Memphis, the birthplace of blues, rock and roll, and some of the best all-American barbecue food that you will ever have the pleasure of tasting. You just know that from the moment you arrive to the time that you sadly leave, it’s a city that’s going to deliver decadent, hedonistic pleasure the entire time. It stands to reason that a city like this should have a thriving bar scene, and you barely have to scratch the surface to find a veritable smorgasbord of options showcasing the best of Memphis food and drink.
The 5 Best Cocktail Bars in Memphis
Cocktail bars in Memphis are a special breed. Sophisticated martini-sipping rooftop bars rub shoulders with hip speakeasy-style establishments in a melange that will cater to the tastes and styles of all comers. The beauty is that whoever you’re with, whatever type of evening you’re after, there’s something for everyone. What follows is the collection of our favorite, the best, cocktail bars in Memphis.
Alchemy
Alchemy is a bar that puts its patrons first. Nick Scott, the bar’s owner, champions equality and diversity where everyone is welcome no matter what. He wanted to create (and in our opinion has created) a bar that is the perfect place for friends and family to pull together and enjoy the good times or weather the storms.
You’ll find a wonderful selection of cocktails, including the classics, but also a variety of Alchemy’s own creations. You’d be disappointed if they weren’t inventive with a name like Alchemy. Negroni fan? Try the Alchemist, a heady mix of Bourbon, Cappelletti Aperitivo, Cocchi Torino, and Peychaud’s Bitters, and all for 11 bucks.
Twilight Sky Terrace
No prizes for guessing what type of bar Twilight Sky Terrace is. Set on the roof of 79 Madison Avenue, the bar has stunning wall-to-wall views of the Mississippi meandering by. It’s the perfect place for a few sundowners crafted with luxurious ingredients. You’ll find a well-maintained set of rooms with luxury linens and seating.
The cocktails are all thrown by hand and are a delight. Pick your poison and you’ll be pleased with the results. A smooth, easy number or maybe something that packs a punch and tonnes of tang, if the latter is your drink of choice have a pick of The Meteor Mule. A creation of Twilight that packs vodka and ginger beer, with a muddle of fresh grapefruit for that sour sharpness.
The Peabody
You can’t miss The Peabody when visiting Memphis. The huge hotel has been a Memphian landmark since 1869 and is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has, of course, a fantastic cocktail bar, but arguably more important are the ducks. You did read that right, The Peabody is famous for the 5 resident ducks who live in the hotel, enjoying the fountain and completing daily commutes through the lobby at 11 am and 5 pm.
There are numerous dining options within the hotel but for cocktails head to either the Lobby Bar (inspired by Jack Daniel’s style) or the Peabody Corner Bar. The Corner Bar offers sumptuous surroundings as you enjoy the grand piano. Classic cocktails such as Tom Collins, Martinis, and Cosmopolitans are on offer, but the Memphis Mule (a take on the Moscow Mule) shouldn’t be missed. To really get into the spirit of The Peabody, grab yourself a Rubber Ducky Cocktail made with Malibu Rum, Crème de Banana, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, and (obviously the best bit) a floating mini Rubber Ducky that you can keep!
Mollie Fontaine Lounge
Somewhat off the beaten track, amongst residential streets, Mollie Fontaine Louge feels intimate and special. Set within a historic mansion, the “bar” is spread around the nooks and rooms that used to make up the house with furniture to match. If you’re able to get tickets (and can provide proof of vaccination) it’s well worth heading along to one of the regular music nights.
The cocktail menu changes regularly and is a wonderful mix of creations from the team at Mollie’s. For bourbon lovers, you can’t go wrong with the Sage Advice, it might not be for purists but the fresh combination of sage and lemon with Woodford Reserve is unique.
Blind Bear Speakeasy
Unexpectedly, Blind Bear plays up to the speakeasy theme. Step inside and it’s a portal to the prohibition era with more of a sophisticated cocktail vibe than a raucous underground bar. There are a whole host of popular events across every week, Margarita Mondays go down a storm, and even on a Monday, you’ll be lucky to get in. Happy hour is standard between 3-7 pm Monday to Friday with deals on domestic bottles, wells, and house wine. Book a table online to avoid disappointment.
