Saluti!
Level7’s North Hills Margarita
MMM…Margaritas! We love a good margarita, especially with a twist, and that's what you'll discover at Level7 Rooftop Bar in North Hills. Their North Hills Margarita includes tequila and a truly special ingredient that makes this cocktail unique: St-Germain! This French liqueur is made with fresh elderflowers and has a delicate floral taste with hints of pear, citrus, and passionfruit. It's honestly hard to describe until you try it yourself because of its distinctive flavor. Level7 then adds freshly squeezed lime juice and cranberry juice, making the combination a must-have margarita in 2022. We highly suggest that you elevate to the 7th floor of the AC Hotel located in North Hills and sip on this delicious winter cocktail!
AC Hotel Durham’s Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Another winter cocktail that checks all the boxes is the Apple Butter Old Fashioned located at the AC Hotel in Durham. This cocktail was perfectly handcrafted to keep away the winter chill. With the warmth of the bourbon, scratch-made apple butter, a hint of lemon, and ginger beer this drink deserves a round of apple-ause for creativity and unforgettable flavor. If you're looking to explore something new in the Durham area head over to this luxurious hotel on Erwin Road and take a seat at the bar in the AC Lounge. Their talented mixologist will take good care of you while curating your handcrafted cocktail… and don’t forget to enjoy a few of their European-inspired tapas! ¡Salud!