It goes without saying that Savannah is a drinking town where to-go cups runneth over. There are bars and lounges to be found on just about every corner throughout the historic district, providing plentiful options to imbibe after a hard day’s work. Savannah’s cocktail culture is alive and well, so naturally any holiday dedicated to mixed drinks is definitely worth celebrating around here. It just so happens that March 24 is National Cocktail Day, all the more reason to raise your glass and throw one back. Observed in the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K., National Cocktail Day is a fun opportunity to celebrate fun drinks. There’s no better place to enjoy this holiday than in the Hostess City. So, find some time to drink one (or all) of these classic cocktails available at local watering holes. 

Daiquiris

A daiquiri is a sweet cocktail made with rum, citrus juice and sugar. They can be served straight up or frozen. Around Savannah, frozen daiquiris are the perfect remedy to the South’s heat and humidity. The local go-to for these cool cocktails is Wet Willie’s. With locations in City Market and River Street, Wet Willie’s offers satiating frozen daiquiris with signature flavors like Shock Treatment and Call-A-Cab. These icy treats are nice to have in hand while strolling through Savannah’s streets. 

Margaritas

Mighty and Mexican in origin, the margarita is the most popular cocktail in the world. It can be served on the rocks or blended with ice. The traditional margarita combines tequila, triple sec and lime juice with a salted rim, but today there are all sorts of inventive takes. With three local locations, Tequila’s Town is a great place for magnificent margaritas. They have fruity options as well as bold spins like their Prickly Pear and Jalapeno margaritas. If you find yourself in Pooler, try Carlito’s Mexican Bar & Grill where they have house, premium and ‘Skinny’ margaritas available for you to sip on a sunny spring day.  

Martinis

The martini is another incredibly popular cocktail that is enjoyed by many. The classic recipe calls for gin or vodka, vermouth and an olive or lemon twist garnish. If that seems a little humdrum to you, you’ll be glad to know that there are myriad mouthwatering martini recipes available today. If you’d like to try some marvelous martinis that are as creative as they are plentiful, head to Jen’s & Friends, which is home to more than 300 martinis. Another excellent option is Lulu’s Chocolate Bar, which boasts a decadent array of dessert martinis. 

Mojitos

Coming from Cuba, the mojito is a traditional punch consisting of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water and mint. It’s sweet, citrusy and herbaceous, making it a refreshing option best enjoyed during the warmer months. There’s one place in town to enjoy a flavorful variety of hand-muddled mojitos, and that’s Mint to be Mojito Bar & Bites. With tropical tastes like passionfruit, coconut, pineapple and more, a mojito from Mint to be will transport you to paradise. 

Tiki Drinks

Tiki drinks are island-inspired cocktails that are typically made with rum. They’re often served in fun, colorful vessels with beautiful garnishes. With warmer weather settling in, this time of year is well suited for tiki drinks. One place to enjoy them is the Bamboo Room Tiki Bar located atop Sorry Charlie’s. It’s an exotic escape in the heart of the historic district beckoning to passersby with carefree cocktails and island vibes. Water Witch Tiki is another tropical oasis found in Savannah’s eclectic Starland district, where you can enjoy traditional tiki drinks along with modern signature cocktails that don’t disappoint. 

Whiskey Sours

Dating back to the 1800s, the whiskey sour is a time-honored cocktail initially enjoyed by sailors. But today, you don’t have to be a buccaneer to partake of this strong yet simple drink. Whiskey sours are made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar and, occasionally, egg white. Savannah is home to two establishments that pride themselves on their sizable whiskey selection. Repeal 33 has an impressive whiskey collection featuring pretty much everything anyone could want from bourbon and scotch to Irish and rye. Bowtie Barbecue is another great spot for great whiskey, boasting more than 120 bottles to complement the ‘cue. 

This article appears in Mar 1-31, 2023.