There’s a cocktail for every occasion.
Just got off work after a long day and need to unwind? Gin and tonic - the sour of the lime mixed with the sweetness of the tonic, balanced out by the bitter juniper will leave you refreshed and not weigh you down the next morning. First morning of a long weekend? Mimosa - light, sweet and bubbly, just like the mood they invoke. The problem is, too often we end up just going to the same watering hole and never explore the other options our city has to offer. Here are six of the Cūltre team’s favorite spots to enjoy a cocktail and something each place does especially well.
The Post Office Saloon | Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is definitely best enjoyed after a long week. I’ve tried them at a few different places in town but nothing tops the one I get from Kevin, the bartender at The Post Office. It comes in a tall glass and contains Triple Sec, Vodka, Tequila, Gin and White Rum, topped off by a splash of Coke. It’s sweet and strong and I can’t recommend having more than one or two. The Post Office nearly always has live music on Fridays and Saturdays and always has a fun vibe with attentive service.
Cheesecakes Unlimited | Lemon Drop
Hemingway used to write of a ritual he had with his friends on evenings out. They would start with dinner and drinks, and after a few hours of conversation and drinking they would eat dessert and drink coffee before continuing to enjoy cocktails. He was doing it right. Cheesecakes Unlimited has really phenomenal (you guessed it) cheesecake and coffee. After a good dessert and a nice cup of coffee, you have to try a Lemon Drop. It’s served in a martini glass and contains Vodka, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup and sugar on the rim. It’s an explosion of flavor without being overpoweringly sweet and no one does it as well as Cheesecakes.
The Squire Room | Manhattan
The Squire room has one of the coolest aesthetics in Redding. It feels like a classic, 1950’s lounge. It’s always an experience, and they make the best Manhattan in town. The trick is not too much Vermouth and authentic Luxardo Cherries instead of cheap maraschino cherries. They always use a top-shelf Bourbon or Rye. The result is always delightful and boozy.
Clearies | The Sazerac
Clearies is a Redding classic. They have a large selection of whiskeys and make fantastic drinks. My personal favorite from there is The Sazerac. It comes in a rocks glass and contains Rye Whiskey, Cognac, Absinthe, a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a lemon peel garnish. The spice of the Rye is leveled out by the sweet Cognac and a sugar cube and the Absinthe adds an exquisite aromatic element. Combined with the classy, warm environment of Clearies, you will be wanting for nothing, except maybe one more.
Vintage | Tequila Mule
Vintage used to just be a wine bar, but recently they remodeled and acquired a liquor license. They don’t have the largest selection, but they make up for it with quality service and a great atmosphere. They always have live music on the weekends and an outdoor patio. A great cocktail to start with there is the Tequila Mule. Simple and crisp. It contains Tequila, ginger beer, lime and sometimes a fresh mint garnish. It’s something you could drink all night and never get tired of, which is convenient because once you get to Vintage, you won’t want to leave.
Mosaic | Mimosa
After a long night of friends, food, and drinks there will only be one thing you want in the morning - brunch and a prerequisite of any good brunch spot is a killer mimosa. One of my favorite brunch spots is Mosaic, it’s a new and spacious spot near the river with good food, good coffee, and great mimosas. They’re just fresh squeezed orange juice and champagne - the perfect way to ease into a relaxing Saturday.
Are we missing something? Send us your favorites!
