A Guide to Nashville’s 10 Best Cocktails

Something with a Shrub

Spiker and Sponge, Rolf & Daughters

Since its debut nearly two years ago, Rolf & Daughters has become known for its complex drinks paired with funny names, such as the Nothing Camparis 2 U and Cynarnold Schwarzenegger. But the Spiker and Sponge gets our order every time: A little bit tart―with a peach shrub, honey, and lemon finish―it might seem like a summery sip, but the Dickel Rye promises this is no girly drink. Jackalope IPA and Peychaud’s Bitters also help balance things out. $11
Rolf & Daughters — 700 Taylor St., 615-866-9897; rolfanddaughters.com

Something to Knock You Out

Buona Notte, Holland House

Bartender Ben Keeling was looking to riff on a drink named To All a Good Night, which calls for tequila, bourbon, and Cherry Heering liqueur. He subbed out the cherry liqueur for the Italian aperitif amaro and appropriately translated the cocktail’s name. Though the Buona Notte features slightly more tequila and less bourbon than the original, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for capping off a good night. $12
Holland House — 935 W. Eastland Ave., 615-262-4190; hollandhousebarandrefuge.com

Something on Tap

No. 2, Two Ten Jack

This izakaya (Japanese-style pub) in East Nashville boasts a lengthy drinks menu that includes a hearty selection of beer, sake, wine, and even cocktails on tap―like our pick, the No. 2, which packs a punch. Made with silver tequila, pear liqueur, chile, lime, and agave, it is not for lightweights. $10
Two Ten Jack — 1900 Eastland Ave., 615-454-2731; twotenjack.com

Something Ubiquitous

Moscow Mule, The Patterson House

Way back in the 1940s, a clever bartender combined ginger beer, vodka, and lime, and the Moscow Mule was born. In recent years, the classic drink has experienced a resurgence in popularity and can be found on menus far and wide, but one of the top iterations in Nashville is at the city’s best re-imagined speakeasy. The Patterson House’s secret? A spicy housemade ginger syrup that, when mixed with soda water, creates their version of a ginger beer, resulting in a pleasantly addictive cocktail. $12
The Patterson House — 1711 Division St., 615-636-7724; thepattersonnashville.com

Something Local

Corsair Reviver #2, Merchant’s

Inspired by the Corpse Reviver #2, Merchant’s puts a local spin on the recipe by incorporating Corsair’s barrel-aged gin. Matt Tocco, beverage director for all of the Strategic Hospitality restaurants, reworked this recipe ever so slightly when he updated the cocktail list last fall, subbing the barrel-aged for regular. The new base spirit, which gets a turn in spiced rum barrels, adds rich flavors like pie spice and vanilla to the otherwise clean-tasting, refreshing mix. $11
Merchant’s — 401 Broadway, 615-254-1892; merchantsrestaurant.com

Something to Sip Next to a Fire

Milk Punch, Adele’s


A little sweet, a little spicy, Adele’s Milk Punch is the perfect order for the bargoer who can’t decide between flavor profiles. But creating it wasn’t all that simple. Beverage manager Troy Smith and general manager Pennington Pribbenow say it was a long and painstaking process to nail down the right formula. The final result involved adding citrus juice and spices to the liquor―Gosling’s Black Rum, Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, Cognac―then mixing in milk to marinate and ferment. After that, the punch is strained and served chilled. $12
Adele's — 1210 McGavock St., 615-988-9700; adelesnashville.com

Something High-Octane

Southern Limerick, Pinewood Social

A sprawling venue with a bowling alley, two pools, karaoke, craft cocktails, and a restaurant serving three meals a day, Pinewood Social is known for its uniqueness, so it’s only natural that their coffee bar offers more than just a kick of caffeine. To really perk up, order the Southern Limerick. Inspired by Irish coffee, this caffeinated concoction is a combination of rye whiskey, bittersweet amaro, and warm coffee topped with smooth cream. Now that's what we call a pick-me-up. $10
Pinewood Social — 33 Peabody St, 615-751-8111; pinewoodsocial.com

Something Strong and Sparkling

Juno, City House

When Stephanie Melidis Wilson wanted to create a cocktail that was easy to drink and could carry diners through their meal, she settled on two basic ingredients: gin and vermouth. She floated a little Prosecco on top for a celebratory kick. The light but powerful concoction is full-flavored yet doesn’t overpower chef Tandy Wilson’s food. And because of the City House tradition of naming cocktails for employees’ dogs, “Juno x93 (a pooch owned by one of the staffers) stuck thanks to the juniper-based anchor spirit. $10
City House — 1222 4th Ave. N., 615-736-5838; cityhousenashville.com

Something Simple

Gin Martini, Capitol Grille

Sometimes, all we want is a good, stiff drink―and the Oak Bar at Capitol Grille always delivers. While they have one of the most impressive bourbon selections in the state, it’s their five-dollar happy-hour martinis that can make even the longest week seem manageable. Served with flair and your choice of accompaniments―twists, olives, onions, you name it―this straight-up treat is one of the best bargains in town. (Hint: Go with the gin version if you’re looking for a classic.) $5
The Hermitage Hotel — 231 6th Ave N, 615-345-7116; capitolgrillenashville.com

Something Complex

Cider Press, Gray’s on Main

During the cold months, a simple mug of hot cider can warm your bones and pull you out of the winter doldrums, but at Gray’s on Main in Franklin, the traditionally inspired Cider Press goes well beyond providing just comfort. Magic happens when apple brandy, aged rum, organic cider, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon are combined in a French press and transformed into a complex infusion. The final product is a unique and sophisticated libation that’s meant to be shared. $22 (serves 2)
Gray’s on Main — 332 Main St, Franklin, 615-435-3603; graysonmain.com

Get the recipe in the February 2015 issue of Nashville Lifestyles!