Restaurant
Unclaimed profileCafe Dupont
Birmingham, AL · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Cafe Dupont's beverage program leans on a polished cocktail list with eight specialty drinks, including the Yellowstone-bourbon Evans Old Fashioned and the olive-oil-washed Dirty Dupont Martini, both $18. The wine list spans regions with glass pours from $13 to $35 and bottles to $420, plus basic and premium pairings. A compact beer selection and limited nonalcoholic options fill support roles, while spirits cover bourbon, rye, and scotch. Customers praise cocktail presentation, though one specific drink fell short.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Evans Old Fashioned—Yellowstone bourbon, muddled orange and cherry, demerara, angostura—for a well-assembled classic. For a martini twist, the Dirty Dupont Martini, with olive-oil-washed Grey Goose, bianco vermouth, and brine, is worth the $18. Both showcase the program's technique.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking original, well-priced drinks will find a variety. Wine lovers will appreciate the pairing options and regional range. Bourbon and scotch drinkers have solid choices from Elijah Craig to Macallan 12.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails are $18 each; Raspberry Beret is $15. Dessert martinis are $17. Wine by the glass runs $13–$35, with bottles from $55 to $420. Beer is $7–$8, and spirits pours $13–$30.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu balances originals like the Brandy, You're a Fine Girl—mixing French brandy, Bénédictine, rye, and Domaine de Canton—with classics like the Islay-gin Negroni. Wine pairings at $15 and $30 per course add structure, and a $30 corkage fee invites bottle bringers.
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
Eight specialty cocktails show range, from the Yellowstone-bourbon Evans Old Fashioned to the olive-oil-washed Dirty Dupont Martini. Classics like the Negroni and Vesper Martini sit alongside originals such as Brandy, You're a Fine Girl. Dessert martinis add Espresso and La Banana Crème options.
Menu strengths
- — Original recipes with thoughtful ingredients, such as the olive-oil-washed vodka in the Dirty Dupont Martini.
- — Mix of classics and house creations, including a Negroni with Islay gin and a French Gimlet with Empress indigo gin.
- — Cocktails were delicious and beautifully presented stands out repeatedly.
Standout selections
- — Evans Old Fashioned — Yellowstone bourbon, muddled orange & cherry, demerara, angostura ($18).
- — Dirty Dupont Martini — olive-oil-washed Grey Goose vodka, bianco vermouth, brine ($18).
- — Brandy, You're a Fine Girl — French brandy, Bénédictine, rye, Domaine de Canton, angostura, lemon ($18).
Pricing: Specialty cocktails $18, Raspberry Beret $15, dessert martinis $17.
Wine
The wine list spans sparkling, white, rosé, and red from various regions, with by-the-glass options from Saint-Hilaire sparkling to Talley Estate Chardonnay.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive range with glass and bottle options across regions and varietals.
- — Offers basic and premium wine pairings per course, plus corkage with a two-bottle limit.
- — Dessert wines and ports, such as Cockburn's Ruby Port, extend the list.
Standout selections
- — Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux Brut — sparkling, Languedoc, NV ($13 glass).
- — Talley Estate Chardonnay 2023 — San Luis Obispo Coast ($16 glass / $80 bottle).
- — Schug Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 — Sonoma ($60 bottle).
Pricing: Glasses $13–$35; bottles $55–$420; pairings $15 (basic) and $30 (premium) per course; corkage $30.
Beer
A short but serviceable list includes six beers: Fool's Gold Lager, Einbecker n/a Malt, three Moody Tongue offerings, and Stella Artois. Prices sit at $7–$8, with a non-alcoholic option available.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a non-alcoholic beer option, Einbecker n/a Malt.
- — Three Moody Tongue selections, including an IPA and a caramelized chocolate churro porter, add variety.
Standout selections
- — Moody Tongue Caramelized Chocolate Churro Porter — Chicago, IL ($8).
- — Moody Tongue IPA — 6% ABV, Chicago, IL ($8).
Pricing: Beers $7–$8.
Nonalcoholic
Nonalcoholic options are limited to Einbecker n/a Malt and hot tea.; Provides a non-alcoholic beer option.; Hot tea is available at a reasonable $8.
Menu strengths
- — Provides a non-alcoholic beer option.; Hot tea is available at a reasonable $8.
Standout selections
- — Einbecker n/a Malt — non-alcoholic malt from Einbeck, Germany ($7).
Pricing: Einbecker n/a Malt $7; hot tea $8.
Spirits
The spirits list covers bourbon, rye, and scotch with recognizable names. Bourbon options include Elijah Craig Small Batch and Woodford Reserve; rye includes Sazerac and High West; scotch spans Glenfiddich 12 to Macallan 12.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection across three categories: bourbon, rye, and scotch.
- — Includes premium labels like Whistle Pig Piggy Back 6 Year and Angels Envy.
- — Prices are transparent, ranging from $13 for Sazerac Rye to $30 for top pours.
Standout selections
- — Whistle Pig Piggy Back 6 Year — bourbon, $18.
- — Glenfiddich 12 Year — scotch, $20.; Sazerac Rye — rye, $13.
Pricing: Pours $13–$30.
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