Makayla's Top 10 Favorite Bars & Cocktails

Your guide to the cutest vibes, crave-worthy cocktails, and the spots I keep going back to whether I’m explring the city, catching up with friends, or sipping something pretty before dinner.

Second Story - S'mores Espresso Martinis

1. Ghost Baby - OTR

It’s no secret… this is my “if I could only go to one place for the rest of my life” pick. I’ve been a regular at Ghost Baby for a while now, and it still gives me that wow feeling every time I walk in.

• The Vibe: I LIVE for their burlesque shows and their jazz nights. If it involves live music, a little sparkle, and that low-lit magic? I’m there. Every time.

• My Favorite Nights: Bartenders are experimenting with different spirits, herbs, and spices to create signature cocktails that reflect the city's character.

  
  

• My Go-To Drinks:

  • Espresso Martini — smooth, rich, and hands-down one of my top picks in Cincinnati.

  • Filthy Gin Martini — gin, blue cheese olives, sharp, bold, and so classy.

  
  

2. Somerser Bar - OTR

Somerset is my sunset glow, my escapist getaway right in the middle of Cincinnati. Every time I walk in, it feels like I’ve stepped into a different country — part tropical hideaway, part vintage greenhouse, part wanderlust daydream.

• The Vibe: Boho, global-inspired, lush greenery, eclectic decor, lanterns, warm light — it’s giving “I’m on vacation even though I’m five minutes from home.” This is the place where time slows down and every drink feels like a small adventure.

  
  

Must-Try Cocktails:

• Golden Hour Martini : Gin, house dirty brine, preserved lemon, Cynar, dry vermouth.

  This one tastes like a salty-silky sunset. Bright, briny, and beautifully balanced — literally the definition of golden hour in a glass.

• Luna Espresso Martini

  Reposado tequila, horchata, coffee liqueur, cold brew.

  Creamy, dreamy, and lightly spiced. It’s the espresso martini’s cooler, more mysterious sibling. I order this when I want something cozy but still ready to party.

  
  

3. Knowledge Bar & Social Room - Covington

Knowledge is one of those places that feels instantly special — dark, intimate, and beautifully designed, like a secret cocktail lounge tucked inside a boutique hotel. It has that “hidden gem” energy, but with cocktails that taste like they belong on a much bigger stage. It’s elegant, quiet in the best way, and the perfect place to actually talk over a really well-made drink.

Must-Try Cocktails:

• Dirty Martini with Lemon Feta–Stuffed Olives

  Life-changing. Salty, bright, creamy from the feta, and the lemon twist brings the biggest punch. It’s one of the best martinis in the entire Cincy/NKY area — full stop.

  
  

• Pistachio Martini

  Pistachio-infused Wheatley vodka, white chocolate, amaretto, cream.Dessert without being too sweet. Nutty, velvety, and so smooth. A must-order if you want something indulgent but balanced

  
  

• Espresso Martini

  Cold brew, Wheatley vodka, Buffalo Trace bourbon cream, demerara.Rich, creamy, slightly boozy — this one hits every time. The bourbon cream adds this warm coziness that makes it extra special.

  
  

4. Junipers - Covington

Juniper’s is my go-to “I just want a good cocktail without the fuss” spot — warm, cozy, and beautifully simple in the best way. If you love gin, this place will feel like home. They do gin right. Period.

Must-Try Cocktails:

• They are a gin-forward bar, and honestly? That’s my love language.

  • Dirty Gin Martini — clean, briny, perfect every time.

  • Clover Club — fruity, foamy, classic, and one of my favorite “cute but still gin” cocktails.

  • Any gin creation they recommend — seriously, just ask. Their bartenders always nail the balance.

  
  

5. Lost & Found - OTR

Lost & Found is one of the most creative cocktail bars in Cincinnati — artistic, unexpected, and full of personality. It’s the kind of place where every drink feels like a little experiment, and somehow it always works. If you’re into cocktails that push boundaries, this is your spot.

Colorful, eclectic, a little funky, a little artsy. Vintage couches, bold patterns, disco moments, neon light, and a rotating menu full of flavors you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the definition of “cute bar with a twist.”

Must-Try Cocktails:

•  Beetlegeuse

  Gin, roasted beets, dill, honey, lemon, dijon.

  This one is weird — in the BEST way. It’s giving farmers-market-meets-craft-cocktail. Earthy from the beets, bright from the lemon, fragrant from the dill, and rounded by a touch of honey. If you like savory cocktails or anything chef-driven, this is your new obsession.

• The Flerd

  Manchego gin, parmesan vodka, vermouth, rosemary, sage, thyme, saline, finished with black pepper olive oil.

  I mean… where else are you finding a cheese-forward martini?!This cocktail is wild. It’s savory, salty, silky, and aromatic. The manchego + parmesan combo is so unique, and the black pepper olive oil finish? Chef’s kiss. It’s like a martini that went to culinary school.

6. Second Story - Covington

Second Story is one of the most stylish and elevated lounges in Covington, it’s cozy, moody, and just the right amount of sleek. Perfect for a date, a special night out, or just treating yourself to something nice. Plus, the patio is GORGEOUS!

Must-Try Cocktails:

• S’more Espresso Martini :Marshmallow-infused vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, demerara — this is a cozy, dessert-meets-cocktail favorite. (Not always on the menu, but absolutely my dream pick.)

• Plum Bohème:Cachaça, dark rum, plum, orgeat, lime, orange curaçao, tiki bitters tropical, nuanced, and fruity in the classiest way.

7. Ripple Wine Bar - Covington

Ripple Wine Bar is one of my absolute favorite cozy-chic spots in Covington. It’s warm, intimate, and the kind of place where every glass of wine feels like a little moment. Whether you want something bold, something funky, or something classic, they have a wine for every mood — and a vibe to match.

My Go-To Drinks:

• Perfect Dirty Martini

  No notes. Just… perfect. Salty, clean, cold, and made exactly the way a martini should be. If you’re picky about martinis (like me), this is one of the best ones in NKY.

• A Beautiful Selection of Red Wines

  Ripple’s red wine menu is seriously stacked. From deep, velvety cabernets to lighter, earthy pinots, they curate options that make exploring wine fun and easy. Whether you want a glass or a whole bottle, you really can’t go wrong.

In Conclusion

Cincinnati & NKY's cocktail scene is thriving, offering a diverse range of bars and unique drinks for every palate. Whether you prefer classic cocktails or innovative creations, there is something for everyone in this city. So, gather your friends, explore the local bars, and indulge in the delicious cocktails that Cincinnati has to offer.

Next time you're in the city, make sure to visit these bars and experience the vibrant cocktail culture for yourself. Cheers!

Catch you on the next bite 🫦 – Kayla