Advice for safely interacting with spirits: grab ‘em, suck the life out of them, then take on another one if you dare. An upside of Covid 19 (can’t believe I just used that phrase in a sentence, but it is 2020), is that one can order and pick up craft cocktails to go. Craft cocktails. To go. (Yet another unexpected 2020 phrase.) Not quite the North Carolina’s Brew Thru of my youth, but I’ll take it! Here are a few vetted suggestions to put some spice in your pumpkin.
L’Opossum– always an excellent choice, take advantage of their carry-out, and make sure you include one of their excellent libations. Might I suggest David Shannon’s Throwing Shade? Woodford reserve bourbon, burnt oranges, Aperol, and sweet vermouth. Aptly named and flavored for the season.
The Jasper– try the Emergency Contact. Fernet Branca, Old Forester rye whiskey, Cocchi Barolo Chinato, chocolate, bitters. Lush and boozy with notes of spice, mint, and chocolate. There’s an old school outside lemonade stand in front of the bar, and over the Halloween weekend, Dias de los Muertos themed drinks will be available.
Alewife– worth the drive for the Boulevardier, packaged for two. Dickle rye, Campari, Cocchi, and Torino.
Perch– before you light your first fire, drop by and pick up their Pumpkin Seed Mai Tai or a My Love Isobel with Belle Isle Blood Orange and Honey Habanero Moonshine, vanilla, lime, and Cappelletti.
Metzger Bar and Butchery– frequented by Sweeney Todd and known for their Top Shelf Rob Roy. Macallan 10yr, Carpano Antica Vermouth, and bitters.
Boo, y’all!