It's time for a fresh edition of the Eater Dallas Cocktail Heatmap. Below, we've plotted out where to sip the city's finest libations for your imbibing pleasure. About half of the selections are holdovers from the previous edition of the map that continue to raise the bar (pun fully intended), while the rest are new additions; all are shaking up fantastic and refreshing drinks to help you forget it's 100 degrees outside, and they're also all perfect answers to the question, "Where should I drink tonight?"
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The cocktail menu at Belly & Trumpet is outstanding from start to finish with a little something for everyone whether you favor gin, whiskey, or tequila. Try the Guinevere.
Black Swan Saloon is the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular, even if you only stop in occasionally. Barman and owner Gabe Sanchez will always remember your drink, and forget that whole menu thing. Just tell him what you like and he'll mix you up something tasty, from a jasmine tea-infused vodka cocktail to a pumpkin pie-esque rum drink and anything in between.
A fresh new cocktail menu from cocktail genius Kyle Hilla includes clever booze-infused melon balls and the Late Bloomer, a summery combo of blueberries, pink peppercorns and tequila.
Before he flew the coop for Austin, cocktail wizard Jason Kosmas lent his talents to the bar menu at this hip new bowling lounge; try one of his creations like Trashcan Punch or the Texas Pride Paloma, or go for the aptly named Gutterball or the Dude's favorite Caucasian.
Even if you're not into the club scene, it's worth hitting up The Dram earlier in the night for some fantastic and unique cocktail creations. Try the L'Orange Fragola, a drink with strawberry-infused vodka that's kept grounded with the addition of Cocchi Americano and rhubarb bitters.
The sexy Moulin Rouge-esque back room is arguably the best setting for sipping cocktails on Henderson. Try the strangely delicious gin and tonic with a splash of pickle juice.
DMN critic Leslie Brenner recently gushed over the cocktails at this Henderson Avenue staple, where barman Grant Parker is crafting unusual combinations like a Mole Manhattan or the Hummingbird Down with gin, green Chartreuse, lemon and thyme.
Many people overlook the cocktail list at this Lower Greenville mainstay in favor of the craft beer selection, but they shouldn't--barman Mate Hartai is whipping up some mean original concoctions, like a hibiscus Pisco Sour and liquors infused with everything from pulled pork to morel mushrooms.
People's is tucked away on the second level at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika, and it's worth seeking out even if you're not catching a flick. Relaxed but classy, they make a mean Old-Fashioned, as well as barrel-aged cocktails and massive tiki drinks.
Michael Martensen's dimly lit bar is reservations only, but it's worth the hassle to enjoy the sexy atmosphere and have the talented bartenders shake you up a reasonably-priced custom cocktail.
Brian McCullough's Uptown spot is a breath of fresh air in the midst of all those frozen red bull & vodka machines that dot McKinney Avenue bars. Surround yourself with dark wood and old books and sip a Life & Death, champagne spiked with Aperol and absinthe, or try a shot of Dude, Sweet Chocolate-infused Rumpleminze.
Recently relaunched Sunset Lounge is shaking up updated versions of classic tiki drinks like the Zombie and Rum Runner, plus new creations like chili-spiked horchata.
Barman J.W. Tate recently returned home to North Carolina, but his absence isn't noticeable in the drinks: They're still shaking up damn fine beverages in this old house-turned-bar. Gin fans shouldn't miss the housemade tonic.
This new Deep Ellum spot is classy but low-key, and an ideal spot to catch some live music or standup while sipping on a French 75 or a delicious frozen Irish coffee.
The cocktail menu at Belly & Trumpet is outstanding from start to finish with a little something for everyone whether you favor gin, whiskey, or tequila. Try the Guinevere.
Black Swan Saloon is the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular, even if you only stop in occasionally. Barman and owner Gabe Sanchez will always remember your drink, and forget that whole menu thing. Just tell him what you like and he'll mix you up something tasty, from a jasmine tea-infused vodka cocktail to a pumpkin pie-esque rum drink and anything in between.
A fresh new cocktail menu from cocktail genius Kyle Hilla includes clever booze-infused melon balls and the Late Bloomer, a summery combo of blueberries, pink peppercorns and tequila.
Before he flew the coop for Austin, cocktail wizard Jason Kosmas lent his talents to the bar menu at this hip new bowling lounge; try one of his creations like Trashcan Punch or the Texas Pride Paloma, or go for the aptly named Gutterball or the Dude's favorite Caucasian.
Even if you're not into the club scene, it's worth hitting up The Dram earlier in the night for some fantastic and unique cocktail creations. Try the L'Orange Fragola, a drink with strawberry-infused vodka that's kept grounded with the addition of Cocchi Americano and rhubarb bitters.
The sexy Moulin Rouge-esque back room is arguably the best setting for sipping cocktails on Henderson. Try the strangely delicious gin and tonic with a splash of pickle juice.
DMN critic Leslie Brenner recently gushed over the cocktails at this Henderson Avenue staple, where barman Grant Parker is crafting unusual combinations like a Mole Manhattan or the Hummingbird Down with gin, green Chartreuse, lemon and thyme.
Many people overlook the cocktail list at this Lower Greenville mainstay in favor of the craft beer selection, but they shouldn't--barman Mate Hartai is whipping up some mean original concoctions, like a hibiscus Pisco Sour and liquors infused with everything from pulled pork to morel mushrooms.
People's is tucked away on the second level at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika, and it's worth seeking out even if you're not catching a flick. Relaxed but classy, they make a mean Old-Fashioned, as well as barrel-aged cocktails and massive tiki drinks.
Michael Martensen's dimly lit bar is reservations only, but it's worth the hassle to enjoy the sexy atmosphere and have the talented bartenders shake you up a reasonably-priced custom cocktail.
Brian McCullough's Uptown spot is a breath of fresh air in the midst of all those frozen red bull & vodka machines that dot McKinney Avenue bars. Surround yourself with dark wood and old books and sip a Life & Death, champagne spiked with Aperol and absinthe, or try a shot of Dude, Sweet Chocolate-infused Rumpleminze.
Recently relaunched Sunset Lounge is shaking up updated versions of classic tiki drinks like the Zombie and Rum Runner, plus new creations like chili-spiked horchata.
Barman J.W. Tate recently returned home to North Carolina, but his absence isn't noticeable in the drinks: They're still shaking up damn fine beverages in this old house-turned-bar. Gin fans shouldn't miss the housemade tonic.
This new Deep Ellum spot is classy but low-key, and an ideal spot to catch some live music or standup while sipping on a French 75 or a delicious frozen Irish coffee.
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