Jibarra Margarita Jibarra Raleigh, NC This margarita is Jibarra’s signature drink, with 100% agave tequila. There’s no margarita mix here; all the juice is freshly squeezed on site. Crowned with a hibiscus flower, this margarita is smooth, simple, and flawless.

Margarita de Jamaica Jibarra Raleigh, NC For the same price as Jibarra’s standard margarita, you can get this version, simmered with sugar cane. The addition of hibiscus nectar makes the drink an appealing lavender and more sweet than sour.

Mexican Breeze Jibarra Raleigh, NC This is an excellent champagne cocktail. Miraculously, it manages to not be too sweet with its white peach puree, orange liquor, agave tequila and citrus juice. You can taste each element individually and still wonder at how smooth the blend is. Give that bartender a raise.

Pecan Pie Martini Rockfish Seafood Grill *CLOSED* The Streets at Southpoint Durham, NC It’s rare that I have to choke down a drink. Of course, it didn’t help that the bartender looked about 17 and told me that I was only the second person to ever order it, but I think that this martini was
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Mint Sidecar Elaine’s on Franklin 454 West Franklin Chapel Hill, NC The mint leaf was an excellent garnish to a well-blended drink. The cognac wasn’t too noxious, as it sometimes can be. One of these will be plenty to get you through a meal. Tasty but not delicious.

Oranj Cocktail Elaine’s on Franklin 454 West Franklin Chapel Hill, NC The sweet rim worked very well because of the strong alcohol taste; they tempered each other. The orange is sweet and not overpowering at all. It tastes golden.

Basil Mojito Elaine’s on Franklin 454 West Franklin Street Chapel Hill, NC This drink was very strong with an excellent rum chosen as the base. The basil was an exciting flavor change. Surprisingly, the drink had a bit of lemon to it, which made the whole thing taste off. Interesting, but didn’t quite succeed.

Azure Tea Cocktail Azure Grill *CLOSED* 407 Meadowmont Village Circle Chapel Hill, NC Let it be known, this is the one and only time I have ever liked sweet tea. I don’t particular like to drink liquefied sugar, but it’s easy to take when cut with muddled raspberries and bourbon. The bourbon was very well
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The Primo Margarita Chili’s 6917 Fayetteville Road Durham, NC This one is perfect for those of us who like the flavor of margaritas but can’t drink it fast enough to beat the melting ice. It has a strong alcohol presence, which delights my taste buds. The tequila is well-blended with the participating liquors. I always
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French Kiss Martini City Beverage 4810 Hope Valley Road Durham, NC This libation is a mix of vodka, chambord, pineapple, and lemon peel. It’s a slightly different recipe than the classic French Kiss but tastes just like that standard—a favorable level of sweetness, but overall, somewhat dull. Brightly deep red in color but the taste
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