Top 5 US Cities for Iconic Signature Drinks You Have to Try

Undoubtedly, while some US cities are famous for their amazing skylines and others for their inspired foodie offerings, we thought it was about time someone gave a shout-out to those who have nailed their very own signature cocktail drink. 

Whether it’s the exotic taste of Miami’s Cuban-inspired Mojitos or Louisville’s legendary Mint Julep cocktail – an essential component of any Kentucky Derby experience – if you’re looking for an excuse for a mixology-themed getaway, then join us as we raise a glass to these top 5 fascinating cities that every cocktail lover needs to visit. 

Two Classic Drinks for the Price of One Indulging in Louisville, Kentucky’s Mint Julep & Old Fashioned 

We kick-start our US-wide tour of the best cities with extraordinary liquid libations by heading to Louisville, Kentucky, to sample two of its world-famous sips.  

The first of which is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep, which remarkably started life as a sugar- and mint medicinal pick-me-up until it was upgraded in the 1800s to include bourbon. Now a treasured institution at Louisville’s Churchill Downs racetrack, today cocktail vendors serve more than 125,000 Mint Juleps over Derby weekend alone. 

As if being home to one prestigious cocktail wasn’t enough, Louisville is also the birthplace of the celebrated Old Fashioned, which has made Louisville a fashionable hub for cocktail lovers. While variations exist elsewhere, the city proudly credits the historic Pendennis Club watering hole as the home to the cocktail’s earliest incarnation, a venue where, to this day, visitors to Louisville can still enjoy a handcrafted concoction or two. 

Relish a few days of bourbon tastings and Derby-inspired adventures as you toast your Louisville getaway with a comfy stay at Best Western Louisville Airport Expo while you’re here. 

A Taste of New York Chasing the Perfect Manhattan Cocktail 

Our next cocktail-inspired stop sees us heading to the bright lights of the Big Apple, where we raise a glass to the unmistakably New York mixer, better known as the Manhattan. As sophisticated and timeless as New York itself, the Manhattan offers cocktail enthusiasts a distinctive blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters, topped off, of course, with a cherry garnish. 

While the Manhattan cocktail’s exact origin remains highly contested, the strongest historical ties all point to its debut being made at New York City’s Manhattan Club during the 1880s. That being said, it would be rude not to try out a modern-day Manhattan, so be sure to head over to the Great Jones Distilling Co. in NoHo to indulge in their refined take on the classic Manhattan, where old-school sophistication synchronizes with dynamic and contemporary mixology. 

Cap off your New York cocktail adventure with a cozy stay at the Best Western Premier Herald Square, perfectly positioned to allow you to explore Manhattan’s iconic bars and cocktail infusions. 

Discover Charleston’s Cocktail Heritage One Planter’s Punch at a Time in South Carolina 

Whether you’re flying in or on a South Carolina road trip, we head next to enjoy Charleston’s signature cocktail, the bright, fruity, and intensely refreshing Planter’s Punch. Despite its traditional Caribbean roots, by the 1800s Charleston taverns had set about perfecting the Planter’s Punch by blending rum with a host of citrus flavors, tropical fruits, sweetness, and bitters to create this truly vibrant coastal classic. 

Today, visitors can deviate to try several exceptional versions of the city’s Planter’s Punch, but the elegant and historic Peninsula Grill bar has to be the ultimate setting to savor Charleston’s favorite libation. In doing so, you can pair your drink with a stroll through Charleston’s cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved historic district, before trying out a few alternate variations of this fabulous cocktail famed for its characteristic tropical kick. 

Explore and sample the Lowcountry’s legendary cocktail culture in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, by booking your stay at the Best Western Patriots Point. 

A Delicious Dive Into American Cocktail History Featuring Philadelphia’s Fish House Punch 

Long before the rest of the US caught on to the idea of creating fashionable cocktails, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, had already invented one of America’s oldest, not to mention strongest, punches way back in 1732. The location of this creation was none other than the Schuylkill Fishing Company – the nation’s oldest fishing club, more frequently known as the State in Schuylkill – which successfully paired rum, cognac, peach brandy, fresh lemon, sugar, and then served it over a large block of ice to create its epic Fish House Punch. 

Impressively, Fish House Punch quickly gained status as a revered concoction and was reportedly enjoyed at the time by historical figures including George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette. These days, visitors can enjoy this sublime drink by ordering a Fish House Punch at 1 Tippling Place, one of Philadelphia’s premier cocktail bars ideally located just a short walk from the prestigious Rittenhouse Square in the city center. 

Raise your glass to honor one of America’s oldest cocktail traditions before unwinding in style at the Independence Park Hotel, BW Premier Collection, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Salsa Your Way into Miami’s Cuban Spirit With a Classic Mojito 

We might just have saved the best for last, as we now head down to the Sunshine State to indulge in another Caribbean-inspired classic that fully embraces Miami’s Cuban heartbeat: the Mojito. Originally from Cuba, if you head down to Little Havana these days, this delicious and zesty cocktail is still made up of Cuban rum, limes, mint, and crushed ice… and a lot of love. 

However, for those of you looking to treat yourself to an authentic Mojito cocktail, you’ll need to head down to the wonderful Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina on the famous Calle Ocho in Little Havana. As live music strikes a classic beat, here you can lose yourself in the sprightly flavors of their handcrafted Mojitos while soaking up the unmistakable rhythm of this immersive Miami cultural hotspot, with vintage Cuban décor completing the experience. 

Keep the tropical vibes going as you sample your way through Cuba’s celebrated export and Miami’s favorite indulgence, before getting a restorative night’s sleep at the Arya Hotel & Suites Coconut Grove, WorldHotels Distinctive every night.