I don't want to tell you what to drink, but, well, I'm going to. Or at the very least, guide you toward the best cocktail creations being shaken, poured and blended in Tacoma.
If you want to drink in the morning, the Bacon Bloody Mary at Paddy Coyne's is your answer. Their house Bloody Mary mix is paired with Absolut Peppar and presented with a stalk of pickled asparagus or green beans, a salted rim ... and some cooked-to-order salty bacon. Served at their Bloody Mary bar on weekends, by request during the week.
Paddy Coyne's, 815 Pacific Ave.
For tequila lovers, don't hesitate to head Under the Volcano at 1022 South. The simple drink of cinnamon-infused tequila, bitters and their handcrafted hellfire tincture is served with an oversized ice cube to diffuse the heat.
1022 South, 1022 South J St.
Conversely, the Agnes at Marrow may lack the common bite of tequila, but it puts a new twist on iced coffee. High-end Anejo tequila, a blackberry liqueur and cold-brewed coffee are shaken and served on ice.
Marrow Kitchen • Bar, 2717 6th Ave.
Anyone can make a Manhattan, but the Maxwell Manhattan stands apart. Made classically with Woodford Reserve bourbon and vermouth - but made special with the addition of fresh sage leaves and a gourmet cherry.
Maxwell's Speakeasy + Lounge, 454 St. Helen's Ave.
For something sweeter, the Mt. Fuji Breeze at TwoKoi can almost sub for dessert. Malibu Passion Fruit rum, sake, a little pineapple juice and grenadine make this one dangerous.
TwoKoi, 1552 Commerce St.
Honorable mention: Paris on a Shoestring at Maxwell's. Smells like citrus, but the combination of earl grey-infused vodka, vanilla vodka, agave and lemon zest leaves the taste of birthday cake in your mouth.