{Patio at Tap, photo courtesy of Tap}
Mixologist Lara Creasy of JCT Kitchen & Bar whips up some mean libations, such as the Back Porch, a blend of vodka, thyme syrup, citrus and crushed ice; Patio Punch, a shared drink which incorporates fresh fruit, tea, spirit, wine and local honeys; Ryebarb, a concoction of Old Overholt rye, rhubarb bitters, spice ginger and peppercorn syrup served on the rocks; and the Rough Rider, a smooth beverage of vanilla-infused 10Cane rum, Mexican cola and velvet falernum. JCT Kitchen is located at 1198 Howell Mill Road NW. 404-355-2252. www.jctkitchen.com.
Partying at home, but crave restaurant-quality cocktails? Eclipse di Luna’s sangria can be purchased from the Buckhead restaurant in an Igloo cooler for $125 for five gallons. On Sundays, the restaurant offers bottomless sangria for $10 per person from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Eclipse di Luna serves up tapas seven nights a week and offers a patio area that holds up to 70 guests and is just as lively as the rest of the restaurant. This energetic eatery specializes in Latin influenced tapas and offers nightly live entertainment, as well as lunch Tuesday through Saturday. Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead is located at 764 Miami Circle, 404-846-0449. The restaurant’s Dunwoody location at 4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road also offers a large patio, 678-205-5862. For more information, visit www.eclipsediluna.com. SP
MORE GREAT AL FRESCO DINING
Apres Diem
Great place to gather with the girls
931 Monroe Drive NE
404-872-3333
www.apresdiem.com
Cowtippers
Best Texas margarita in town
1600 Piedmont Ave. NE
404-874-3751
www.cowtippersatlanta.com
Joe’s on Juniper
Trivia, drag queens and terrific pub grub
1049 Juniper St. NE
404-875-6634
www.joesatlanta.com
Murphy’s
Best bet for brunch
997 Virginia Ave. NE
404-872-0904
www.murphysvh.com
Nava
Where Buckhead peeps relax
3060 Peachtree Road NW
404-240-1987
www.buckheadrestaurants.com
Portofino
Fantastic wine and a romantic outdoor terrace
3199 Paces Ferry Place
404-231-1136
www.portofinobistro.com
Six Feet Under
Casual rooftop dining at its finest
685 11th St. NW
404-810-0040
www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com
Stats
Place your bets on this rooftop patio.
300 Marietta St. NW
404-885-1472
www.statsatl.com
Steamhouse Lounge
Nosh on oysters under the sun.
1051 W. Peachtree St. NW
404-233-7980
www.steamhouselounge.com
Tap
Single? Try this flirting hot spot.
1180 Peachtree St. NE
404-347-2220
www.tapat1180.com
The Nook
New dining destination by Piedmont Park
1144 Piedmont Ave.
404-745-9222
www.thenookatlanta.com
Tin Lizzy’s
We’re so thankful for a second location of this taco-and-margarita hangout.
415 Memorial Drive
404-554-8220
www.tinlizzyscantina.com
SPLASH INTO THIS
My new favorite spring cocktail comes courtesy of Absolut Mango vodka. It’s the freshest, juiciest liquor I’ve tasted in a long while. Make a batch of this refreshing libation for hanging out with friends in the backyard or fill a travel bottle for a walk in the park. Delish.
ABSOLUT MANGO FIZZ
2 parts Absolut Mango vodka
¾ parts lemon juice
½ parts simple syrup
Top with lemon-lime soda.
Build over ice in a tall glass, and garnish with a lime.
