9 Buzzy Cocktail Bars to Put on Your List

Partial to the hard stuff? These local establishments are serious about their spirits.

Pepita Cantina website photo

Pepita Cantina

There are about as many cocktails on the list as there are seats in this intimate and colorful Ballston cantina. And although they sling plenty of tacos, you’ll get a lot more than simple margaritas to go with them. Witness the cold-weather-ready Angry Elf, with reposado tequila, Serrano chile–infused chartreuse, Benedictine and lemon. Or, if you want to keep things simpler, they also feature 25 unimpeachable classics, from an Aviation to a Bobby Burns.

Be sure to try: El Chapo, with mezcal, dry curacao, lemon, tamarind-infused Falernum and nutmeg.

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