Mix it Up in Reno-Tahoe Territory – The Six Best Places to Enjoy a Craft Cocktail

From peaks to basin, the cities and towns that comprise the Reno-Tahoe Territory is home to mixologists and masters serving up artful beverages. As ski season calls winter lovers to Reno-Tahoe, après ski heats up with libations at local grown bars, distilleries and restaurants for that Instagram-worthy craft cocktail scene, set in a gorgeous high desert and mountain location.

These six must-visit establishments will have you showing off your expert craft cocktail knowledge and impressing your friends:

The Social House in South Lake Tahoe:
By day, The Social House at Heavenly Village is a premium deli. At night, an entrance emerges to a 20s-style speakeasy. This high end, secret bar is home to some of South Lake’s most bespoke and refreshing cocktails. If you’re lucky enough to find your way in, you’ll be glad you did. With live music and that prohibition-era vibe, this place is a great find. Shhhh, you didn’t hear that here. For more information on The Social House, visit online.

JT Basque Bar in Carson Valley:
Nothing says Nevada like a Picon Punch. Hot, bitter and sweet – the flavors embody the nature of the Battle Born state itself while honoring the region’s Basque history. Visitors to JT Basque Bar will find themselves among old cowboy hats and a tall ceiling covered in dollar bills. At JT Basque Bar, the Picon Punch house special has a flavor you won’t find anywhere else. It just so happens that the short highball cocktail pairs wonderfully with the restaurant’s award-winning menu which is served up generous and family style. For more information on JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, menu, location and hours, please visit online.

The Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City:
The Bucket of Blood Saloon, despite its name, is a charming historic watering hole that’s been serving ‘em up since 1876. The saloon is a National Landmark fixture on Virginia City’s main strip. The Bucket of Blood Saloon has a heritage of honoring its Old West history and ensuring that every patron has a bloody good time. That same attention goes into their iconic Bloody Mary. Chock full of pickled green beans, a secret tomato blend base and smooth vodka; the best darn Bloody on the Comstock is best enjoyed over live music, performed nearly every weekend. For more information on The Bucket of Blood Saloon, event schedule, location and hours, please visit online.

Rum Sugar Lime in Midtown Reno:
This classy family-owned and operated cocktail bar in Reno’s booming Midtown district serves up hand-crafted tropical cocktails as well as the standard favorites. Rum Sugar Lime (RSL) is a contemporary and polished establishment, using fresh ingredients and a curated rum selection to tailor tiki classics much more evolved than the standard Mai Tai. The bar’s namesake drink, the Daiquiri, is crisp, tart, refreshing, boozy and sophisticated. RSL’s Daiquiri is crafted from just three fresh ingredients: rum, sugar and lime. Be sure to explore the rest of RSL’s shaken, stirred, punch bowl, special and non-rum classics, cleverly presented based on RSL’s own flavor legend of sweetness and alcohol content. For more information on Rum Sugar Lime, including a live music calendar, online. 

Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village:
The lodge-style atmosphere at the Lone Eagle Grille is quintessentially Tahoe. From the breathtaking Lake Tahoe views and private beach, to heavy wood beams and a warming two-story stone fireplace, this lakeside establishment will have you deeply relaxed while cocktail artist stir and blend up selections from an extensive menu. While there are only a few nesting golden eagles around Lake Tahoe, the namesake cocktail is plentiful at the grille. Served blended, refreshing, boozy and citrusy, Lone Eagle Grille’s Golden Eagle Float is a must. And if a day in the snow has you craving a “grown up” hot chocolate, don’t miss the Grounded Eagle coffee cocktail, upgraded with chocolate liqueur, Grand Marnier, Bailey’s and whipped cream. For more on the Lone Eagle Grille, visit online.

Battle Born Social in Carson City:
Battle Born Social is a locally-owned small plates and craft cocktail restaurant located in the heart of Nevada’s capital, Carson City.  With a heavy emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients, Battle Born offers up tasty bites like sliders with beef from the nearby Bently Ranch, which go great with a craft cocktails featuring Bently’s Source One Vodka from the nearby Bently Heritage Estate Distillery. Battle Born’s Soucre One Sherry features the locally distilled vodka along with cherries, sweet vermouth, cardamom bitters and a lemon peel. For more on Battle Born Social, visit online.

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