An Insider's Guide to Columbus, Georgia’s Best Cocktails

Story and images by

Blake Blackmon

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Uptown Columbus cocktail scene has something to offer everyone. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to enjoy one. From unique and flavorful to the incomparable classics, you’ll find something in the Uptown area that suits you.. The Uptown area is also known for its expanding art scene, so we highly suggest grabbing a cocktail before strolling to see a show at the Springer or RiverCenter, check out a live concert in the square, or see what’s going on at Pop Uptown. The options are endless!

Jarfly

It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy one of the cocktails on Jarfly’s Tiki menu. Not only will you experience a fun mix of flavors, but the presentation is a delight itself. Some drinks come in tall festive glasses while others boast natural adornments like flowers or a sprig of rosemary.

Jarfly's John Denver Experience.

John Denver Experience.

A refreshing bourbon cocktail? It can be done, and the John Denver Exp. does it well. The subtle sweetness of raspberry and vanilla combine with Breckinridge bourbon for a balanced cocktail adorned with a generous sprig of rosemary.

Corpse Reviver

Not in the mood for a Tiki drink? Give the Corpse Reviver a try. It’s a classic gin cocktail served up that combines cocchi americano, combier, absinthe and lemon. It’s tart, refreshing and comes in a coup with a floating dried lemon slice.

Nonic

While they may be most notable for their extensive craft beer selection, Nonic also has a rotating signature cocktail list that is worth trying.

Negroni

The Negroni isn’t meant to be fussy, nor sweet. Enter Nonic’s consistently balanced and elegantly presented twist on the classic cocktail. Instead of using traditional campari, Nonic uses Cappelletti. Cappelletti and Campari both boast citrus and herbal flavors with bitter finishes. Cappelletti, however, has a round, subtle sweetness that you don’t get with Campari. Nonic’s Negroni is perfect for gin fans who are looking for something with a bit more edge and depth than the beloved gin and tonic.

7th Street Provisions

The intimate yet elevated ambiance of 7th Street Provisions is one that is hard to beat. It’s perfect for a celebratory dinner with friends starting off with a round of cocktails and their mushroom turnovers.

7th Street Provisions' French 75.

French 75

7th Street Provisions takes the simple ingredients of champagne and gin and adds a little something different. The special ingredient of the cocktail is a consistently rotating homemade fruit-based syrup. The cocktail is bubbly and balanced and comes served in flute.

Vertigo

New to the Uptown Food scene, Vertigo boasts an eclectic menu that celebrates a myriad of cultures. They also have a menu of cocktails that range from refreshing to smoky and spicy.

Takes Two To Mango

A full-bodied cocktail with a rich smoke flavor from the Mezcal and bit of heat from the chili oil. Orange liqueur, lime and sweet mango add dimension to this unique cocktail. If you’re not in the mood to branch out, you can’t go wrong with their margarita.

Mabella’s

With a large, inviting bar, Mabella’s is perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail. The menu also doesn’t disappoint with a craft cocktail list full of Italian flair.

Mabella's Manhattan Noir.

Manhattan Noir

The Manhattan Noir is a nod to the classic Manhattan with the addition of Nocino. Nocino is a sticky, dark brown liqueur from the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy made from unripe green walnuts. It offers an aromatic, bittersweet flavor perfectly complementary to the watershed bourbon, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters used in this drink. The cocktail is booze forward and topped with amarena Italian cherries.

Salt Cellar

Nestled in the heart of Uptown right across from the Springer Opera House, Salt Cellar is the flavorful creation of the same team that owns The Loft and Mabella. Their fresh, clean, bold cuisine, has quickly made Salt Cellar a hot spot for locals and visitors alike.

The Bubbly Bee

A light combination of honey and prosecco, this cocktail is the perfect mix of bubbly and sweet. The Honey Bee is ideal for enjoying at the tail end of dinner, or for a quick toast after a show.

11th And Bay

The rustic, modern setting of 11th and Bay and its warm and inviting atmosphere make it a great place to stop in for a cocktail or two. The unique southern-inspired cuisine is worth sticking around for as well.

11th and Bay's Pecan Smoked Old Fashioned.

Pecan Smoked Old Fashioned

This cocktail is all about the presentation. It comes to you in a closed wooden box that releases smoke upon opening. The flavors are that of a classic old fashioned with a nice hint of smokiness.

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