Drinks Anyone?

After four years of college drinking very cheap, lukewarm wine and champagne at frat parties, I decided that it was time to graduate and start investing in a good cocktail. (And believe me; it is easy to pay too much money for a bad one!)
 
When my friend and I heard that the mixologist from The Mansion at Turtle Creek, Michael Martinson, was now the mastermind behind the pre and post prohibition cocktail theme at The Cedar Social, our eyes lit up like two devious kittens.

The Cedar Social, which is located in South Side, is a one story brick building whose nonchalant exterior makes it seem like it could have at one time been a fabric store.  However, walking inside and seeing the 1970's round fire pit and customers eating dinner in an intimate brick nook or sitting in low sofas, I immediately felt like I had entered a chic, swinger's lounge. The DJ in the corner infused the mood by playing 70's funkadelic music; I was ready to get a drink.

The bar shelves are covered in every liquor imaginable; little apothecary bottles that lined the bar seem to whisper, "Drink me." The drink list which is divided by era and included seasonal specialties was pretty overwhelming; everything sounded intriguing. Because the bar was so tightly packed, you do have to get aggressive in order to get the bartender's attention and keep it. Once I tried number one on my drink list, I knew why.

The Ball and Chain- A  seasonal, freshly muddled strawberry concoction that will put a smile on your face but get you into trouble; I slurped it down as quickly as a Sonic Happy Hour drink. The added cardamom, a cousin of ginger, helped me to pace myself.

Texas Fizz-This citrus gin drink gets its playful name by the added powdered sugar and club soda. Its fizziness makes it perfect for a warm summer night.

Seasonal Punch Bowl- An exotic take on the classic party pleaser, minus the ruffies. Don't let the price scare you off; everyone gets at least 3 to 4 hefty servings in fun, miniature bowls. It reminded me of the Virgin Suicides prom I wish I had.

Moscow Mule-The name alone makes me feel like a Russian peasant clinging to my copper mug. The sexy, spicy kick of ginger actually acts as a wonderful palate cleanser and soothes your stomach after a heavy meal, much like the ginger ale and crackers your mom used to give you.

Alive and Well- I always associate gin with a conservative English woman. This crisp, lightly gingered drink definitely has me saying, "Cheers."

The creativity behind The Cedar Social makes it a new favorite for me. Its excluded location helps you dodge the weekend Uptown crowd and the delectable drinks and food make it worth the drive.  Did I mention there is Happy Hour every day from 5-7?

-Alyssa Thomas

Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra - Kiss the Sky by armellodie

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The Cedars Social

1326 South Lamar Street

Dallas, Texas

(214) 928-7700