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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 more recent additions to the city's burgeoning cocktail scene. All are perfect answers to the question, "Where should I drink tonight?"
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Where to Drink Cocktails Right Now: March 2013
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Belly & Trumpet
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.
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Black Swan Saloon
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.
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FT33
The drinks at FT33 are as carefully crafted as the plates; try a classic like the Corpse Reviver #2, or the constantly-evolving Seasonal Smash, the current version of which contains fresh carrot juice.
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Kennedy Room
This pint-sized bar inside the Montaigne Club oozes low-key class; an ideal spot to take a date for a classic cocktail, it boasts a penny-encrusted bartop and a cozy fireplace.
[Photo: UrbanDaddy Dallas]
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LARK on the Park
Shannon Wynne's newest spot gives a whole new meaning to drinking in the park. Sip on creative cocktails like The Horned Lark (Absolut vodka, yellow Chartreuse, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit bitters) while taking in the artful interior.
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The Libertine
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.
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P|S
The name may have changed, but the excellent bar program remains: Eater bartender of the year Rocco Milano works his magic here nightly, whipping up unique creations from housemade bitters to cocktails on tap.
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The People's Last Stand
People's is tucked away on the second level at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika, and its 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.
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Smyth @ The Establishment
Michael Martensen's dimly lit new bar inside The Establishment will soon be reservations-only, but for now you can waltz right in and have the talented bartenders shake you up a reasonably-priced custom cocktail.
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The Standard Pour
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.
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Stone Street Martini Lounge
This sorta-hidden downtown spot is slightly corporate-feeling, but the drinks are fun, like a bacon Old-Fashioned and a Fruity Pebbles-flavored martini.
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Sunset Lounge
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.
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Tate's
Tate's burst onto the scene at the tail-end of 2011 to class up the Uptown bar scene. Barman J.W. Tate shakes up fine beverages in an old house-turned-bar with a clean, classic feel. Gin fans shouldn't miss the housemade tonic.
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