Charleston’s Essential Cocktail Havens

Retreat to this historic Charleston locale, located in the elegant Zero George Street Boutique Hotel, for an intimate gathering with friends. Inventive and refined, the libations at Zero taste even better than they sound. Apples to Apples—fashioned with Diplomatico rum, Lairds apple brandy, and Giffard’s banana liqueur—is one way to keep the doctor away. Grab one at happy hour– your only chance to indulge in their legendary Royale with Cheese, a drool-worthy burger with Wagyu Beef, shaved truffles and Kraft Singles fondue.

A classic steakhouse commands a classic Manhattan, and Halls has you covered. Their Manhattan is crafted with bourbon and sweet vermouth, and finished with American oak barrel-aged bitters. Opt for a dry-aged, 20 oz. Kansas City bone-in strip for the ultimate pairing. Fancy something spicy? The bartenders at Halls have perfected the Hot Pepper Martini– a concoction that sparkles with the unique, sweet-heat combo of house-made Habanero-infused vodka and passionfruit puree.

Chic and bright, Citrus Club occupies the Dewberry Hotel’s eighth floor, boasting anoutdoor terrace with sunset views of Marion Square. Make a Resy to secure your spot and opt for the local-meets-tropical lobster hush puppies, served with chili honey butter, and a Tropical Itch made with bourbon, overproof rum, passionfruit, and bitters, it’s garnished with a literal back scratcher.

Located atop the Restoration Hotel, The Watch features sweeping views of historic Grace Church Cathedral. Soak it all in while enjoying an Absinthe From Class, made with muscadine cordial, lemon, pink peppercorns, and—not surprisingly—absinthe. Add to the decadence with an order of truffle fries garnished Grana Padano cheese (natch).  

Insiders and visitors in-the-know revere Page’s Okra Grill for its legendary brunch. And nothing goes better with Page’s PBT (pimiento, bacon and fried green tomatoes on buttery grilled Texas toast), than the restaurant’s iconic Bacon Bloody Mary. Quintessentially Southern, the cocktail is served in mason jars, made with dill pickle vodka, and garnished with pickled okra, celery, and a strip of bacon. Or satisfy your sweet tea cravings with a Drunken Palmer, crafted with Firefly sweet tea vodka, lemonade, and pomegranate syrup.

While its small plate offerings are first-rate, Felix Cocktails and Cuisine is ‘Cocktails’ first for a reason, and the Queen Bee is one of them. This frothy gin- and Applejack-based libation gets its name from bee pollen, and the tart, herbal beverage pairs magically with the signature French Onion soup. Plus, sample any of the uber-popular on-tap cocktails, such as the herbal, citrus-fleckded La Voilà, made with green tea vodka, Chareau aloe vera liquer, and bitters.

With a focus on Southern hospitality and upscale local cuisine, this charming eatery has an unrivaled outdoor courtyard. Grab a seat on the flora-filled terrace with an order crispy fried oysters along with a flowery Jasmine Martini, fashioned with sweet vermouth, honey syrup, and jasmine-infused Dixie vodka.

This stylish gastropub is known for its delicious fare, innovative microbrews, and great beverage program. The Piña Collateral, described as “a daiquiri driving through bat country,” features Jamaican rum, añejo tequila, and lime, plus the unexpected, earthy flavor of cumin. It pairs beautifully with the Salt Chicken, a Thai-influenced dish prepared with green curry and fragrant kaffir lime.  

Go for the exceptional, seasonal cuisine, and stay for the craft cocktails. Currently, the wreckfish, served with snap beans, fingerling potatoes and sauce gribiche, is beautifully enhanced by the War and Peas, made with Tito’s, snap pea cordial, lime, and parsley. Those abstaining will appreciate an equally thoughtful list of spirit-free libations.