The bar scene in Birmingham is indisputably alluring. From artsy dives to chic cocktail establishments, much of the magic in our Magic City happens after dark – but alcohol doesn’t need to be part of it. Here are six of our favorite unspiked beverages.
Pomegranate Blueberry Mojito
Armour House
Crafted by veteran bartender Ronnie Moore, this mojito combines pomegranate juice, lime juice, blueberries muddled with mint, and a splash of soda. It’s got a snazzy appearance with its mint sprig and is refreshingly fruity without being syrupy.
Guri Guri with Coconut Water
Cayo Coco Rum Bar and Restaurant
Luke Hampton, another seasoned B’ham bartender, made me a Guri Guri with coconut water instead of rum. With strawberries, fresh citrus, guava, and a pickled plum called Li Hing Mui, the results were delicious and reminiscent of a waterfront vacation despite the urban streetscape.
NA Old Fashioned
Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar
Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar always attracts me with its moody vibe, and bartender Austin Yates had just the thing to surprise me. This old fashioned includes notes of coffee, smokey Chinese tea, a bitter syrup similar to Campari, and hot honey. While it’s not whiskey, it’s complex enough to sip slowly.
Tepache Fizz
Adiõs
Adiõs bartender Sarah Bush is a new Birmingham resident with plenty of cocktail knowledge. I sipped the Tepache Fizz, made with lemon, ginger, and house-made tepache, a fermented pineapple drink similar to kombucha. Order this if you love ginger – the clean, refreshing taste is like a juice bar beverage.
Wanda Claire
House of Found Objects
My night concluded at House of Found Objects, where I climbed secret stairs to my seat with a bird’s-eye view. I was immediately drawn to Wanda Claire, listed under nonalcoholic drinks and recommended by my server. With lavender, wildflower honey, lemon, rosemary, and Topo Chico, it’s like a walk on a sunlit afternoon – and lightly sweet enough to be a post-dinner treat.
Mary's Fave
Tucana Tiki Bar
Our staff photographer, Mary Fehr, was NA before it was trendy. She recommends Tucana Tiki Bar's...