Charleston is a drinking city. Whether it’s spring breakers, bachelorettes or locals looking for a perfectly executed beverage, the Holy City has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to its cocktail scene.
While home bartending has become an art form, why not relax and let the professionals guide you on where to go and what to drink?
Our bartenders serve as conductors for an out-on-the-town evening’s tone. Patrons rely on these pros for recommendations, guidance and expertise. Charleston’s mixologists are not only knowledgeable about cocktails and their ingredients, but have a genuine appreciation for the artistry required to make a great drink. Whether you’re in the mood for a signature seasonal drink or a tried-and-true classic, a talented mixologist makes all the difference.
What bartenders are drinking and making
Just about everyone has an opinion about which cocktails in Charleston are the best. Charleston City Paper’s annual Best of Charleston awards always highlights the year’s most beloved bartender. The results are in, and many of the city’s favorite bartenders love a good margarita and report that espresso martinis still reign supreme with a bevy of bar patrons.
Tyler Moss, winner of the Best of Charleston’s Best Bartender award in 2026, splits his time between Indaco and A.C.’s Bar and Grill. Despite only being a four-minute walk from one another, the two spots are a world apart when it comes to atmosphere. This difference allows Moss to expand his practice as a mixologist at both ends of the spectrum. A proud bourbon guy, Moss shared that his favorite drinks to make for guests and order for himself are simple, classic and usually bourbon-based.
“My favorite place to grab drinks in town is the Belmont,” Moss said. “I’m usually ordering a Buffalo Trace old-fashioned with a shot of Grand Marnier or a Benchmark (bourbon) and Diet Coke with a shot of Jäger.”
If he’s in the mood for a more casual spot, you’ll most likely find Moss at Recovery Room Tavern or the Lucky Luchador. If you’re curious to see Moss in action at Indaco, he recommends trying the Palmetto, which is vodka that has been hand-infused with cucumber, mint simple syrup, Lillet Blanc and lime juice.
Lime time
Liam Stewart, a first-time finalist for City Paper’s Best Bartender in 2026, earned his chops at Harvey’s, an Irish pub in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Once in Charleston, he worked at Recovery Room, Legami and Dudley’s on Ann. Stewart has been working at the Belmont full-time since July 2025, and prides himself on his commitment to quality and his knowledge of all aspects of bartending. He hasn’t been drinking for some time now, but when he was, his go-to order was a margarita.
“My favorite place to get a margarita was from Rogan Elliot at Legami,” Stewart said. “Margaritas were also the only drink I’d make for myself, but now I’ve figured out how to make an almost completely non-alcoholic Amareto Sour. I’ve enjoyed making that at home and upping the amount of lime and lemon.”
At Belmont, Stewart said the drinks he most often makes are dirty martinis, espresso martinis and Belmont’s signature “Turkish Sunset,” a mix of mezcal, tequila, guava, jalapeno honey, lime and habanero bitters.
Keegan Shelton, the 2024 Best Bartender winner in the Best of Charleston awards, has bartended at Frothy Beard Brewing for eight years. He also hosts Tip of the Tongue Trivia around town, which won Best of Charleston’s Best Trivia category twice. Between both jobs, Shelton keeps busy. When he’s not, he enjoys tasting different tequilas.
“I love a good margarita, but tequila straight-up is my cocktail,” Shelton said. “When I’m making my own margaritas, I’m using reposado tequila, agave, lime and a splash of orange as a floater.” Shelton also said he enjoys patronizing spots off of the Downtown peninsula.
“We have so many cool spots outside of downtown that I love,” he said. “Rebel Taqueria in North Charleston is my favorite place. Its strawberry vanilla margarita is my go-to. John’s Island also has some good spots like the Woodruff and Minero, and I recently enjoyed the Lick in West Ashley.”
Like Stewart and Moss, Shelton is no stranger to an espresso martini, affirming that the drink is still popular. At work, his favorite drink to make is currently off the menu, but he shared the ingredients. “It was a gin drink with basil, simple syrup and lemon. Super-simple, easy and refreshing.”
Zach Kramer, the contest’s best bartender in 2022 and 2023, has been at Low Tide Brewing on John’s Island for more than a decade. He’s spent most of his time as a bartender, and has now moved into the behind the scenes world of brewing. Occasionally, he comes out to serve drinks.
Kramer is a beer guy through and through, offering a different perspective from his peers. He noted his favorite type of beer to drink and make is lagers. “They’re definitely a labor of love,” he said. “The flavor is more subtle, they take more time and precision to get right, and people can be especially critical of them because there are so many mass-produced lagers out there.”
While Kramer tends to stick to beer when grabbing a drink, like Shelton, he raved about the margarita offerings at Rebel Taqueria. He noted the fresh watermelon, Tajin rim and lime as delicious and refreshing. And his pro tip: “If I’m feeling cheeky, I’ll add a mezcal floater.”
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