Draft cocktails are funny things. Part of the reason why I don’t mind paying more than $12 for a cocktail is because of its nuanced complexity and the fact that it’s shaken or stirred just for me. But what if you could get your drink in less time and for fewer dollars? Enter cocktails on tap – big batch mixed beverages that can be poured at the drop of a hat. Here are nine places to find inventive draft cocktails in the United States.
Area Four (Boston, MA)
Enjoy some seriously good pizza with Area Four’s two draft cocktails, cutely named “Swipe Right” and “Swipe Left.” We have a feeling this is the perfect Tinder date spot.
What to order: Swipe Right (a classic Caipirinha)
Easy Bistro (Chattanooga, TN)
Enjoy bites and boozy beverages at this Tennessee eatery chef’ed by James Beard nominee Erik Neil. Oysters, charcuterie and creative hors d’oeuvres like foie gras sausage will pair perfectly with either of their cocktails on tap.
What to order: Tinsley Mortimer (sazerac, orange bitters)
Little Big Diner (Newton, MA)
This popular Boston-area ramen spot also boasts three cocktails on draft – the perfect way to wash down spicy broth or a Hawaiian-style burger.
What to order: Cold Tea ( tequila, mezcal, yuzu, sake, green tea)
MG Road Bar & Lounge (Asheville, NC)
This highly Instagrammable spot with a millennial-pink menu offers a daily draft cocktail.
What to order: whichever draft cocktail they have on rotation.
Peckish Pig (Evanston, IL)
As Evanston’s self-proclaimed first brewpub, the Peckish Pig offers a variety of draft cocktails and a late-night menu featuring bacon fat popcorn and inventive burgers.
What to order: Pisco Punch
Polite Provisions (San Diego, CA)
This beautiful space in San Diego has a handful of draft cocktails and offers cocktail classes so you can learn to concoct your own.
What to order: Rum Business (white rum, pineapple, vanilla, cream soda)
Takoi (Detroit, MI)
This Detroit spot features a seasonal food menu that changes almost daily, as well as a beverage program that highlights draft cocktails.
What to order: Anything with mezcal.
The Walk-In (Chicago, IL)
Featuring an ever-changing cocktail menu, it’s hard to know what’s being served until you walk into The Walk-In. This is strictly a beverage spot, though there are some bar munchies.
What to order: whichever draft cocktail they have on rotation.
Yours Sincerely (Brooklyn, NY)
According to their website, the mission at Yours Sincerely is “sustainable, consistent, budget-friendly tasty AF craft cocktails.” This bar is the only one on the list that exclusively serves draft cocktails, served in on-brand beakers.
What to order: “The H-Bomb” or something classic, like a Manhattan.
Photo courtesy of Polite Provisions
