Even when you’re on vacation or celebrating a special occasion, it’s easy to fall back on your same-old go-to drink orders and your same-old places to go drink. While there’s nothing wrong with having old favorites, it’s also exciting to explore new-to-you watering holes in search of future favorites to add to your stand-by list.
To get that list started, let’s take a look at a few of the more famous cocktails being shaken, stirred, or blended on the Arlington bar scene:
Bloody Mary
Marie’s Cherokee (AKA Pearl’s Cherokee)
2607 W Division
One of the frequently-ordered libations at this legendary dive bar is the Bloody Mary, the popularity of which the bar’s owner attributes to each bartender making it “a little different every time.” Plan to sip and stay a spell, especially on a Sunday, while you visit with some of Marie's colorful crowd of regulars.
Blue Margarita
Blue Mesa Grill
550 Lincoln Square
Blue Mesa’s signature drink, made with agave tequila and Blue Curaçao, is as gorgeous to look at as it yummy to drink. Stop in and sample frozen or on the rocks during Blue Mesa’s famous happy hour, which includes a complimentary quesadilla bar during the week and half-price appetizers on the weekend.
Bentley’s Bender
J.R. Bentley’s
406 W Abram
This cozy Downtown Arlington pub has been beloved for generations for its juicy burgers, fish-and-chips and an all-day happy hour on Monday—as well as the Bentley’s Bender, a winning combination of Jameson whiskey, triple sec, orange juice and lemonade, served over ice.
Caipirinha
VB Steakhouse (Villa Brazil)
2009 E Copeland Road
You’re probably going to be very glad you tried the Caipirinha, Brazil’s version of the mojito/margarita. It’s a refreshingly tropical concoction of juicy lime, sugar, and a rum-like liquor called Cachaça, shaken vigorously and served over ice. Enjoy during happy hour or dinner, then try a Brazilian Coffee Cocktail, an after-dinner treat that features espresso and a combination of multi-flavored liqueurs.
Cherry Pop
Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub
254 Lincoln Square Center
Whether you’re stopping in for some late night, post-game libations or a lingering Friday lunch, Sherlock’s Cherry Pop—a blend of Three Olives Cherry Vodka, sweet and sour, cranberry juice, and simple syrup, topped off with club soda—is sure to hit the spot.
Humperdinks Voodoo
Humperdinks Restaurant & Brewpub
700 Six Flags Drive
Among the rock stars of the ginormous Humperdinks menu is the oh-so-satisfying Humperdinks Voodoo, which features a blend of fruit-flavored rums and fruit juices topped off with a float of Myer’s Dark Rum. Or, if you're in a dessert drink mood, try the B-52 Strike, featuring Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, Grand Marnier and chocolate ice cream. It’s seriously yummy.
Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita
El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill
2408 W Abram
Next time you’re in a margarita state of mind, head to the patio at El Gabacho and check out the Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita, an on-the-rocks lime margarita that’s punctuated with cucumber, fresh jalapenos, and chili pepper. Enjoy with El Gabacho’s chips and salsa (it’s served warm!), the stuffed jalapenos, or the Skillet Flameado (meat and peppers sautéed in a skillet of Monterrey Jack cheese.)
Old Fashioned
Hooligan’s Pub
310 E Abram
Fresh ingredients make the difference in Hooligan’s preparation of a classic Old Fashioned, which features a sugar cube and bitters combined with whiskey or brandy, orange slice and a cherry. Enjoy while you explore Hooligan’s digital jukebox or munch on food deliveries from nearby Downtown Arlington eateries, such as J. Gilligan’s or Flying Fish.
Martinez Martini
Rio Mambo
2150 E Lamar and 6407 S Cooper
This Tex-Mex-inspired martini stars Maestro Dobel Tequila, fresh lime juice and a touch of Grand Marnier, served straight up in a frozen glass. Enjoy during Rio Mambo’s robust happy hour, which includes complimentary queso, quesadillas and nachos.
Mason Jar Cocktails
BoomerJack’s Grill and Bar
522 Lincoln Square and 4000 Arlington Highlands
This popular sports bar is known for spacious patios and an all-day happy hour, where you can enjoy one or more of BoomerJack’s Mason Jar cocktails, such as the Lone Star Lemonade (featuring Tito’s Vodka), the Tropical Hurricane (featuring Southern Comfort), or the Ultimate Iced Tea (a little bit of everything and a splash of Coke).
Parrothead Martini
Mac’s Bar & Grill
6077 W. Interstate 20
Amongst the lineup of signature martinis at this popular surf-and-turf eatery is the delicious Parrothead Martini, made with Patron tequila, Cointreau triple sec, fresh lime juice, and sugar. For the next round, try the Parrothead’s spinoff— the Pepperhead Martini, which adds a kick in the form of serrano pepper-infused simple syrup.
Swamp Thing
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
1304 E Copeland Road
It’s almost too pretty to drink, but eventually you won’t be able to resist finishing off the Swamp Thing, a tropical blend of raspberry and melon liqueurs layered with frozen margarita and frozen Hurricane, garnished with a fresh pineapple slice. Try it with a Pappadeaux starter, like the shrimp and crawfish fondue or the jumbo lump crab cakes.
Texas Peach
R Bar & Grill
2401 E Lamar
Whether you're ordering from the kitchen or the bar, RBar's creative, Texas-themed menu never fails to deliver. Next time you're in town, try the Texas Peach, where expert mixologists take Deep Eddy Peach vodka, mix it with some Dublin peach soda (real cane sugar), some O.J. and a splash of soda water for a real treat for your taste buds. Excuse us as we walk, no RUN, to happy hour.
Watermelon Mojito
The Keg Steakhouse+Bar
4001 Arlington Highlands Blvd
Talk about refreshing: White rum, lemon and lime juice, crushed watermelon, sugar and soda, served up in The Keg’s classic steakhouse setting. If you’re indulging during happy hour, try pairing your Watermelon Mojito with the baked brie or loaded nachos from the bar menu.
Wedding Cake Martini
Piranha Killer Sushi
859 NE Green Oaks Blvd and 309 Curtis Mathes Way
It’s hard to pick just one signature favorite from Piranha’s creative martini menu. But if we had to, we’d probably go with the charming Wedding Cake Martini, featuring Three Olives vanilla vodka, Frangelico, pineapple and a splash of cranberry juice. Be aware: It’s so yummy you might have trouble stopping at one.
