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Worth the splurge: Charlotte’s 3 best cocktails

Worth the splurge: Charlotte’s 3 best cocktails Axios Reporter McKenzie Rankin joins QC Life to share reader-vetted cocktails that are actually worth the price tag.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - We are officially living in the age of the $20 cocktail, which means ordering a mediocre drink is an increasingly expensive mistake. To help local residents make their next night out count, Axios asked its readers to share the exact Charlotte cocktails they can’t stop ordering. Axios Reporter McKenzie Rankin joins QC Life to break down the reader-vetted favorites that are truly worth the splurge.

Out of all the submissions, these three outstanding local cocktails received the most reader shoutouts:

  • Secretly Stern at Customshop ($16): A unique, savory-sweet take on the classic espresso martini.
  • Pisco Sour at Yunta ($16): A beautifully balanced version of the Peruvian classic.
  • San Sebastián Martini at Rada ($22–$27): This premium cocktail puts a Basque spin on the dirty martini.

To learn more visit www.axios.com/local/charlotte and follow @axioscharlotte on Instagram.

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