The Gourmez

Sidecar Rockwood Filling Station *CLOSED* Durham, NC I was delighted to see sidecars on the drink list for Rockwood Filling Station as I feel it’s an often overlooked cocktail. The drink itself did not live up to my expectations. It was served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass. I thought the sugar was a good touch [...]

Sangriatini Four Square Durham, NC This drink was an interesting idea but did not come across well in the execution. A sweeter red wine as the base would have been better as well as premixing the ingredients to allow the flavors to mix.

Yo La Mango Lantern’s Lounge Chapel Hill, NC Made with mango puree, lemongrass, sake, and vodka, Yo La Mango was tasty and packed lots of flavor.

Lotus Blossom Lantern’s Lounge Chapel Hill, NC This sophisticated drink was made with Luksana vodka, lillet blanc, orange flower water, and lychee juice. Combined, the drink was lightly sweet and wonderfully smooth.

Pear Melon Daisy The Big Easy Raleigh, NC I ordered this drink merely because I hadn’t had Midori in a long time. It was delightful—the reason I hadn’t had Midori is because it’s often overpowering but here, the pear vodka mellowed it out nicely. Sweet and lovely.

The Alex Martini George’s Garage *CLOSED* Durham, NC This drink proves that apple martinis don’t have to hit you over the head with sugar. It came garnished with an orange slice and topped with foam, which I love. It was the color of sparkling cider but a bit murky so that I wondered if it [...]

Jibarra Margarita Jibarra Raleigh, NC This margarita is Jibarra’s signature drink, with 100% agave tequila. There’s no margarita mix here; all the juice is freshly squeezed on site. Crowned with a hibiscus flower, this margarita is smooth, simple, and flawless.

Margarita de Jamaica Jibarra Raleigh, NC For the same price as Jibarra’s standard margarita, you can get this version, simmered with sugar cane. The addition of hibiscus nectar makes the drink an appealing lavender and more sweet than sour.

Mexican Breeze Jibarra Raleigh, NC This is an excellent champagne cocktail. Miraculously, it manages to not be too sweet with its white peach puree, orange liquor, agave tequila and citrus juice. You can taste each element individually and still wonder at how smooth the blend is. Give that bartender a raise.

Pecan Pie Martini Rockfish Seafood Grill The Streets at Southpoint Durham, NC It’s rare that I have to choke down a drink. Of course, it didn’t help that the bartender looked about 17 and told me that I was only the second person to ever order it, but I think that this martini was the [...]