Whiskey and bourbon lovers rejoice because there is perhaps no better selection anywhere in the state that at the Angus Barn’s Wild Turkey Lounge. The lounge gets its name from the 600-plus decorative Wild Turkey decanters on display (the largest private collection of such decanters in the world), and Entrepreneur Magazine once named it “One of the Best Business Bars in America.” Whether sealing a business deal or not, guests can select from dozens of bourbons, whiskeys, scotches, and more. True aficionados will appreciate the reserve list featuring rare finds like Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac rye, and the Old Fitzgerald 15-year.

Come for the views and stay for the cocktails. Level7, located atop North Raleigh’s AC Hotel, offers one of the best rooftop drinks scenes in the city. Cocktails are mostly plays on classics and include a grapefruit spritz (Dixie vodka, St. Germain, aperol, grapefruit soda), a smoked Manhattan (Redemption rye, Lustau vermouth, Angostura bitters, Bordeaux cherry), and a signature gin and tonic (Hendrick’s, Fever-Tree tonic, cucumber, and star anise). A menu of small plates complements the cocktail list.

Since 2016, the Blind Barbour has served speciality cocktails and an impressive selection of whiskeys in a Raleigh neighborhood not otherwise known for having a nightlife scene. On the cocktail list, find drinks like the City of SmOAK (mezcal, yellow chartreuse, habanero, pineapple, lime), the Sin Nombre (gin, amaro, fig, and lime), and the B.O.B. (bourbon over bourbon), which is made with Evan Williams single barrel, Overproof bourbon, demerara sugar, and bitters. An accompanying list of whiskeys and an additional offering of rare and antique liquors (like a 1927 Old Crow 11-year bourbon) is available for enthusiasts.

Pandemic opening Killjoy is the brainchild of longtime Raleigh bar and hospitality veterans Zack Thomas and Josh Cagne. Customers select from the unique menu of both boozy and alcohol-free cocktails (like the Get Figgy With It with rum, honey fig syrup, rosemary, lime, sugar, and bitters or the non-alcoholic Gordon’s Chip made with pineapple, cucumber, lime, hot sauce, salt, and pepper) or consult with a bartender to create a cocktail unique to their tastes. The bar also offers a full calendar of events including cocktail classes, cocktail tastings, and DJ nights.

Another nod to Raleigh’s affinity for brown liquor, Dram & Draught is one of the city’s premier whiskey bars (it also has locations in Durham and Greensboro). There is an extensive list of cocktails featuring seasonal creations, house favorites, and twists on classic cocktails, as well as wine and zero-alcohol creations. For those wanting to sample from Dram & Draught’s extensive whiskey list there is a flight with a choice of three one-ounce pours from the selections.

Sure, Wye Hill is first and foremost a restaurant and brewery, but it has also become known for craft cocktails, best enjoyed on the patio with a panoramic view of downtown Raleigh. The Oaxacan Sunset is made with mezcal, hibiscus, ginger, spices, lime, while the Mountie is made with Evan Williams bonded bourbon, maple syrup, clove, and bitters, and served smoking with oak wood. For low or no-alcohol drinks, Wye Hill offers a zero proof cocktail menu featuring kombucha, tea, ginger beer, and the What’s Up Doc, made with carrot juice, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and apple cider.

A modern take on Roaring Twenties cocktail culture, Watts & Ward offers speakeasy vibes in its spacious underground spot on Blount Street downtown. House cocktails include the Carolina Lily (a riff on a French 75 made with vodka, strawberry, and rosé) and the Moonrider (with blanco tequila, Aperol, elderflower, lime, and torched rosemary). In keeping with the theme a larger list of classic concoctions like a whiskey sour, Sazerac, or Boulevardier are options for those who want to lean into the 1920s vibe.

First go to the Architect Bar; then head upstairs. If the green light is on, look for the hidden door in the bookcase and head on through to enjoy the Green Light. This speakeasy offers vintage vibes and expertly crafted cocktails for both aficionados and newbies alike. The bar doesn’t publish a menu or even feature drinks on its social media, so the entire experience is truly a surprise. The space is small so reservations are highly recommended.

Delicious desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails at Bittersweet, where chef/owner Kim Hammer combines her baking prowess with a predilection for top notch drinks to create Raleigh’s only dessert cocktail bar. Customers can pair seasonal cocktails like the Blair Witch Tea Party (Cardinal barrel-rested gin, black tea, honey, pineapple, lemon, dash of cayenne pepper with a spiced rim) or the 4 a.m. Pancake (bourbon, cream, maple syrup, Crude coffee, and cocoa bitters) with desserts such as pumpkin creme brûlée, apple doughnut cobbler, or the Halloween Threesome, which Hammer describes as “imagine a Reese’s peanut butter cup, Snickers, and a Milky Way have a layered chocolate mousse-baby.”