5 of the best Huntsville cocktails of 2024

Winter cocktails from Domaine South — Giocoso (left) and La Reina (right) from Domaine South were two of our favorites from 2023. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Last year, we tried some tasty but off-the-wall drinks—like a Barbie-themed cocktail and the iconic KIV beer. This year, we took it back to the basics, enjoying the ultimate classics with innovative twists.

Check out these five drinks that Huntsville bars perfected in 2024.

1. SiP Fine Spirits + Cigar Lounge: Negroni

Espresso Martini (left) and Negroni (right) from SiP Fine Spirits + Cigar Lounge. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

A 100-year-old cocktail, the Negroni was allegedly invented at Caffe Casoni in Florence, Italy in 1919. It’s a drink that you either love or hate, and most would say it’s an acquired taste.

It’s also a straightforward mixture, consisting of a 1:1:1 ratio of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Sounds pretty difficult to mess up, right?

Surprisingly, almost every Negroni I’ve had has tasted different, and I’ve never tried one better than SiP’s. The vermouth tastes fresh, the Campari bites softly and it’s stirred to icy perfection.

Pro tip: Go to SiP with a couple of friends, and watch in amazement as the pro bartender Luis expertly makes three cocktails at the same time.

2. Good Company Cafe: Cava de la Rosa

Beermosa (left) and Cava de la Rosa (right) from Good Company Cafe. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Good Company Cafe was basically synonymous with Sunday brunch for me in 2024. But, it wasn’t until recently that I tried the Cava de la Rosa.

I’m not normally one for wine cocktails, but this one did the trick. Sweetened by a house-made rose syrup, bubbling with tasty Cava and topped with delicate rose petals, this cocktail was easy on the taste buds and the eyes.

3. Valentina’s Pizzeria: Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour from Valentina's Pizzeria. — Amaretto Sour from Valentina’s Pizzeria. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

After moving into a new location last year, Valentina’s expanded their wine bar to serve delicious cocktails.

Although it’s not on the official menu, the Amaretto Sour was one of my favorites of 2024. A delicious fusion of amaretto, bourbon, lemon and frothy egg whites, it’s the ideal sipper for cold winter days.

4. Commerce Kitchen: Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary (left) and Paloma (right) from Commerce Kitchen. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

I remember the day I tried Commerce Kitchen’s Bloody Mary. Autumn had finally overtaken the summer, and the day was bright, breezy and cool. We sat on the beautiful patio neighboring Franklin Street and admired the beautiful late 1800s architecture.

The Bloody Mary was just as good as the day, featuring the classic full-bodied tomato flavor, complemented by savory spices and a salty rim.

5. La Esquina Cocina: Cucumber Margarita

Passionfruit Margarita (left) and Cucumber Margarita (right) from La Esquina Cocina. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

If you can’t tell by now, I’m one for classic flavors. That’s why it’s hard for me to order anything but a lime margarita.

But when I saw the innovative cucumber take on La Esquina’s menu, I decided to get adventurous.

Not to be dramatic, but this margarita taught me the true meaning of ‘no risk, no reward.’ The coolness of the cucumber perfectly meshed with the zest of lime and the richness of the black salt rim.

What were your favorite drinks of 2024? Let us know on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!