The Resy Guide to Summer Cocktails in Atlanta

If sophistication is what you seek, you’ll find it in this former train station, Decatur’s haven for cocktails and oysters. The drink program is led by Miles Macquarrie, known for his elegant approach to drink-making. Start at the top of the cocktail menu with something light, like the Afternoon Delight, with absinthe, pineapple, dill, lime, apricot liqueur, and cava. As the evening goes on, work toward something stronger, like the Gold Club, with Cognac, rum, fermented peach, moscatel, and orange bitters. (Or just start there, if that’s your deal.)Besides the cocktails, it’s all about the oysters here. The program is robust, with several to choose from each day — and check out the clever tasting notes to help you make your decision. 

Whether you’re sipping al fresco on the terrace or within the airy confines of the dining room, there’s a great cocktail to be had in this Buckhead stalward. Lighter drink options like the Bees n’ Berries (rum, lemon, blueberry, mint, and blackberry liqueur) especially shine alongside the Chastain’s seasonally-driven menu. 

Mad Men hasn’t been on TV for six years, but we still can’t get enough of the midcentury modern vibe at the Betty, located on the ground floor of the recently-opened Kimpton Sylvan. The drinks are chic and best enjoyed at the bar (complete with a glass tile backsplash) or one of the plush banquettes. There’s a martini menu if you feel like sticking with the retro theme, otherwise you can’t go wrong with the classics (i.e. old fashioned, sidecar) or their modern creations like the Boozy Suzy (a foamy concoction with vodka, Suze, and grapefruit, and egg white).

Call 470-531-8902 for more info.

Bar Vegan is found on the second floor of Ponce City Market, and is not to be missed if you want a drink that doubles as a show. During the day, the cocktails are juice-forward and fresh, but at night they become “experiences” with show-stopping presentations like carousels and smoking volcanos. Don’t forget to order a vegan cheesesteak from Dinkies while you’re there. 

Head to the back of Krog Street Market where this New England-style tavern serves up killer cocktails in a slightly nautical, wood-laden atmosphere. The creation of two of Atlanta’s top cocktail guys, Greg Best and Paul Calvert, Ticonderoga Club’s cocktail list skews tropical, and many of the tales of modern ATL cocktaildom intersect through here. The menu changes often, but you can’t go wrong with the potent Ticonderoga Cup, a mainstay that combines rum, brandy, sherry, pineapple, lemon, and mint. More info here.

The sibling to Kimball House, located in Krog Street Market, offers a bright and playful vibe. You’ll find a drink menu with options like Ranch Water (Tequila and Topo Chico) and the Tropical Gin & Tonic (gin, clarified passion fruit, clarified lime, and tonic). Of course, there are plenty of treats to pair with those drinks, including a wide selection of oysters and small plates — like hushpuppies with chile honey butter.

Little Bear is known for its whimsy and cleverness when it comes to food, so it’s no surprise that this translates to the drinks. For proof, look to the Blueberry Smash, a delightful tipple of blueberry, house-made limoncello, aquavit, mint, and soda. The menu changes often depending on what’s in season, but you can count on the team to flex their creative chops. 

Located in West Midtown, Rock Steady dishes up Afro-Caribbean fare in a swanky setting. The drinks maintain a tropical vibe with options like the Sweet Thang with vodka, elderflower liqueur, guava, lemon, strawberry, rosé prosecco, and bitters. If you’d prefer to sip something booze-free, look to their nonalcoholic options like the Bad Gyal (mango, coconut, lime, pineapple, cinnamon, and mint).