Cool Cocktails, Hot Spots
Georgia summers bring the heat… But thankfully, plenty of places bring the ice, booze, and a bit of flair to match! While you could settle for your standard patio margarita, why not take the scenic route to something a little more memorable? From hidden speakeasies to tiki bars, we’ve rounded up some of the most unique cocktail spots across the state.
These aren’t your average happy hour haunts! They’re the kind of places where the drinks are strong, the vibes are stronger, and the GPS might need a second to catch up. Here’s where to sip something special this summer.
If you want the full tropical experience this summer, head on down to the S.O.S. Tiki Bar in Decatur. This island-themed spot offers lowkey, relaxed vibes, bringing all the fun of a Polynesian vacation right to your backyard—without the tourists. From the classic Mai Tai to unique concoctions like the Pirate Republic and Unfortunate Soul (cue Ursula), there’s something that’ll have you wanting to put on a grass skirt and strum a ukulele. Oh, and did we mention rum flights? At S.O.S., you can try a rotating variety of hand-selected rums from around the world. So what are you waiting for? Rum as fast as you can!
Tucked away in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, Ranger Station offers a quirky, wilderness-themed escape from the usual bar scene. With vintage park ranger vibes, woodsy décor, and vinyl records spinning behind the bar, it’s a cozy spot for cocktail lovers who like their drinks herbaceous and unexpected. Their menu leans into botanical gins and a sense of adventure—making it feel more like a well-kept secret than just another city bar.
Feeling great like Gatsby this summer? Swing by the Alley Cat Lounge in Savannah for classic speakeasy vibes with a modern twist. This 1870s era hidden basement bar whips up cocktails using fresh ingredients and house made syrups—and these aren’t your mother’s watered-down-grenadine cocktails! We’re talking gems like the Mexican Firing Squad, Go-Go Agave, and Tokyo Drift. And if you want to get in the mood early, check out the full menu—trust us. From the drinks to the ambience, this bar is a modern classic at its finest.
And finally… Located in the heart of Atlanta, Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium (yes, you read that right) is equal parts bar, art installation, and irreverent social experiment. With cheeky religious-themed décor, karaoke in choir robes, and a ping pong table upstairs, it’s the kind of place where things heat up quickly (in the best way). The drinks are solid, but the vibe is the main draw—eclectic, loud, and proudly weird. This isn’t your average cocktail lounge, and that’s the point! For a truly memorable summer night out, this “church” is one worth visiting.
Whether you're into smoky speakeasies, rum flights, or church-themed karaoke with a side of bourbon, Georgia’s cocktail scene has something delightfully unexpected around every corner. So this summer, skip the usual and chase the charm. You’ll end up with a great drink in hand—and probably a few tales to tell.
Find more “watering holes” this summer at www.gbj.com/bars!
