3 of the Hottest Cocktails in Seattle... And How You Can Make Them at Home

The travel series continues. New to it? The idea is simple: we visit a city’s most talked-about new bars, order well, take notes, and publish the recipes so the drinks can follow you home. Our next stop: Seattle. Home of Starbucks, the Seahawks, and cocktails that are unfussy yet fabulous… just like the city itself.

Warp & Weft Only open since June 2015, Herb & Bitter Public House has quickly been named the best new cocktail bar in town. The haunt centers its comprehensive menu around Italian amari, like aperitifs, digestives, and fernets. They also change their cocktail offerings seasonally and keep a rotating menu of hard-to-find beers. Make the most of a sunny day by grabbing a seat on the patio and ordering up a Warp & Weft, an unexpected, yet complementary combination of porter, pear brandy, fernet, and caraway. See recipe

Mariel Though the food menu is decidedly Italian, the cocktails at Ernest Loves Agnes are inspired by Ernest Hemingway. While each of the drinks are worth trying out, we can’t say enough about the Mariel, named after Ernest’s actress granddaughter. With gin, Campari, vermouth, and sparkling rose, it’s a sweet and bubbly take on the classic Negroni. See recipe

Porch Swing Calling all fans of ginger beer: Look no further than Rachel’s, the boozy Capitol Hill companion to the famous flagship store in Post Alley. Boasting countless ginger beer cocktails on tap, Rachel’s is a prime spot for sippers who want delicious libations without all the fuss. Stop by for a taste of the Porch Swing, made with gin, ginger beer, and Aperol. Or pick up your bottle of the locally brewed ginger beer (better than anything you can get at the grocery store) to make your own amazing cocktails at home. See recipe

Can’t get enough of the Emerald City? We don’t blame you.

Locals and visitors alike are sure to get a kick out of the Seattle version of The Drunken Tomato. Author Shelley Buchanan takes readers on booze-filled journey of the city, attempting to find the best Bloody Marys Seattle has to offer.

Seattle’s laid-back cocktail culture makes it one of the best cities to explore easy-drinking recipes with quality ingredients. If you’re building out your home bar and want to try drinks that range from bitter Italian amari cocktails to refreshing ginger beer mixes, Cocktail Builder is a great place to start.

Last modified on July 3, 2026