Burlington, Straight Up

Your Guide to Local Cocktails & Summer Sips

Raise a glass to Burlington’s cocktail scene—where creativity, craft, and local ingredients come together to make the perfect pour. Whether you’re a gin lover, a whiskey fan, or on the hunt for something zero-proof and fabulous, we’ve found some standout sips around town. These drinks aren’t just pretty—they’re packed with Vermont flavor.

A Toast to the Rest
There are so many incredible places to grab a drink in BTV—we could’ve written a novel! This list is just a taste, and we’re already dreaming up future features to highlight even more of Burlington’s wine bars, breweries, and neighborhood favorites. 

Devil Takes a Holiday

111 St Paul St

Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 4pm-1am, and Sun 10am-7pm
Devils Deck: Wed 5-10pm, Thurs 5-11pm, and Fri-Sat 5pm-12am

This cocktail bar leans delightfully dramatic—with a rotating Ramos Gin Fizz, a rooftop Spritz Deck, and a passport program that rewards you for drinking through the nine levels of the Inferno (seriously). On Sundays from 10–3, brunch comes with full food and cocktail service—plus a hashbrown and coffee on the house with your meal.

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• Bikini Spritz – Planteray Pineapple Rum, house tropical vermouth, Linchpin Aperitivo, Angostura, sparkling wine. Served on the Spritz Deck—just follow the orange umbrellas.
• Vacation (N/A) – Coco Lopez, pineapple, lime, and ginger beer - it’ll make you feel like you’re, well, on vacation.

Check them out!

Fancy's

88 Oak St

Hours: Wed-Sat 5-9pm

At Fancy’s, the drinks are just as creative and colorful as the dishes they’re paired with. Working out of a cozy co-op kitchen, the team leans into layered flavors, housemade syrups, and vibrant ingredients to craft cocktails that feel as fresh as they look. Whether it’s fruity and flirty or funky and complex, every drink is built to surprise and complement the ever-changing, flavor-forward food menu.

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• Pink Panther – Barr Hill Gin, Chinola Passionfruit, Cointreau, pomegranate, lemon, and Prosecco. Originally a Valentine’s Day special, now a year-round favorite. She's fruity, flirty, and a little bubbly.
• P-Funk Julep – Bonded bourbon, dry vermouth, mint, miso, lemon. A funky, slightly savory twist on a Southern classic—George Clinton would approve.

Bonus: Mention this blog for a free creemee w/ purchase of dinner

Check them out!

Juniper Bar & Restaurant

111 St Paul St

Hours: Mon-Thurs 7-10am + 5-10pm, Fri 7-10am + 5-11pm, Sat 7am-1pm + 5-11pm, and Sun 7am-1pm + 5-10pm

Tucked inside Hotel Vermont, Juniper is where seasonal cocktails meet serious Vermont pride. Their drink menu is rooted in local spirits, layered flavors, and a love of tradition, with just enough modern flair to keep things exciting. Grab a seat at the bar, sink into a lobby lounge chair, or take your drink fireside on the Juniper Terrace (sunset highly recommended).

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• It's a Summer Drink – Blanco tequila, Aperol, passionfruit, and coconut water = sunset in a glass.
• Hotel Vermont Negroni – a local twist on the classic, made with their private label Tom Cat Gin.

Check them out!

Mad River Distillers

137 St Paul St

Hours: Thurs-Sat 12-8pm, Sun-Mon 12-6pm

Mad River is where house-distilled spirits meet cocktail creativity. The menu blends timeless classics with inventive seasonal sips—always featuring fresh, local ingredients (maple syrup makes more than one cameo). Whether you’re into bold bourbon or sweet vanilla rum, there’s a drink here with your name on it.

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• Maple Bourbon Sour – bourbon, real maple syrup, and lemon for a Vermont take on a classic.
• Espresso Martini – made with their Vanilla Rum, cold brew, maple syrup, and maple cream liqueur = pure buzzed bliss.

Bonus: Mention the blog to score a free tasting flight (one per group)!

Check them out!

The 126

126 College St #40

Hours: Tues-Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 5pm-1am

If you’re into great lighting, better drinks, and nightly jazz—The 126 is your spot. This 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge serves up thoughtful originals and perfect classics using housemade everything: syrups, liqueurs, fresh-squeezed juices—you name it. It’s elegant but never stuffy; the kind of place where a simple drink feels like a whole experience. And with live jazz on the regular? You’re golden.

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• Tropic Like It’s Hot – a Barbados-worthy beachy beauty with pineapple gin and rum, Velvet Falernum, orgeat, and passionfruit.
• La Picosa Dama – Reposado tequila, Ancho Verde poblano liqueur, pineapple, orange, agave, and fuego bitters. Spicy but not overwhelming—the kind of heat that keeps you coming back.

Bonus: Mention this blog for a free 126 Snack Mix to go with your drink.

Check them out!

The Archives

126 College St #40

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am

Come for the pinball, stay for the cocktails. Archives is more than just an arcade bar—it’s a love letter to inventive drinks. Their cocktail menu balances originals with classics-with-a-twist, all crafted using local spirits and ingredients whenever possible. The result? A beverage list that’s unexpected, always evolving, and very Vermont. Plus, their summer cocktail names are as fun as the flavors.

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• It’s Called a Creemee – Maple cream liqueur, maple syrup, vodka, and nutmeg. Pure Vermont nostalgia.
• Another F'n Vodka Drink – Sunshine vodka, blackberry, blood orange, lemon, soda. Tart, fizzy, and just the right kind of extra.

Check them out!

The Wallflower Collective

71 S Union St

Hours: Daily 4pm-2am

Tucked away behind City Market (you know the one), Wallflower is a cozy neighborhood bar with plush seating, fun lighting, and an outdoor igloo that’s so perfectly weird, it wouldn’t feel right without it. Their cocktail menu changes twice a year—once in spring and again in fall. Each drink is named after a beloved pet of staff or regulars, and the vibe here is all about fun, approachable cocktails that are creative, delicious, and built for a good time.

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• The Frank – Grey Goose Strawberry Lemongrass, lemon, and blueberry kombucha = light, tart, and fun.
• Lavender Latte Espresso Martini – Tito's, lavender, espresso liqueur, and Brio espresso. Caffeinated & cute

Check them out!

The Whiskey Room

173 College St

Hours: Fri-Sat 5pm-1am, Sun-Thurs 5pm-12am

If your dream bar is part moody cocktail den, part book club with better lighting and stronger drinks, you’ve found it. Welcome to The Whiskey Room, home of Literary Libations—a cocktail menu where every drink is a nod to the classics (books and spirits alike). It's the kind of spot that makes you want to cancel your plans and stay awhile.

STAFF-PICKED SUMMER SIPS:

• A Rum of One’s Own – a pina colada reimagined with rum, Fernet, juices, and lime cordial.
• Brandybury Tales – bourbon, elderflower, Sichuan pepper honey from Shelburne Farms for a wild sensory ride.

Check them out!

Vermont in a glass? We’ll drink to that.

Whether you’re hunting for a classic Old Fashioned, a wild seasonal creation, or just a great spot to unwind, Burlington’s drink scene has you covered. Ready to explore even more? Check out our Dine Directory for the full scoop on all the city’s best bars, breweries, and restaurants. Cheers to sipping local and discovering your next favorite spot!

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Support the local bars, distilleries, and restaurants that are shaking up the scene and tag us in your next night out @loveburlington.