Orlando Craft Cocktail Culture

[BRussell]

I'm an Orlando local who loves craft cocktails. Half my vacation budget goes to visiting the country's bigger mixology spots. As I'm sure many of you know, the cocktail scene in Orlando is just beggining to grow.

I'm aware that one can grab a good drink at The Ravenous Pig, Luma and a couple of others but I'm hoping that that there might be some dedicated bars in the area that might get a bit more adventerous. Maybe genever, egg whites, niche amaros etc. If Tampa can support these sorts of bars we should be able to.

So I have two questions.

1.Does anyone know of any plans to open a dedicated craft cocktail bar in the area?

2. Is there any association, club, webring etc. uniting those of us who love cocktails and want to enjoy them with friends? I'm tired of whining about the low quality of drinking in our city. I'd rather work on improving it.

[rborowsky]

I've been looking for some great craft cocktails as well...I first became interested after visiting the Violet Hour in Chicago about 5 years ago. Having trouble finding anything that lives up to that place. We just moved to Orlando and we are planning on trying the Courtesy. Have you been?

[BRussell]

Welcome to town! Since this thread was posted I've actually become a regular at The Courtesy. Definately the best cocktail program in Orlando. It's not as high end/concept driven as The Violet Hour (few places in the country are), but I find that better for a go to bar (less production, and much more affordable).

I'd recommend going on a weekday, or sometime early. They don't limit seating, so by 9:30pm on a Friday or Saturday it's a mad house. If you go early, the bartenders are happy to hang out with you, make something off menu or customize something to your taste.

[rborowsky]

Thanks! I am excited to try it - Meeting a friend there next week! Any other recs?

[BRussell]

"Eden Bar" at our local art house movie theatre, The Enzian, is a fun spot. I wouldn't quite call them "craft cocktails" there, but they can do a lot better than a bourbon coke and it's all outdoor seating, which I find is rarely combined with good drinks. Great outdoor hangout spot.

The cocktail programs at two of the more beloved Orlando restaurants, "The Ravenous Pig" and "Cask and Larder" are solid, but don't justify the price in my mind.

There's a new craft cocktail spot called "The Woods" near "The Courtesy." I'm headed there tonight so I'll let you know how it goes.

[rborowsky]

Thanks! We have actually visited both Cask and Ravenous Pig. Both good times! Excited to hear about The Woods.

[centsmakingsense]

Try Terrace 390 or the Grand Bohemian lounge.

[YosemiteSam]

I believe the owners of The Table in the Dellagio on Sand Lake Road are opening a craft cocktail place next door to their restaurant. I also recommend a trip to Winter Garden to the Tasting Room which while a restaurant serves an impressive cocktail list with fresh seasonal ingredients and unique spirits

[lowtone9]

Craft cocktail culture is when the bartenders know exactly how much
diet Pepsi to pour into the Jim Beam, and do so veeeerrry carefully.

pepsi