Nestled on the hillside sloping down toward the Saluda River is Columbia’s iconic Vista district. Known for its old brick buildings and quaint cobbled streets, the Vista has an old-world charm enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Restaurants in the Vista bring a modern flair to the historic district, introducing new culinary palettes and cocktail creations. As the art of mixology continues to evolve, these restaurants are receiving attention for their cocktails that attract visitors from all over the Southeast.
CMM joined in the fun and created a curated cocktail tour across the Vista for you to experience on your next night out — sip and enjoy!
Di Vino Rosso, 807 Gervais Street, Suite 100
Courtesy of general manager and event coordinator John Kapp
The Di Vino Paloma
The Di Vino Paloma is an Italian twist on a classic cocktail. With inspirations of late spring meeting early summer, this drink offers just a hint of the feeling of dipping your feet in the cool salt water after walking across sun-drenched sand. The pinot grigio adds a layer of smoothness that offsets the bitterness of the Aperol and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. The subtle sweetness of the agave nectar awakens the spirit — no pun intended — of the tequila in a way that brings a grin to the face of even the most jaded. This is truly one of our favorite cocktails!
1½ ounces Espolon Blanco Tequila
1 ounce pinot grigio
1 ounce Aperol liquor
¾ ounce fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
¼ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
½ ounce agave syrup
In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain over a king cube in a rocks glass and garnish with a slice of fresh grapefruit and sprig of rosemary.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 924 A Senate Street
Courtesy of director of beverage Wilson Oswald
Ruth’s Chris Spicy Margarita
The Spicy Margarita at Ruth’s Chris boasts the perfect balance of heat and sweet. Tequilas infused with chili peppers and cucumber make for a slightly spicy, yet cool and refreshing, base for this drink. Add orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, a hint of agave nectar, and a Tajin rim for a fun and delicious cocktail that’s perfect for those oppressively hot Columbia summer days coming up. Pair this fun twist on a spicy margarita with a classic chilled shrimp cocktail appetizer to start your night out right.
¾ ounce Tres Agaves
1¼ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
1¼ ounces Ghost Spicy Tequila Blanco
¾ ounce 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila
½ ounce Cointreau
1 lime wedge, for garnish
Tajin, for glass rim
Rim glass with Tajin seasoning, fill with ice, and set aside. Combine Tres Agaves Nectar, lime juice, Ghost Spicy Tequila Blanco, 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila, Cointreau, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Cover tightly with lid and shake vigorously. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with lime wedge and enjoy!
Boku Kitchen & Saloon, 916 Gervais Street
Courtesy of head bartender Raynaldy Rodriguez
The Samurai Sling
This Japanese-inspired summer cocktail is a harmony of flavors with a light, velvety texture. The Japanese whisky takes center stage with its rich notes of vanilla, strawberry, and butterscotch. It intertwines seamlessly with the tangy sweetness of pomegranate reduction. Each sip reveals a symphony of flavors, as zesty lemon juice adds a refreshing twist, perfectly balanced with ginger syrup.
1½ ounces Iwai 45 Japanese whisky
½ ounce pomegranate reduction
½ ounce ginger syrup
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
1 egg white
Combine ingredients in a shaker tin. Dry shake to aerate egg white. Add ice, shake, and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with edible orchid.
Motor Supply, 920 Gervais Street
Courtesy of bartender Mike Blizzard
Surfside Affair
Motor Supply focuses on using locally sourced, fresh ingredients year-round, and strawberries are the perfect base for a light beginning of summer cocktail as the days heat up. This takes inspiration and ingredients from around the world and turns them into the perfect surfside sipper.
1 ounce Plymouth gin
1 ounce Italicus Rosolio di Bermagotto
1½ ounces Strawberry Champagne Shrub (see recipe below)
1 bar spoon of Lavender Tincture (see recipe below)
Strawberry ice cubes (see recipe below)
Combine all ingredients in bar tin and shake vigorously until well-combined. Strain over strawberry cubes, top with Topo Chico, and garnish with a fresh flower.
Strawberry Champagne Shrub
2 cups sugar
1 cup Champagne vinegar
1 cup fresh strawberries, tops removed
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon citric acid
Add strawberries, sugar, and salt and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add in the Champagne vinegar and citric acid. Make in advance and chill until ready to use.
Lavender Tincture
½ cup Everclear
2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
Combine and let sit for 24 hours.
Strawberry Ice Cubes
2 cups fresh strawberries
1 cup water
Combine strawberries and water in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and freeze until use.
Blue Marlin, 1200 Lincoln Street
Courtesy of Bar Manager Alexander Llorens
A Walk in the Vista
A Walk in the Vista is a take on a cocktail from Alexander’s old stomping grounds in Michigan. The floral notes from the gin paired with the tart, bitter notes from the Aperol, lime, and grapefruit juices are balanced with the sweet elderflower liqueur St. Germain. The opaque pink color and floral notes of the drink are reminiscent of your time walking through the park or, in this case, the Vista.
1¼ ounces Grey Whale gin
¾ ounce St. Germain
¼ ounce Aperol
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce grapefruit juice
All ingredients are put into shaker, shaken with ice, double strained into a coupe glass, and garnished with a lime peel. Enjoy!