Frozen cocktails, those chilling concoctions that promise respite from the summer heat but deliver, instead, a curious blend of brain freeze and disinhibition, are popping up all over the fair city of Raleigh. And then there is frosé, a portmanteau as unsettling as the drink itself, wherein delicate rosé wine is subjected to the indignity of a blender, emerging as a slushy image of its former self. But perhaps most concerning of all are the boozy milkshakes – thick, creamy concoctions that lull the unsuspecting sipper into a false sense of childlike innocence before revealing their truly adult, and potentially mischievous, intentions.
So, it is with a mixture of trepidation and morbid fascination that we embark on this journey, exploring where one might procure these curiously cold concoctions in the city of Raleigh.
Restaurants and Bars With Frosé, Frozen Cocktails, or Boozy Milkshakes
Since the restaurants and bars where one might procure these frozen drinks often have broken drink machines, this list is constantly evolving so just ask your bartender – one never knows what frozen concoctions may be lurking behind the bar.
And while a comprehensive list of every local Mexican restaurant might, to some, seem a thorough and commendable endeavor, I intentionally chose to omit these, as such a task would extend this humble document to a length that would rival a very long and particularly uninteresting autobiography of a tax accountant. However, should your particular desires include a frozen margarita, you may, with a surprisingly high degree of probability, discover one awaiting you at a Mexican restaurant.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2116-D New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
Alamo Drafthouse is like a normal theater, but they bring food and drinks right to your seat while you watch the movie. No talking or phones are allowed during the film, which just makes it better for everyone. Get there early for the pre-show entertainment and enjoy the air conditioned theater while sipping on one of their Boozy Shakes such as The Grasshopper or Whiskey Banana Split Shake.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
111 Seaboard Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is, to put it simply, a place where a variety of patties, cooked upon a grill, are served between two halves of a bun along with an assortment of cheeses, vegetables, and sauces. More importantly, they serve milkshakes and one can ask for liquor to be added to any of their shakes.
Bida Manda
222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Bida Manda is a Laotian restaurant where enticing aromas drift in the air. Inside, the lighting is soft, casting gentle shadows. Dishes like Khao Piak Sen (noodle soup) and Crispy Pork Belly offer unexpected warmth and delightful textures. Cool off with their Daiq Days of Summer that has dark rum, lime juice, simple syrup, bitters, and shaved ice.
Burial Beer Co. Raleigh Taproom
500 E Davie St #170, Raleigh, NC 27601
Burial Beer is a name that, at first blush, might conjure images of solemn occasions and perhaps a faint whiff of damp earth. But it is meant, rather, to embody at culture of celebrating life’s fleeting moments with mindfulness, introspection, and beer. They generally have frosé over the summer months but their machine is being worked on as I write this, so no guarantees.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
4208 Six Forks Rd Ste 100, Raleigh, NC 27609
Cowfish is a restaurant with a vibrant and colorful atmosphere serving gourmet burgers, sushi, and fusion combinations of both, alongside a selection of beer and spirits. Look for their Spiked Shakes including Peanut Butter Nana Time and Three Drunken Elves.
Funguys Brewing
2408 Paula St, Raleigh, NC 27608
Funguys possesses a vibe that might best be described as unassumingly quirky. Here, one finds a selection of beers that often lean towards the experimental and the less conventional, in addition to a fine selection of hazy IPAs. The names of these concoctions, too, often hint at a playful, almost mischievous sensibility. Try one of their Shakes such as The Butterfinger or The Dole Whip and ponder the brewer’s intentions with a mixture of curiosity and mild apprehension.
Gussie’s
927 W Morgan St Suite 116, Raleigh, NC 27603
Gussie’s is a neighborhood bar that prioritizes good times and a welcoming atmosphere. They offer tasty, slightly elevated versions of comfort food classics, along with a decent selection of craft beers on tap, a tempting cocktail menu, and a variety of wines. It’s the perfect spot to relax and feel right at home.
For summer, they have a variety of Gin & Tonics on the menu, including a Frozen Cucumber & Mint Gin & Tonic. One might be tempted to believe that the crispness of cucumber and the invigorating tickle of mint, combined with the bracing chill of ice, would lead to something refreshing. But, as is so often the case in this chilling world, appearances can be tragically deceiving.
Jose and Sons
4112 Pleasant Valley Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Jose and Sons is a dining establishment that is a purveyor of New American-Mexican cuisine, meaning they combine the flavors of Mexico with those of the American South. On the menu, you will find perfectly understandable dishes, such as various tacos and enchiladas, alongside items that incorporate local ingredients. Look for a selection of frozen cocktails including Piña Coladas and Frozen Margaritas flavored with Mongo, Strawberry, or Passionfruit.
Level 7
101 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
Level 7 is a rooftop bar where the cocktails are mostly plays on classics. A menu of small plates complements the cocktail list. Look for frosé on the menu and ask your server about the featured frozen drink.
Lola’s Beach Bar
1803 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608
Lola’s truly has chill beach bar vibes in the middle of Raleigh. Their beer selection is focused on Mexican, Caribbean, and easy drinking American options. Their cocktails are what you’d expect to be drinking on the beach and they even sell margarita pitchers. Look for a selection of frozen cocktails such as a Frozen Margarita, Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, or Frozen Creamsicle.
Mitch’s Tavern
2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Mitch’s is a nostalgic NC State tavern with a wood-accented interior and Wolfpack decor. Go for comfort classics like hearty soups, stacked sandwiches, and your favorite beers and cocktails; stay for the school spirit. Cool off with their Frozen Lemonade or Frozen Mango Rum Punch.
MoJoe’s
620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Mojoe’s is a relaxed spot with a spacious outdoor seating area, perfect for grabbing burgers, wings, and classic pub fare. You’re going to want a basket of beer-battered onion rings. And don’t forget a Boozy Shake, such as the Mudslide, Orange Creamsicle, or StrawBOOZY Cheesecake.
Peyote Mini-Bar
2431 Crabtree Blvd #101, Raleigh, NC 27604
Step into Peyote Mini-Bar, a place with a decidedly funky and loud vibe. Prepare for pink walls, and a concrete tile bar that sets the scene for vibrant pre- or post-dinner cocktails and small plates.
Here, Frozen Watermelon Margarita and Frozen Strawberry Sangria mingle with refined Central and South American classics such as a Ruby Red Paloma and a Pisco Sour. A curated selection of mezcal and agave spirits is also on offer.
Ponysaurus
Iron Works Dr Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27604
Enjoy 18 beers on tap alongside specialty pizzas, tempting bites, and refreshing frozen cocktails at Ponysaurus. Despite its whimsical name, this brewery takes the serious business of fermented beverages with a surprising and commendable gravity. Their beers are quite varied. In addition to ubiquitous IPAs, one might choose their Bière de Garde, a malty Baltic Porter, an hearty Export Stout, or shockingly tart sours. The building itself boasts high ceilings, large windows, communal tables, and a flying ponysaurus skeleton. Look for frosé and a selection of frozen cocktails, such as the Frozen Espresso Martini and the Classic Daiquiri.
SmokeStacks Cafe
701 E Lane St, Raleigh, NC 27601
SmokeStacks is a cozy neighborhood spot known for their in-house smoked meats and their Saturday and Sunday brunch. I guarantee you’ll enjoy anything on the menu. Look for house-made slushies with the spirit of your choice. Picture Frozen Glacier Freeze Gatorade, Cheerwine Slushie, or Frozen Orange Fanta!
Standard Beer + Food
205 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Standard Beer is a neighborhood bar and restaurant with a huge amount of covered and uncovered outdoor seating. They have a rotating selection of craft beers brewed onsite, craft cocktails, and natural wines. Choose from FOUR frozen cocktail options: Painkiller, Gin & Tonic, Vietnamese Coffee or Watermelon Margarita! If you decide to stay for food, expect tacos, elevated bar snacks, salads, and fancy sandwiches.
Trophy Brewing & Pizza
827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
At Trophy on Morgan, one may encounter pizzas adorned with the most unexpected and delightful combinations of toppings. And you’ll find a veritable menagerie of house-brewed beers, each a testament to the brewer’s artful hand. And should one find themselves on the expansive patio, blessed with the warmth of natural or artificial heat, a most agreeable atmosphere of relaxation is sure to envelop them. Expect unexpected frozen drink features, possibly even one containing THC.
Vita Vite Downtown
313 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Vita Vite, a downtown Raleigh wine bar, offers an atmosphere of refined tranquility, making it an ideal haven for the discerning connoisseur. Here, one may indulge in a glass of wine while simultaneously appreciating a captivating display of local and regional art. The selection of wines, a veritable treasure trove, boasts an impressive range, from familiar favorites to rare offerings from around the world. Should you choose to try the Sangria Slushee, it is not for me to say whether this particular blend of iced fruit and wine will bring you joy or merely a sticky predicament
Wolfe & Porter
905 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States
Wolfe & Porter is a neighborhood bar upstairs with Cellar Liquor Bar downstairs featuring handcrafted cocktails, craft beer, wine and a cozy atmosphere. Try their frozen Elderflower French 75, also known as the “Frozen Frog.”
I hope you are now feeling chilled and tipsy. And if brain freeze isn’t on your agenda, a cautious approach and plenty of skepticism will serve you well.
What did I miss? Where do you go for frozen cocktails in Raleigh?
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