Detroit's Best Bars for Craft Cocktails

"Situated in Cadillac Square, this swanky Downtown den boasts an extensive list of classic and inventive cocktails such as the Kali-Vodka Swizzle and the Skeleton Boulevard as well as a 40-deep tap beer selection. In the summer, enjoy your beverage on the expansive outdoor patio."

"Grey Ghost Detroit is one of the most talked about cocktail bars in recent years. Helmed by a group of native and transplanted Detroiters, the swanky watering hole keeps them coming with its creative cocktail, beer, and wine lists. Sit back in one of the tufted banquettes as you dine on a light repast of charcuterie and locally sourced meats."

"Nestled in the mural-laden Belt in Downtown, Standby is a speakeasy and lounge that caters to imbibers who desire craft cocktails using local or unique ingredients. The laid back atmosphere is enhanced by the friendly and knowledgeable staff, with DJs spinning cool tunes several nights a week."

"Craft Cocktails in Corktown It doesn't matter what time of day you find yourself at Sugar House, the drinks are always incredible. As is their attitude toward the creation of a good libation. Just take this quote on their menu as proof: "We are still heartily of the opinion that decent libation supports as many million lives as it threatens; donates pleasure and sparkle to more lives than it shadows; inspires more brilliance in the world of art, music, letters, and common ordinary intelligent conversation, than it dims." —Charles H. Baker, Jr. One hundred drinks that are always available anchor a list that also features wine, mixed drinks, small plates, bar snacks, punch service, foreign and American whiskies, rums, mezcals, liqueurs‚ beers, and the list goes on and on. Two pages of revolving craft cocktails also feature prominently and change frequently. Don't be afraid to test the bartenders and request a drink made with a specific spirit. My Grey Gardens made with a Scotch whisky was accented with lavender and made me want more than a few while the Queen's Park Swizzle was a version of the mojito far better than I've ever had. The best thing about Sugar House as a place to spend an evening is that they can "only accommodate as many guests as there are seats. If you don’t have a place to sit, you can’t have a drink." It won't ever be a place you have to scream to be heard or risk your drink being spilled by a passerby before you even take the first sip. Heaven, thy name (might) be Sugar House."

"Harkening back to Prohibition’s heyday, Detroit City Distillery is the place to go if you are looking for innovative cocktails made with unique spirits. The tasting room is situated in historic Eastern Market so you can shop for provisions and follow it up with a drink in this bustling, industrial space."