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Readers Vote: The 10 Best Cocktails in the Twin Cities

by Claire Stanford
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by Claire Stanford

Last week, when Cocktail Week 2013 was only a wee twinkle in our eye, we asked you, the readers for your picks for the single best cocktail in the Twin Cities. We got an unprecedented number of comments on our Facebook page, an anonymous tip about the PBR Tallboy at Bryant Lake Bowl (har har), and a bunch of comments here on the site. You people know your cocktails.

So, without further ado, here are the 10 best cocktails in the Twin Cities, as voted by you, the readers.

Did we miss your favorite cocktail? Add it to the comments.


· What is the Single Best Cocktail in the Twin Cities? [Eater MPLS]
· All Previous Open Threads [Eater MPLS]
· All Coverage of Cocktail Week 2013 [Eater MPLS]

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Cafe Maude

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CucinaCulver says the Norwegian Negroni at Café Maude takes the title: "Aquavit finally made irresistible!"
5411 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 822-5411
(612) 822-5411

Eat Street Social

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Over on our Facebook page, Eat Street Social's Gin Old Fashioned got the first (immediate) reply. It's the best because of "The bitters, the large carved ice cube and the perfect blend of citrus," writes a commenter.
2600 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 767-6850
(612) 767-6850

Burch Steak & Pizza Bar

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Burch's Spicy Margarita gets a vote over on the Eater Facebook. "Their own pepper infused tequila & their own agave fresh grapefruit mix = yummmmm," writes a commenter.
1942 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 843-1515
(612) 843-1515

Rye Delicatessen

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Rico7 says the Pastrami on Rye at Rye Deli is where it's at. "It's Smoke Meat Infused Rye Whiskey served Neat with a Pickle Juice Chaser. It's Meat Whiskey, and it's Delicious!!!"
1930 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 871-1200
(612) 871-1200

Cafe & Bar Lurcat

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The Spice Market at Lurcat gets a nod on the Eater Facebook. A commenter writes: "The Spice market is sweet, tart and spicy. It is complex and refreshing. I love it."
1624 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 486-5500
(612) 486-5500

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Parlour

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Lindsaympls votes for Parlour's Winter Manhattan, explaining that they have a new version of the Manhattan every season but the original one from last winter was the best: "Red vermouth, apple brandy, bulleit rye whiskey, blackstrap bitters, and house-made cinnamon simple syrup. Perfection in a glass." Although Lynlakecarag adds that "Parlour's Fall Manhattan is damn good."
730 Washington N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 354-3135
(612) 354-3135

Sapor Cafe

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The Crystal Mary at Sapor got a nod on the Eater Facebook. A mix of house-infused 9-chile vodka and bloody mary consomme, it's "The essence of spicy summer in a drink. Simply fabulous!" according to a commenter.
428 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 375-1971
(612) 375-1971

Marvel Bar

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Marvel Bar got two votes for its Oliveto (olive oil, raw egg white, lemon, Licor 43, and Gordon's), plus a nod for its off-the-menu Old Fashioned. "Simple and classic," writes MPLS STP Clothing Co.
50 2nd Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 206-3929
(612) 206-3929

Bradstreet Craftshouse Restaurant

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Kellyrae.mn puts in a vote for the Juliet & Romeo at Bradstreet. She writes, "It is made with Plymouth, lime, mint, cucumber, and rose water. Delicious and refreshing!"
601 1st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 312-1821
(612) 312-1821

The Strip Club

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The commenter consensus seems to be to just put yourself in Strip Club bartender Dan Oskey's hands. "Whatever Dan makes for me at the Strip Club," says queenofbigtime. Lindsaypell concurs: "When I was at Strip Club, I had a beet infused savory martini with a blue cheese stuffed olive that was absolutely gorgeous and delicious. Otherwise, just go in there and say 'surprise me' and you're guaranteed a winner." If you want a specific drink recommendation, the bar's Cobra Kai is always a winner.
378 Maria Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-6247
(651) 793-6247

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Cafe Maude

5411 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
CucinaCulver says the Norwegian Negroni at Café Maude takes the title: "Aquavit finally made irresistible!"
5411 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 822-5411
(612) 822-5411

Eat Street Social

2600 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Over on our Facebook page, Eat Street Social's Gin Old Fashioned got the first (immediate) reply. It's the best because of "The bitters, the large carved ice cube and the perfect blend of citrus," writes a commenter.
2600 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 767-6850
(612) 767-6850

Burch Steak & Pizza Bar

1942 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Burch's Spicy Margarita gets a vote over on the Eater Facebook. "Their own pepper infused tequila & their own agave fresh grapefruit mix = yummmmm," writes a commenter.
1942 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 843-1515
(612) 843-1515

Rye Delicatessen

1930 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Rico7 says the Pastrami on Rye at Rye Deli is where it's at. "It's Smoke Meat Infused Rye Whiskey served Neat with a Pickle Juice Chaser. It's Meat Whiskey, and it's Delicious!!!"
1930 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 871-1200
(612) 871-1200

Cafe & Bar Lurcat

1624 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The Spice Market at Lurcat gets a nod on the Eater Facebook. A commenter writes: "The Spice market is sweet, tart and spicy. It is complex and refreshing. I love it."
1624 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 486-5500
(612) 486-5500

Parlour

730 Washington N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Lindsaympls votes for Parlour's Winter Manhattan, explaining that they have a new version of the Manhattan every season but the original one from last winter was the best: "Red vermouth, apple brandy, bulleit rye whiskey, blackstrap bitters, and house-made cinnamon simple syrup. Perfection in a glass." Although Lynlakecarag adds that "Parlour's Fall Manhattan is damn good."
730 Washington N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 354-3135
(612) 354-3135

Sapor Cafe

428 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
The Crystal Mary at Sapor got a nod on the Eater Facebook. A mix of house-infused 9-chile vodka and bloody mary consomme, it's "The essence of spicy summer in a drink. Simply fabulous!" according to a commenter.
428 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 375-1971
(612) 375-1971

Marvel Bar

50 2nd Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Marvel Bar got two votes for its Oliveto (olive oil, raw egg white, lemon, Licor 43, and Gordon's), plus a nod for its off-the-menu Old Fashioned. "Simple and classic," writes MPLS STP Clothing Co.
50 2nd Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 206-3929
(612) 206-3929

Bradstreet Craftshouse Restaurant

601 1st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Kellyrae.mn puts in a vote for the Juliet & Romeo at Bradstreet. She writes, "It is made with Plymouth, lime, mint, cucumber, and rose water. Delicious and refreshing!"
601 1st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 312-1821
(612) 312-1821

The Strip Club

378 Maria Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55106
The commenter consensus seems to be to just put yourself in Strip Club bartender Dan Oskey's hands. "Whatever Dan makes for me at the Strip Club," says queenofbigtime. Lindsaypell concurs: "When I was at Strip Club, I had a beet infused savory martini with a blue cheese stuffed olive that was absolutely gorgeous and delicious. Otherwise, just go in there and say 'surprise me' and you're guaranteed a winner." If you want a specific drink recommendation, the bar's Cobra Kai is always a winner.
378 Maria Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-6247
(651) 793-6247

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