21C COCKTAIL TERRACE

Excitement for Cincinnati's newest rooftop bar, Cocktail Terrace, has been stirring since 21C Hotel opened in late 2012. Complete with lush communal sofas, retractable awnings, and a stunning 180º view of Downtown, crowds filled this spectacular speakeasy on their first night of service.

Living up to its name, Cocktail Terrace features a variety of craft cocktails including their specialty Poptails: popcicles muddled with a shot of liquor. Highly recommended is the Avocado Margarita Poptail, with the Lavender Blueberry Lemon Poptail coming in at a close second. We also sampled some of the new seasonal mixed drinks: the El Camino is a must have for the tropical drink-lover. If thirsting for something light and refreshing, try the Rum Dinger.

Not sure what to order? Ask the staff. Our server, Bonnie, had great recommendations and not only remembered our orders but also learned our names! Prices are reasonable too: $6.00 for craft beers, $9.00 for wine, $11.00 for generous cocktails.

Surrounded by a gentle breeze and some of the most cheerful, attentive staff in town, Cocktail Terrace is Cincinnati's coolest place to chill out this summer.

Cocktail Terrace is open Tuesday - Saturday starting at 5:00PM.

PATRÓN MARGARITAS AT CHIPOTLE

Just in time for summer, everyone's favorite burrito restaurant, Chipotle, launched their new line of Patrón Margaritas. A huge improvement over their previous offering, the new beverage tastes just like something you would receive at a bar: a fresh, individually crafted drink that packs the punch of tequila.

Each handmade margarita includes Patrón silver tequila, triple sec, a blend of lime and lemon juices, and is sweetened with organic agave nectar. Just like the rest of Chipotle's menu, it's made with a few simple ingredients. The best part: it's only $6.99.

Patrón Margaritas are now available at any Chipotle that has a liquor license. We sipped our drinks at the Fountain Square location, which makes for a perfect treat paired with some chips, guacamole, and their relaxing patio.

VINTAGE COCKTAILS AT ELUSIVE COW

Every Wednesday evening in the quaint neighborhood of Bellevue, Kentucky, visitors flock to the new Elusive Cow restaurant to sample some of Greater Cincinnati's finest spirits. A secret from the lips of several generations, resident bartender Howard McEwen concocts his signature cocktails from the recipes of times past.

Patrons may recognize the name of beverages from their grandparents' stories or from an episode of Mad Men: The Sidecar, The Stinger, Manhattan, Sloe Gin Fizz, or Bloody Maria. In short, the cocktails are what folks should enjoy sipping on a night out, not flavored vodka mixers.



The Bee's Knees

Each week, McEwen whips up a new, old-fashioned cocktail for all to enjoy. Accompanied by the distinguished hardwood decor of The Elusive Cow with their menu of organic, locally sourced cuisine, Bellevue has become a must for a midweek mingle.



Bison burger with Gouda, caramelized onions, mushrooms, avocado, and 'fixins.

Spaghetti Squash with roasted red pepper sauce with a side of seasoned kale.

Cod Sandwich with 'fixins with a side of green beans and a Bloody Maria.

McEwen's creations have garnered him a nickname as the male "Molly Wellmann of the South." If you're a fan of Japp's spirits, The Elusive Cow should be high on your list for a visit.