Cocktails

A godsend for the parched and hungry traveler, Hartsfield-Jackson’s best restaurant features Duane Nutter’s Southern-meets-global cooking (thyme-roasted pork belly, salmon hot pot, pulled duck sandwich) and smart, skillfully made cocktails that aren’t too cutesy or clever.

The fine collection of agave spirits—boutique tequilas, rare sotols from Chihuahua, and a peerless selection of artisanal mezcals—at Riccardo Ullio’s newest Midtown venture is an education and delight; sip them neat one at a time or in flights of three.

Miles Macquarrie from Leon's Full Service won first place in the 2011 Peach Cocktail Mixoff at East Atlanta Village Farmers Market with this creation.

At this East Cobb newcomer, mixologist Chris McNeill’s globally influenced cocktails—with flavors from Latin America, Italy, Asia—match chef-owner Doug Turbush’s world-beat sensibility.

No establishment has done more to raise Atlanta’s cocktail consciousness than Holeman and Finch, a bastion of free-thinking alchemy where smoked egg whites may be a secret ingredient and where Greg Best and Andy Minchow (co-owners among several others) encourage democracy, with the staff banding together to create quirky, exquisite drinks.

Twenty-four-year-old David Durnell wins our vote as the city’s rising-star bartender.

The connoisseur’s paradise—but what else would you expect from the crew behind Holeman and Finch Public House?

The loud, boisterous restaurant created by Drew Belline and JCT Kitchen’s Ford Fry matches creative carbs (toast, pasta, pizza) and a smartly edited list of Old World wine varietals.

Like his menus that flow with the seasons, chef-owner Billy Allin’s beverage program also evolves constantly.