Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileAlley Twenty Six
Durham, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Alley Twenty Six is a cocktail bar with an extensive spirits list and a serious cocktail program. The drinks menu names specific spirits like Roku Gin, Planteray rums, and Japanese whiskies, with house-made ingredients such as Tropical Tonic and Orgeat. The whiskey selection includes barrel picks poured in 1.5oz or 2oz measures. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options are present but secondary. Cocktail classes and a retail syrup store reinforce the bar's focus.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Rabbit Tales, made with oyster shell-infused Roku Gin, dry vermouth, and matcha tea, or the Alley Cocktail with Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, dry vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, Cynar, and celery bitters. For spirits, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 'Bull in Elijah's Shop' is poured in 1.5oz or 2oz measures.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- People who want a cocktail bar with a deep whiskey list and specific, named spirits. The barrel picks and 1.5oz/2oz pour options suit drinkers comparing bourbons or ryes. Cocktail classes and the retail syrup store appeal to those interested in the bar's house-made ingredients.
- When should I go?
- For a cocktail-focused visit or to explore the whiskey and spirits list. The non-alcoholic cocktails and beer make it workable for those skipping alcohol.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Prices are not listed in the available menu details. Spirits are offered in 1.5oz and 2oz pours, and the wine list includes a Champagne half bottle.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A dedicated cocktail section with named spirits and house-made ingredients, plus a whiskey list featuring barrel picks like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 'Bull in Elijah's Shop' and Russell's Reserve Private Barrel 'Pop's Cream Soda.' Cocktail classes and a retail store for cocktail syrups extend the bar's focus beyond the menu.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A dedicated cocktail section with numerous named drinks built on specific spirits like Roku Gin, Planteray rums, Japanese whiskies, and Wild Turkey 101. The bar also offers cocktail classes and sells cocktail syrups at retail.
Menu strengths
- — Numerous named cocktails with specific spirits and house-made ingredients
- — Seasonal and classic focus with locally sourced ingredients
Standout selections
- — Rabbit Tales with oyster shell-infused Roku Gin, dry vermouth, and matcha tea
- — Alley Cocktail with Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, dry vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, Cynar, and celery bitters
- — Mai Tai with Appleton 12 Year, Smith & Cross, Wray & Nephew, and Cruzan rums plus house Orgeat
- — Haru Highball with Hibiki and Toki Japanese whiskies, local plums, and Dolin Chamberyzette
Wine
A wine section with named bottles and by-the-glass options spanning sparkling, white, rosé, and red. The list includes Chardonnay, semi-dry Riesling, Chiaretto Rosé, Pinot Noir, and three Champagnes. A Copinet Champagne half bottle is among the sparkling choices.
Menu strengths
- — Sparkling, white, rosé, and red options all present
Standout selections
- — Copinet Champagne half bottle; Le Mesnil Champagne; Pierre Moncuit Champagne
Beer
A beer section with named lagers, ales, and ciders, including local and craft options. The list covers a Mexican lager, a local lager, a session IPA, a Scottish ale, a non-alcoholic Hazy IPA, and a Normandy cider. Rotating cider is also listed.
Menu strengths
- — Local and craft beer options including Steel String, Trophy Brewing, and Ponysaurus
Standout selections
- — Eric Bordelet Lightly Sparkling Apple Cider from Normandy
- — Trophy Brewing Trophy Wife Session IPA; Ponysaurus Scottish Ale
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options include two cocktails and one beer. The NA Garibaldi combines orange and Giffard Bitter Aperitif Syrup, while Earl Please mixes Earl Grey tea, passionfruit, ginger, and lime. Best Day Brewing N/A Hazy IPA covers the beer side.
Menu strengths
- — Two non-alcoholic cocktails with specific ingredients; A non-alcoholic beer option
Standout selections
- — NA Garibaldi with orange and Giffard Bitter Aperitif Syrup
- — Earl Please with Earl Grey tea, passionfruit, ginger, and lime
Spirits
Extensive WHISK(E)Y and OTHER SPIRITS sections with numerous named bottles. The whiskey list spans bourbons, ryes, scotches, and Japanese whiskies, including barrel picks. Other spirits cover gin, rum, tequila, mezcal, amari, and liqueurs, with 1.5oz and 2oz pour options for some.
Menu strengths
- — Whiskey list includes bourbons, ryes, scotches, and Japanese whiskies
- — Diverse spirits list covering gin, rum, tequila, mezcal, amari, and liqueurs
- — 1.5oz and 2oz pour options for some spirits
Standout selections
- — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 'Bull in Elijah's Shop'
- — Russell's Reserve Private Barrel Selection 'Pop's Cream Soda'
- — Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 'Nanner Puddin'; Ron Izalco Private Reserve Rum
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