Top 5 Cities in America for Cocktail Culture

The noble cocktail: an all-too-forgotten libation of a bygone era. Sure, we’ve all had a love affair with a great sports bar and a cold beer, but sometimes you want a little more. These days, a properly made cocktail (read: quality liquor, house-made mixes and ingredients, and proper construction) has made a welcome comeback. Though there are countless cities that can hold the cocktail torch, we’ve assembled a list of some classic drinking towns and the notable spots that make them worthy of a trip for a drink (or three).

New York, NY
You better believe that with a nickname like “The City That Never Sleeps,” you’re going to have a proper selection of quality cocktails to keep you going into the wee hours of the morning. Here are a few to get you over the hump on those long nights.
Notable Spot:
Booker and Dax
207 2nd Ave., New York City
Brought to you by Momofuku’s David Chang (Mind of a Chef, Lucky Peach), this spot plays homage to classic drinks with a unique mix of modern techniques. Centrifuges and flaming pockets are just part of the showmanship that goes into making each drink not only delicious but entertaining to watch.

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Chicago, IL
For many, this should come as no surprise. A hub for much of the Prohibition drama that the U.S. saw during the 1930s, the Windy City has never quite shaken its love of a quality-made drink. Here are some of our favorites.
Notable Spot:
Aviary
955 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
The brainchild of culinary wunderkind Grant Achatz, Aviary is the go-to spot in Chicago for unique, modern and above all delicious cocktails. Though not a traditional “Chicago spot,” your visit will be rewarded with drinks as expertly and inventively crafted as his Michelin star cuisine.
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Atlanta, GA
Over the last few years, this Southern hub has become an unlikely hotspot for artisan cuisine and, yes, cocktails. Obviously, being in the South, you can expect a lot of regional takes on old classics.

Mac and McGee Pub
Notable Spot:
Mac McGee
111 Sycamore St., Decatur
A stop here is akin to a crash course in everything liquor. A massive whiskey list, cocktails done to original recipes and bourbon listed down to the town it hails from? You’d be hard-pressed to go wrong.
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Austin, TX
With the blazing heat of summers in Texas, it’s no surprise that Austin is a drinker’s town. Known for its counterculture music and arts scene, there’s no shortage of fantastic dives and upscale joints for you to sit and enjoy one (or many) heat-beating drinks.
Notable Spot:
Drink.Well.
207 E. 53rd St., Austin
With a cocktail menu that rotates seasonally, you’d be wise to pop in at this bar at least a few times a year to avoid missing out on its latest creations. One of the more upscale spots in Austin, Drink.Well. isn’t overly fussy, with drinks named for some of its most loyal regulars and a staff that prides themselves on memorizing the favorites of return customers.
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Portland, OR
Traditionally known as a brewing town, Portland’s drinking culture means that the cocktail might be overshadowed — but never overlooked. With a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, you can spend a lifetime bar-hopping your way through this city.

Notable Spot:
Clyde Common
1014 SW Stark St., Portland
Attached to The Ace Hotel’s Portland flagship, this hotspot is helmed by Jeffrey Morganthaler, a man who practically wrote the book on modern mixology. Look for barrel-aged cocktails, and if you’re unsure, put yourself in the hands of the knowledgeable staff. Word of warning: On a Saturday, you can expect to be lined up four deep at the bar, so it’s wise to elect for off hours and a more relaxed atmosphere.