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I can’t take credit for coining the phrase “Cocktail Tourist” but its a word that perfectly describes my travel style. I love finding the best cocktails in any city when traveling. There’s no better city to start exploring than my own. Today I’m breaking down all of the best cocktails in St Louis so you know where to find the best drinks in town.
This list will continue to grow and change, so check back often for additional suggestions.
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Angad Arts Hotel
The Angad Arts Hotel has one of the best hotel bars in St Louis. It’s also a rooftop bar which makes it even better. These cocktails run on the higher-end, especially for St Louis, but they are worth their cost for a nice evening out.
The presentation alone is enough to get me hooked, but the drinks are delicious and the couches are comfortable. One hour turns to three very quickly here. Luckily, you’ve got a great view of the sunset to signal when it’s time to go home.
Must-Try Cocktail at Angad Arts Hotel: Check out “Nine Worlds.” One of the ingredients listed is “sparkle.” Where could you go wrong?
Planter’s House
Planter’s House is named for a historic Planter’s Hotel that once stood in St Louis. This hotel once hired Jerry Thomas, the famous bartender who wrote the first guide to cocktails. Now, however, Planter’s House is a delicious cocktail bar in downtown St Louis that strives to deliver the same hospitality and delicious drinks that Planter’s Hotel was once known for.
This is one of those places that you’ve got to check out during their happy hour because the prices are great. Plus then you won’t feel bad about having a second (…or third…) drink while visiting! They’ve also got happy hour pricing on a few bites to eat, too.
If you’re a lover of whiskey like we are, you won’t be disappointed by their extensive whiskey menu.
Must-try cocktail at Planter’s House: If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, grab a “Kentucky Buck.”
Blue Duck
A hidden gem in the Maplewood neighborhood that is a favorite to locals. You’ll find it nestled between a leather-goods store and a house, right across the street from the grocery store. If you don’t look closely, you might miss it all together, but that would be a mistake.
We took a seat at the bar and were amazed by all the varieties of gins and whiskeys that we had never even heard of. Their collection of craft distilleries (and, more importantly, of local craft distilleries) makes their collection of spirits worth the visit. We stopped by for their happy hour cocktails and were not disappointed by what we tried.
One trend that Blue Duck has always been ahead of is their barrel aged cocktails. You’ll find them resting right at the bar
Must-try cocktail at Blue Duck: Enjoy an “Income Based Repayment” and try not to think about those student loans.
Trust
Trust is a co-working space by day and a delicious cocktail bar by night. The perfect combination for anyone working remotely. Not to mention, this cocktail bar is located inside of an old bank, so the views while you’re here are unbeatable. Just try not to stare at the ceiling as you wait for your drink. These guys are crafting up the best cocktails in St Louis, and their service is unbeatable.
While visiting Trust, I tried out a rye Manhattan where the presentation was half the fun. A friend had went up to the bar to order this one for me and the bartender stopped her and asked, “is this one yours?” She said, “No, just ordering it for my friend.” He refused to give it to her saying, “she needs to come over here…it’s kind of a presentation.”
It was then that I realized that this was more than just a drink and this place more than just a bar. There was a quick show involved in the preparation of this drink. The bartender charred a raspberry and lemon peel right in front of me on top of a piece of wood. He explained how this combination was going to be trapped inside a glass, coating the insides with a smokey flavor that would perfectly compliment my drink.
Perhaps it was all in the marketing, but this was one of the best Manhattans I have ever had.
Must-try cocktail at Trust: Order a “Just Light It on Fire” and enjoy the show!
Small Batch
Another great place for Whiskey lovers to check out. Small Batch is what you would get if you took every element of my favorite restaurants and smashed them together into one amazing place. When I told my sister about our visit to Small Batch she said, “it sounds like you invented that place.” And she’s absolutely right. If there was ever a restaurant I would invent, it would be this one.
The whiskey menu is practically the cornerstone, offering stuff you can’t find anywhere else in town. The first page of their drink menu is a description of their build-your-own whiskey flights. Their menu is all vegetarian foods with large portions. When we visited, Jason & I split a dish and had plenty to eat. You’ll take one look at their cocktail menu and want to try them all. Everything about this place is perfect.
Must-try cocktail at Small Batch: Try out their house Old Fashioned. You even get to pick which bourbon they make it with!
These five cocktail bars have only scratched the surface on the cocktail bars St Louis has to offer. If you have any other favorite cocktail bars, leave them in the comments below. I just might add them to my list of Best Cocktails in St Louis!
Beyond the Best Cocktails in St Louis
If you’re looking for even more great posts about St Louis, you’re in luck! Check out all of my other posts about having a great time in my favorite city!
17 Completely Free Things for Adults to do in St Louis
How to Have the Best 48 Hours in St Louis
A Beer Lover’s Guide to a Weekend in St Louis
St Louis Neighborhood Guide: Maplewood
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