Nothing puts you in the vacation spirit like a perfectly crafted cocktail. Whether you like them frozen and fruity or nice and neat, sipping on your favorite blend as you kick back on the beach is one of Gulf Shores’ greatest pleasures. And if you’re staying at The Beach Club Resort and Spa, you’ll be close to some of the best places for cocktails on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Here are our top five favorites.
Coast Restaurant
First up is Coast, our resort’s on-site restaurant and a local favorite for fine cocktails and specialty spirits. You can order at the bar and sit out on the veranda to sip delicious drinks with a salty beach breeze and waterfront views. From mules and martinis to bourbon-based concoctions, there’s a cocktail for everyone at Coast. You can also choose from an extensive wine and beer list or the brown water menu, which features an expanded whiskey and scotch collection and wood smoked options.
The Village Hideaway
If you’re looking for something a little low-key, head over to The Village Hideaway in The Beach Club Resort. This sports bar boasts a fun family atmosphere with games, delicious pub food, and a large collection of local craft beers. Their specialty cocktails are always handmade and feature fresh flavors with a tropical twist. Sip on your favorite as the kids play in the arcade or take a swing on the golf simulator.
CoastAL Orange Beach
One of the newest restaurants on the Alabama Gulf Coast, CoastAL has made a big reputation for its open-air bar and beachfront views. CoastAL Beach Bar is right on the sand and serves signature cocktails guests can enjoy as you listen to live music and rolling Gulf waves. Try their version of The Bushwhacker, a booze-y milkshake that tastes like a creamy, chocolate pina colada.
Big Beach Brewing
We can’t forget you craft beer connoisseurs! Big Beach Brewing Company is a local treasure that boasts a 10-barrel brewing system, six on-site fermenters, and a tank to tap operation that offers the freshest craft beer on the coast. Lounge in the open-air taproom to sample 12 exclusive taps; we recommend the Area 251 Hazy IPA, a hoppy blend with a tropical taste that goes down like orange juice.
The Gulf
A hip beach bar with cocktails as colorful as its shipping-container exterior, The Gulf is the go-to place for Insta-worthy drinks. They’re known for cocktails almost too pretty to drink, like their scratch-made mojitos that are made fresh to order and muddled on-site. Try the Seasonal Berry Mojito, their best-selling blend of fresh lime, berries, and mint that are muddled together and topped with a dash of simple syrup, light-aged rum, and a splash of club soda.
8 Reale Speakeasy
Hidden behind a secret vault door that only opens with the right password, 8 Reale Speakeasy is not your average bar. The opulent space boasts a wide variety of ultra-premium sprits, from rare bourbons and wines to cordials made by master mixologists. Their signature cocktail recipes are carefully guarded, but they’ll tell you what to expect with adjectives like “smokey”, “balanced”, and “tart”. Find the daily password on their Facebook page to try it out for yourself.
With cocktails like these, you’re sure to enjoy an intoxicating trip to the Gulf Coast. Remember to drink responsibly and designate a sober driver. Or book your stay at The Beach Club to have easy access to delicious drinks right on the resort. Cheers!