Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileBad Luck Bar
Detroit, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bad Luck Bar runs a serious cocktail program built on Roman-numeral originals with adventurous ingredients like Okinawa-seaweed syrup and candy cap mushroom syrup. One cocktail arrives with neat pours of Yamazaki 18yr and Aberlour 18yr. The bar also stocks rare spirits, offers Three Spirit non-alcoholic alternatives, and will make any requested cocktail. Hot drinks, priced at $20, add a seasonal dimension.
- What should I order?
- Cocktail I, served with neat pours of Yamazaki 18yr and Aberlour 18yr, is the program's centerpiece. Cocktail V, with chicory-infused mezcal and torched cinnamon bark, and Cocktail XIII, with barrel-aged gin and aroma fog, show the kitchen's range. For something warm, the shiitake mushroom hot drink is a curious choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, ingredient-driven drinks and rare whiskies will find much to explore. Adventurous drinkers open to unconventional flavors like seaweed and mushroom syrup will appreciate the creativity. Those who value off-menu flexibility and a speakeasy atmosphere will also be drawn here.
- When should I go?
- Evenings suit the speakeasy ambiance and hidden entrance. The hot drinks menu suggests cooler months are a good time to visit.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list reads like a flavor lab: Okinawa-seaweed syrup, tea bitters, smoked pineapple spirit, and candy cap mushroom syrup. One cocktail includes neat pours of Yamazaki 18yr and Aberlour 18yr. The bar also carries all Three Spirit alternatives and will make any drink on request.
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 rotating list of Roman-numeral originals with bold ingredients like Okinawa-seaweed syrup, tea bitters, and candy cap mushroom syrup. One cocktail is served with neat pours of Yamazaki 18yr and Aberlour 18yr. Guests can request any cocktail not on the menu.
Menu strengths
- — Inventive recipes with rare ingredients such as Okinawa-seaweed syrup and candy cap mushroom syrup.
Standout selections
- — Cocktail I: Japanese Whisky, Scotch Whisky, Okinawa-seaweed syrup, Tea bitters, with neat pours of Yamazaki 18yr and Aberlour 18yr.
- — Cocktail V: Chicory infused Mezcal, Coffee Liqueur, Galliano, Blood Orange, Cinnamon, Pineapple, served over pebble ice with torched cinnamon bark.
- — Cocktail XIII: Barrel Aged Gin, Cognac, Pear Liqueur, Madeira, Spiced Candy Cap Mushroom syrup, served on block ice with aroma fog.
Pricing: Hot drinks priced at $20; cocktail prices not published.
Nonalcoholic
The bar carries all three functional spirit alternatives by Three Spirit and can create a dealer's choice non-alcoholic or low ABV drink upon request. This demonstrates a commitment to non-alcoholic options, though no specific drinks or prices are documented.
Menu strengths
- — Can craft custom non-alcoholic or low ABV drinks on request.
Pricing: No pricing evidence.
Spirits
A focus on rare and collectible spirits, with a list updated periodically. Selections include Japanese whisky, Scotch whisky, mezcal, rum, gin, and other premium spirits. The presence of Yamazaki 18yr and Aberlour 18yr as cocktail components underscores the depth.
Menu strengths
- — Includes premium categories like Japanese whisky and Scotch whisky.
- — Yamazaki 18yr and Aberlour 18yr are poured alongside a cocktail.
Standout selections
- — Aberlour 18yr single malt Scotch whisky.
Pricing: No pricing evidence.
How it sits with the food
The menu's sweet and savory elements—such as chocolate dipped almond brittle and smoked skewer maraschino cherry—suggest attention to garnish as pairing. No food menu is documented, so pairing guidance is limited.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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