SUMMER SIPS: Discovering Cape Fear’s Best Summer Drinks
- Jun 24
- 15 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Summer on the Cape Fear Coast is made for slow evenings, good company, and a perfectly crafted drink in hand. From rooftop lounges and waterfront patios to hidden gems serving up creative seasonal pours, the region’s cocktail scene continues to bring fresh flavors, local ingredients, and unforgettable experiences to the table. In The Summer Sip List: Who’s Shaking the Best Summer Cocktails?, Cape Fear Living uncovers the destinations raising the bar on summer sipping—highlighting the bartenders, signature creations, and unique atmospheres that make each stop worth a visit.
Q&A with Owner Brian Westlye
What makes Rebellion unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
What makes us unique is our commitment to a more traditional approach to cocktails. Instead of chasing trends or trying to reinvent the wheel, we focus on putting a Rebellion spin on classic recipes. We’re not opposed to experimenting with the latest fads from time to time, but our focus will always be on timeless, well-crafted cocktails. The Originals have been staples of our cocktail menu since the early days of Rebellion, dating back to our original location in Washington, DC, in 2014. These are typically our best-selling cocktails, and each has a story behind it or a special significance to us.
The Seasonal & Speciality side of the menu is where we have a little fun. These cocktails are designed to complement the seasons, the weather, and what people are craving at the time. After all, not many guests are looking for a light, refreshing summer cocktail in the middle of February. This is also where you’ll occasionally find us experimenting with a trending cocktail or a new idea that’s caught our attention.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
This summer, we’re featuring three exceptional seasonal cocktails alongside our fan-favorite hard lemonade, and they’re already proving to be huge hits.
Pitaya Punch is a refreshing cocktail crafted with North Carolina’s own Sutler’s Gin and with house-made raspberry, dragonfruit, and honey puree. It’s bright, vibrant, just like summer in a glass. For a unique twist on a classic, our Black Flag Spritz resembles an Aperol Spritz, but we add Michter’s Rye to create a little more depth & balance while maintaining its light, refreshing character. We proudly partnered with our friends at 24 South Coffee Shop using their cold brew and white chocolate syrup to create a rich, smooth, and indulgent cocktail that all the espresso martini drinkers will enjoy. Rounding out the lineup is our seasonal Hard Lemonade, one of our best sellers. Featuring raspberry, kiwi, and passionfruit, it delivers a vibrant blend of sweet, tart and tropical flavors that perfectly captures the taste of summer.
What is the signature Rebellion cocktail of the season?
The Congress Hall has been a staple of the Rebellion cocktail menu since 2014, dating back to the original Rebellion in Washington, D.C. A refined take on the classic Bourbon Sour, it was first discovered (and thoroughly sampled) at the historic Congress Hall Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey, before being perfected within Rebellion’s walls and proudly served ever since. To us, the cocktail embodies the same qualities as the Congress Hall Hotel itself—longevity, consistency, and a reputation built on standing the test of time. Steady, reliable, and timeless, it remains one of the cocktails that best represents who we are.
Why is Rebellion a Must-Visit on our Summer Sip List?
While the Rebellion concept was born as an homage to Bourbon and the American spirit, it has always been centered around the idea of the everyday person. From the beginning, it was designed to offer a little something for everyone.
Not a Bourbon drinker? We have one of the largest draft beer selections downtown. Just here for the food? Our scratch kitchen has been serving up crowd favorites and keeping guests coming back for more than eight years.
While we proudly boast the second-largest whiskey selection in Wilmington, what truly sets us apart is our collection of Single Barrel Select Bourbons. We offer the largest selection in the area, with each barrel personally selected by our owners and employees—making every bottle a reflection of the Rebellion palate and experience.
Summer “sip-to” Songs.
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Driftwood
Q&A with Owner Samantha Cinelli
What makes Driftwood unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
At Driftwood Craft Kitchen & Cocktails, everything we do is inspired by the coastal lifestyle that makes our corner of southeastern North Carolina so special. As a family- and friend-owned business, creating a welcoming atmosphere has always been at the heart of what we do. We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel like they're gathering with friends, enjoying great food, handcrafted cocktails, and genuine hospitality in a relaxed yet elevated setting.
That identity guides every seasonal menu we create. During the summer months, our focus shifts to bright, refreshing flavors that reflect the energy of the season. We lean into fresh fruits, citrus, herbs, and vibrant ingredients that pair naturally with our menu and encourage guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment. Whether someone joins us for a sunset cocktail, a date night, or dinner with friends after a day on the water, we want every visit to feel like an extension of summer on the Carolina coast.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
Our summer cocktail menu celebrates fresh fruit, balanced flavors, and creative twists on familiar favorites. This year's lineup features a mix of tropical influences, seasonal berries, citrus, floral notes, and premium spirits that are perfect for warm-weather sipping.
A few cocktails we're especially excited about include:
Golden Hour, featuring Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin with lavender, honey, and lemon, captures the soft, colorful feeling of a coastal sunset.
Pear Necessities combines pear, cinnamon, lemon, and aromatic bitters for a refreshing cocktail that offers a unique seasonal twist while remaining approachable.
Southern Glow brings together Bulleit Bourbon, passion fruit, ginger, and lemon, creating a bright, refreshing bourbon cocktail that surprises guests who don't typically associate whiskey with summer.
Sour Power Hour layers tequila, blackberry, pineapple, lemon, and egg white for a vibrant cocktail that's both visually stunning and perfectly balanced.
For guests looking for something that feels like a vacation in a glass, Hidden Tropics blends barrel-aged rum, velvet falernum, strawberry, kiwi, and lime for a tropical escape with a sophisticated finish.
What is the signature Driftwood cocktail of the season?
Southern Glow brings together Bulleit Bourbon, passion fruit, ginger, and lemon to create a cocktail that is bright, refreshing, and uniquely suited for summer. While bourbon is often associated with cooler weather, this cocktail showcases how versatile the spirit can be when paired with vibrant seasonal flavors.
The passion fruit adds a tropical sweetness, the ginger provides a subtle spice, and the lemon keeps everything balanced and refreshing. The result is a cocktail that feels both familiar and unexpected—a perfect reflection of what we aim to achieve with our summer beverage program. While Southern Glow is our standout summer cocktail, we'd also be remiss not to mention The Amelia, a cocktail that holds a special place in our hearts year-round. Made with Tito's Vodka, St-Germain, blackberry, and lime, The Amelia is named after the mother of three of Driftwood's owners, who are siblings. She immigrated to America from Italy in the 1960s and embodied the warmth, resilience, and joy that continue to inspire our family today.
More than anything, Southern Glow and The Amelia embody the feeling we want guests to experience when they visit Driftwood during the summer: relaxed, welcoming, and full of the warm energy that makes coastal North Carolina such a special place to gather with friends and family.
Why is Driftwood a Must-Visit on our Summer Sip List?
Driftwood offers more than just great cocktails—we offer an experience. Guests can enjoy chef-crafted cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, fresh seasonal flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere suited to celebrations, date nights, family dinners, or casual evenings with friends. Our summer cocktail menu was designed to complement the season, with refreshing, fruit-forward cocktails that pair beautifully with warm coastal evenings. Whether you're stopping in for a single cocktail and an appetizer or settling in for a full dining experience, there's something about summer at Driftwood that keeps guests coming back.
In addition to our seasonal food and beverage offerings, we feature specials throughout the week, including favorites like Burger & Bubbles, half-priced bottles of wine, and special nights featuring martinis and Old Fashioneds. We encourage guests to follow us on social media for the latest details on weekly specials, seasonal features, live entertainment, and summer events.
Summer “sip-to” Songs.
Island in the Sun – Weezer: Relaxed, sunny, and easygoing—perfect for a coastal afternoon cocktail.
Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow: Bright, carefree, and quintessentially summer. It captures the laid-back coastal spirit that inspires so much of what we do at Driftwood.
Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson: Laid-back, coastal, and effortlessly welcoming—much like the atmosphere we strive to create at Driftwood.
Q&A with Co-Founder Beth Faulkner
What makes End of Days unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
End of Days Distillery is built on an uncompromising commitment to the guest experience. We pair our award-winning spirits and handcrafted cocktails with a welcoming, distinct atmosphere. This philosophy directly influences our summer program, inspiring us to craft vibrant, seasonal menus that reflect the relaxed, premium experience our guests expect the moment they walk through our doors.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
Our summer menu celebrates the End of Days portfolio, intentionally designed to highlight the versatility of every spirit we distill. Our team is leaning heavily into peak-summer nostalgia, building a menu around the vibrant flavors of peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, basil, mint and even corn! By crafting all our syrups completely in-house, we ensure that our dedication to quality and our passion for the cocktail craft shine through in every pour.
What is the signature End of Days cocktail of the season?
Sunwashed undoubtedly anchors our summer program. This cocktail is a masterclass in unexpected harmony, built around our Castillo 1815 Blanco Blue Agave Spirit—a 100% Blue Weber Agave spirit proudly distilled right here at End of Days. We combine it with fresh cantaloupe, rich dry curacao, and bright citrus, then use aquafaba and a touch of sweetened condensed milk to achieve a luxurious, velvety texture, all rounded out by a fragrant slap of fresh basil. From its vibrant flavor profile to its silky mouthfeel, everything about this drink captures the radiant, sun-soaked essence of a Wilmington summer.
Why is End of Days a Must-Visit on our Summer Sip List?
End of Days Distillery is a fully immersive destination designed to anchor your Wilmington summer itinerary. Guests can book on our website a complimentary tour and tasting to see our craft up close, sip our signature cocktails, and unwind over a meal from Mibby’s Deli located on the patio. We pride ourselves on ultimate hospitality, offering a kid- and pet-friendly atmosphere with an inclusive menu featuring mocktails, premium wines, and local craft beers. Before you head out, be sure to visit our Mercantile Room where you can stock up on Spirits, especially our ready-to-drink canned cocktails for your next beach or pool day. We have just released our 4th canned cocktail, The Paloma! It is the ultimate taste of summer to go and is already a fan favorite.
Summer “sip-to” Songs.
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What is the signature End of Days cocktail of the season?
Sunwashed undoubtedly anchors our summer program. This cocktail is a masterclass in unexpected harmony, built around our Castillo 1815 Blanco Blue Agave Spirit—a 100% Blue Weber Agave spirit proudly distilled right here at End of Days. We combine it with fresh cantaloupe, rich dry curacao, and bright citrus, then use aquafaba and a touch of sweetened condensed milk to achieve a luxurious, velvety texture, all rounded out by a fragrant slap of fresh basil. From its vibrant flavor profile to its silky mouthfeel, everything about this drink captures the radiant, sun-soaked essence of a Wilmington summer.
Why is End of Days a Must-Visit on our Summer Sip List?
End of Days Distillery is a fully immersive destination designed to anchor your Wilmington summer itinerary. Guests can book on our website a complimentary tour and tasting to see our craft up close, sip our signature cocktails, and unwind over a meal from Mibby’s Deli located on the patio. We pride ourselves on ultimate hospitality, offering a kid- and pet-friendly atmosphere with an inclusive menu featuring mocktails, premium wines, and local craft beers. Before you head out, be sure to visit our Mercantile Room where you can stock up on Spirits, especially our ready-to-drink canned cocktails for your next beach or pool day. We have just released our 4th canned cocktail, The Paloma! It is the ultimate taste of summer to go and is already a fan favorite.
Summer “sip-to” Songs.
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Q&A with Owner Ashley Tipper
What makes Blind Elephant unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
As Wilmington's first craft cocktail bar, we've been immersed in the craft cocktail world for 12 years. We are tucked away down a dark alley but the experience you receive is just the opposite. Live jazz and ragtime music, low lighting, comfy couches, over 200 whiskeys and the smell of fresh juices and beverages welcome you at the door. Our guests walk in with a level of expectation when it comes to their beverage, whether it's a mocktail, low abv, pot-tail (THC infused) or cocktail. We work to incorporate fresh seasonal fruits and veggies and make all of our syrups and tinctures in house and unique. Our bartenders are skilled and knowledgeable so if you're unsure of what to order, they are always happy to point you in the right direction or create something fun and delicious just for you.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
Currently, we've got a strong line up of unique "elixirs". Our rum drink, La Mariposa, features a hibiscus infused sweet vermouth along with some hellfire bitters. Our featured gin cocktail, Lass Half Full, is inspired by flavors of India incorporating a spice lassi and saffron. And our vodka elixir, Foxy Lady, has a delicious ginger/pineapple green tea.
What is the signature Blind Elephant cocktail of the season?
Our cocktails on tap are always a hit with the Lavender Lemonade leading the charge for summer. It has hendricks gin, butterfly pea, lavender and fresh squeezed lemon. It's a classic that always delivers.
Why is Blind Elephant a Must-Visit on our Summer Sip List?
From live music 5 nights a week to our amazing elixirs, the Blind Elephant vibe is unmatched. Last year we were honored with the title of "Best Bar in America" by USA today. Our new menu launches in mid July so stay tuned!
Summer “sip-to” Songs.
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Q&A with Manager Bitsy Crawford
What makes Tempo 33 unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
Tempo.33 is a unique concept defined by its prime location, exceptional views, and historic charm. We provide a welcoming atmosphere and refined ambiance where guests receive exceptional service. Our identity is centered on providing a comfortable yet sophisticated space for handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
Our summer menu is crafted with the guest experience in mind. We blend housemade shrubs, elixirs, and syrups with unique ingredients to create standout beverages. Two of our favorite offerings this season are The Apple Cider Old Fashioned and The Gardener.
What is the signature Tempo 33 cocktail of the season?
The Gardener. It's a unique blend of Tito's Vodka, cilantro, serrano peppers, fresh ginger, lime juice and house made simple syrup.
Why is Tempo 33 a Must-Visit on our Summer Sip List?
Beyond our "Summer Sip List " offerings, we have a full calendar of events, including Trivia nights, musical cabarets, healing and grounding nights, and "Tempo Tonight," featuring local singer-songwriters, in addition to live music every Friday and Saturday. On Thursdays, we have Trivia with half-priced wine, $10 Old Fashioned's, $4 Domestic beers, and $7 house highballs.
Summer “sip-to” Songs.
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Q&A with Owner Jillian Lipscomb Bressler
What makes C-Suite Lounge unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
We’ve created a space where our guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in an upscale and stylish setting while still feeling relaxed and welcome. C-Suite Lounge is unique because we’ve always wanted it to be more than a place to grab a drink. It’s about the full experience — the atmosphere, the cocktails, the music, the people, and the service. - We are dog-friendly, and our bar seats are, hands down, the most comfortable around.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
While we offer a variety of handcrafted cocktails, our flavored mules and mojitos are consistently the go-to favorites this time of year. We love incorporating seasonal ingredients like fresh citrus, berries, mint, and tropical fruit flavors to create cocktails.
What is the signature C-Suite Lounge cocktail of the season?
If we had to choose one cocktail that best represents our summer program, it would be our Strawberry Mojito. It’s everything guests look for in a summer cocktail. It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly refreshing.
Why is C-Suite Lounge a Must-Visit on our Summer Sip List?
Whether you’re looking for a pre-concert cocktail, a relaxed evening with friends, a date-night destination, or a place to catch major sporting events on screen, the lounge offers an experience that feels intentionally curated rather than rushed. The cocktail menu features signature drinks inspired by classic recipes alongside seasonal favorites, beers, wine, and mocktails. Throughout the summer, guests can also take advantage of weekly drink specials, themed cocktail promotions, and game-day watch parties. C-Suite frequently showcases major sporting events and downtown happenings, making it an easy addition to any weekend itinerary. We are also less than 3 blocks from the Live Oak Concert Venue and the Wilson Center and we provide a 3 hour free parking validation in the Cotton Exchange parking lot, where we are located. For those planning celebrations, networking events, birthday gatherings, or private parties, the lounge is also available for private rentals and customized experiences.
Summer “sip-to” Songs.
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Q&A with Co-Owner Jamie Alfalla
What makes Concorde Espresso Bar unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
The whole concept is built around the Concorde jet and the golden age of first-class travel—from the airplane room to the Sky Lounge mezzanine overlooking the floor below. By day it’s a serious coffee bar; after 3 p.m. it becomes a craft cocktail lounge. We treat every drink like a flight, so summer was the moment to lean all the way in: bright, tropical, built for the heat, and meant to be photographed.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
On the coffee side, our iced summer menu runs Salted Coconut Cream, Raspberry Danish, Blackberry Vanilla Matcha, and Amaretto Chai—served over silky Korean-style snowflake ice, with nitro oat-milk lattes pouring straight from the tap.
The cocktail lineup is where the season shows:
Watermelon Martini — Watermelon Cîroc, cold-pressed watermelon, lime, organic watermelon Johnny Pop
Cherry Brazilian Mojito — rum, coconut, muddled mint, Fabbri amarena cherries
Flor de Sangre — el Jimador reposado, blood orange shrub, pink peppercorn, hibiscus
Garden of Eve — Lunazul Blanco, cucumber, green tea, lemon, apple
Apricot Martini — vodka, Lillet Blanc, Giffard Apricot, dry Curaçao
What is the flagship drink of the season?
The Watermelon Martini. It’s triple-watermelon—Cîroc, cold-pressed juice, and house syrup—finished with a real watermelon popsicle that slowly melts into the glass. It’s the most summer thing we make, unmistakably ours, and the drink people photograph before they taste it. If one pour defines the season, it’s that one.
Why is Concorde Espresso Bar a must visit on our Summer Sip List?
Because you don’t just grab a drink—you board a flight. Reserve a seat, order something built for the season, and take in the room. With our downtown spot on Front Street and the second terminal on Market Street, there are now two Wilmington gates to do it from. Equal parts great coffee, great cocktails, and an experience worth the photo.
Three summer “sip-to” tracks?
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Q&A with Operations Manager Hannah Chiaradio
What makes G-Prime unique and how does that influence the way you approach your summer drink program?
G·Prime is built on a simple idea — bring the same level of care we put into our prime cuts to every part of the experience, including what's in the glass. We're a steakhouse, but we're also a destination, situated in one of the most vibrant beach towns on the East Coast, and that location shapes everything. Our guests are coming from a day on the water, to celebrate a special ocassion, or to just enjoy a night out, so our summer cocktail program is designed to match that energy — bright, refreshing, and rooted in seasonal ingredients, while still carrying the same precision and quality you'd expect from the rest of the menu. We treat cocktails as their own craft, not an afterthought, using fresh juices, house-made syrups, and seasonal produce to create drinks that feel as elevated as they do easy to sip.
Tell us about your summer cocktail menu.
Light, fresh, and built for summer — our cocktail menu this season leans into soft, organic flavors and sun-washed colors without leaving the classics behind. We're giving nostalgic favorites a summer pop, creating something that feels both familiar and completely of the moment.
What is the flagship drink of the season?
The White Linen Margarita is our summer in a glass — cucumber juice, elderflower, fresh lime, and tequila, finished with a salt rim and mint sprig. It's soft, bright, and elegant without trying too hard. It encapsulates everything that summer is.
Why is G-Prime a must visit on our Summer Sip List?
G·Prime offers something most spots in town can't — a true indoor-outdoor experience with a terrace that captures golden hour over Wilmington, paired with a cocktail program that's just as thoughtful as our food. It's the kind of place where you can start with a citrus-forward seasonal cocktail, watch the sun go down, and transition seamlessly into a world-class steak dinner. For someone planning the perfect summer night out, G·Prime delivers atmosphere, craft, and quality all in one place — making it less of a single stop and more of a full evening.
Three summer “sip-to” tracks?
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