Bartenders around Baltimore have been shaking, stirring, and serving some creative cocktails, and we typically feature them by the season or the spirit. This time, we were on a hunt to uncover the craftiness that could translate to a serious upgrade to your Instagram feed. Behold, the beverages of Baltimore that are worthy of both your sips and your snaps. Drink it for the ‘gram, people.
Azumi, Kano Oi
Anywhere other than Baltimore it may seem amiss to find a crab in your cocktail, but that’s exactly what makes the Kano Oi at Azumi, on Harbor East’s waterfront, worthy of a photo opp. This delicate pink concoction of Sombra Mezcal, Aperol, grapefruit, and simple syrup over ice is set off by the bright red Ichimi Tamari Old Bay rim and the tiny Japanese Sawagani Crab who appears poised to dive into the glass. (725 Aliceanna St; 443-220-0477)
The blend of Anchor Distilling’s Junipero Gin with cucumber, lemongrass syrup, mint, and lime is as refreshing during a hot summer happy hour as it is sippable during Sunday brunch. What makes it irresistibly Instagrammable, though, is the addition of Magic Velvet Blue Ice that creates a mesmerizing color change with constantly varying hues of yellow, green, blue, and purple for as long as it takes the magic to melt. (800 Key Hwy; 410-752-1000)
Miss Shirley’s, Born On The Bay-O Bloody Mary
We enjoy a quality pun as much as a crafty cocktail - Miss Shirley’s delivers both with this outrageously garnished brunch beverage. Nearly a meal in a glass, this Bloody Mary made with Three Olives Vodka is rimmed with Old Bay, then garnished with cheddar, pickled okra, tomato, celery, and a variety of proteins including blackened shrimp, tasso ham, and andouille sausage. If that’s a little too light to start the day, add two slices of jalapeno smoked bacon for a small upcharge. Do it for the Insta. (750 E Pratt St; 410-528-5373, and two other locations)
This botanical beverage features Opihr gin, Lillet, dry vermouth, lemon juice, and simple syrup. While it poses well for a pic, it’s also a fantastic way to feature your philanthropy (and potentially garner some from followers) with $5 from each drink donated to organizations working to save elephants from poaching, disease, loss of habitat, and other preventable factors that are threatening to place them on the verge of extinction. (924 N Charles St; 443-447-7878)
Whisky and the color purple are an unexpected pair, but the Elk Room takes the surprise a step further with an element of iridescence in this glittery concoction that combines Toki Japanese Whisky, Giffard Lychee Liqueur, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, verjus, vanilla, and lavender. (1010 Fleet St; 410-244-5830)
RYE, Jezebel Spirit
The blend of gin, dry vermouth, orgeat, witbier, lime, orange flower water, genepy, and herbal bitters is the sort of signature creativity in a cocktail we’ve come to expect from RYE, who routinely posts incredible Instagram pics. What is unexpected is that this classy creation comes whimsically served with garnishes of striped straws, herbs, and fruit all in an iconic orange Orioles-themed Natty Boh can. (1629 Thames St; 443-438-3455)
Commercial Break puts the “session” in session cocktail in two ways. A citrusy blend of Aperol, grapefruit, mango, and sparkling wine, this drink is sippable all afternoon thanks to its low ABV. But it’s also ready for its photo session from any angle, with a curvy side view that features an increasingly intense concentration of color as well as a gorgeous garnish best captured from above. (200 International Drive; 410-576-5800)
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