New, canned cocktails available at Takoi in Corktown. Photo courtesy of Takoi.
While bars across Michigan are currently closed under orders from the State of Michigan, a unique alternative has been presented: cocktails to-go. In early July, Governor Whitmer signed bills allowing bars and restaurants to sell beer, wine and cocktails in closed containers. Bars across Metro Detroit with the proper infrastructure have taken this on as a new opportunity to safely serve handcrafted cocktails to loyal patrons and newcomers alike. Read on to see where you can pick up a delicious cocktail (or two) to take home in Metro Detroit.
Takoi
Located in the historic district of Corktown on Michigan Ave., Takoi has been serving Thai favorites, craft cocktails and more since 2016 (save for a six month period of reconstruction following a case of arson). Currently, patrons can order food and drinks online for pick-up or delivery with limited patio seating available. The Mobile Bottle Shop is where you’ll find canned cocktails, like Takoi’s take on the classic margarita, “Promises in Vortex,” which combines Lunazul blanco tequila, espadin mezcal, cilantro, Thai chili, sugar, mint, lime and, yes, even a bag of “super salt.” Grab a 4-pack of any of their four canned cocktails or one of each for when you can’t quite make up your mind.
Sugar House
Bottled cocktails from Sugar House in Detroit. Photo courtesy of Sugar House.
Craft cocktail bar Sugar House opened its doors in 2011 in Corktown and has been mixing and serving unique, flavorful drinks ever since. The uniqueness of a Sugar House drink comes from its rotating menu that is based on seasonal availability of ingredients. You can order and pick up 12 oz. bottles of four different craft cocktails for $20 each Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. They include the “Cowboy Cocktail” (black tea-infused Old Charter 8, Amaro Pazzo, Punt e Mes & Bundaberg Root Beer) and “La Paloma” (Bahnez Mescal, Espolon Tequila, lime, simple & Jarritos Grapefruit Soda).
The Skip
Bottled Old Fashioned from The Skip in Detroit. Photo courtesy of The Skip.
Slinging tropical cocktails and frozen treats, The Skip in downtown Detroit can be found in The Belt art alley, a colorful display of murals between Library and Broadway. Various carryout cocktails are currently available in bottles, sold at varying prices starting at $14. “Lil Pigeon” is mixed with blanco tequila, grapefruit cordial, lime and carbonated coconut water and serves three drinks. If you’re looking to cool off, frozen drinks, like the Watermelon Frosé, are also available in 16 oz. bottles. Can’t decide? Grab four drinks for $50.
The Oakland
Located in Ferndale and carrying the speakeasy vibe of the early 20th century, The Oakland has pivoted to a pick-up and delivery business for the time being. Single-serve cocktails are available for $10, while “large format” cocktails (750mL) start at $40 and serve multiple people. The Oakland’s specialty cocktails include “Buzzsaw,” a mezcal drink with Angostura bitters, ginger syrup and fresh pineapple juice, and “Kula Negroni,” a mixture of Julie Reiner’s gin, sweet vermouth and strawberry-infused Campari.
Valentine Distilling
The award-winning distillery, Valentine Distilling, is selling a selection of their custom cocktails, canned and available for pick-up at their lounge in Ferndale Wednesday-Friday from 2-6 p.m. The “Venetian Spritz” is a “sweet and tangy” cucumber and grapefruit spritz while the “Pink Petal” combines White Blossom vodka with fresh grapefruit and a splash of cranberry juice.
Castalia Cocktails
We recently featured Castalia and their cocktail cubes (readymade mixtures sans liquor). Since then, the Midtown cocktail bar has added bottled cocktails to their menu, starting at $10. As of this writing, you will find four drinks available to-go. The “Cacao Manhattan” is a blend of rye whiskey, cacao liquor, sweet vermouth, coffee liqueur and spice liqueur. Meanwhile, “Iceman Cometh” will refresh your senses with alpine liqueur, aquavit, spiced amaro, fernet and house bitters.
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Remember to drink responsibly and plan ahead with a designated driver or take advantage of one of these local designated driving services.
