Restaurant
Unclaimed profileCloud 9 Rooftop Bar
Wilmington, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar runs a beverage program with real range. The cocktail list spans craft, frozen, mules, sparkling, shooters, and house infusions, with named drinks like Pineapple Express and Neon Angels. A spirits list covers bourbon, rye, scotch, cognac, and tequila, poured 2oz on the rocks. Wine by the glass runs $10 to $12, with a bottle-service list. Non-alcoholic drinkers get Ritual 0 proof spirits, alcohol-free cocktails, and Athletic Brewing cans.
- What should I order?
- Start with a craft cocktail such as the Pineapple Express (white rum, pineapple, orange, coconut shaved ice, dark rum floater, nutmeg) or the Neon Angels (citrus vodka, dry rosé, lavender, lemon sparkling water, shaved ice). For a spirit-forward pour, ask for a 2oz On the Rocks selection like Knob Creek or Rittenhouse Rye.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Groups looking for a broad drink menu with daily specials, spirit-forward drinkers who want an On the Rocks pour, and non-alcoholic drinkers who want more than soda will all find something here.
- When should I go?
- Daily features give each night a different draw: Sunday Funday, Margarita Monday, Wayback Wednesday Y2K Martinis, and Almost Friday Thursday Margarita Flight Night.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wines by the glass run $10 to $12. Vodka pickle shots are $9, jello shots $6, and non-alcoholic bottles such as Freixenent Sparkling Wine and FRE 0% Wine are $32 each.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The non-alcoholic program is unusually complete for a rooftop bar, pairing Ritual 0 proof Tequila and Gin alternatives with alcohol-free craft cocktails, Athletic Brewing cans, and zero-proof wine. The On the Rocks spirits section and daily cocktail features add further range.
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 broad cocktail menu spans craft, frozen, mules, sparkling, shooters, and house infusions. Named craft drinks like Pineapple Express and Neon Angels sit alongside daily features such as Wayback Wednesday Y2K Martinis and Almost Friday Thursday Margarita Flight Night. Several cocktails can be made with Ritual 0 proof Tequila or Gin.
Menu strengths
- — Menu covers craft, frozen, mules, sparkling, shooters, and infusions, giving genuine range rather than a token list.
- — Daily features and specials run through the week, from Sunday Funday to Almost Friday Thursday.
- — Several cocktails are available with Ritual 0 proof Tequila or Gin alternatives.
Standout selections
- — Pineapple Express: white rum, pineapple, orange, creme de coconut shaved ice, dark rum floater, nutmeg.
- — Neon Angels: citrus vodka, dry rose, lavender syrup, fresh lemon sparkling water, shaved ice.
- — Califate: tequila, watermelon, habanero honeydew syrup, fresh lime, pickled watermelon radish; available with Ritual 0 proof Tequila.
- — Space Wrangler: signature Cloud 9 margarita with mango strawberry fresh fruit popsicle and tajin rim.
Pricing: Vodka pickle shots $9; jello shots $6
Wine
An extensive wine list offers six by-the-glass varietals: Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir. A Full Steam Wine List handles bottle service. Sparkling wine also appears in the sparkling cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — By-the-glass range covers sparkling, white, and red varietals at $10 to $12.
- — Full Steam Wine List provides bottle service for larger groups.
Standout selections
- — Carletto Prosecco, Veneto, Italy, NV at $10 by the glass.
- — Rickshaw Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2023 at $12 by the glass.
- — Maggio Family Vineyards Cabernet, California at $12 by the glass.
Pricing: Wines by the glass $10-$12
Beer
Draft beer selections appear on the menu alongside a cans and bottles section. Sunday Funday offers 14oz drafts for $5, and Concert Day Specials include Bill's Brewing Light Lager Draft at $5.
Menu strengths
- — Draft selections plus a cans and bottles section give two formats.
- — Sunday Funday pricing at $5 for 14oz drafts is a clear value.
Standout selections
- — Bill's Brewing Light Lager Draft, $5 as an add-on to Concert Day Specials.
Pricing: 14oz drafts $5 on Sunday Funday; Bill's Brewing Light Lager Draft $5
Nonalcoholic
The non-alcoholic program is unusually complete: alcohol-free craft cocktails, Athletic Brewing cans, Freixenent Alcohol Removed Sparkling Wine, FRE 0% Wine, and Ritual 0 proof Tequila and Gin alternatives for cocktails. Dirty Soda and other sodas round out the list.
Menu strengths
- — Ritual 0 proof Tequila and Gin alternatives let several cocktails be ordered without alcohol.
- — Multiple formats: craft cocktails, canned beer, wine, and sodas.
- — Freixenent Alcohol Removed Sparkling Wine and FRE 0% Wine are both $32 per bottle.
Standout selections
- — Drift Down: mango, pineapple, house sour, Tajin rim.
- — Daisies: watermelon, fresh lime, mint, ginger beer.; Athletic Brewing Company rotating non-alcoholic brews, 12oz can, $6.
- — Freixenent Alcohol Removed Sparkling Wine, Brut, Cava, Penedes, Spain, n/v, 750ml, $32.
Pricing: Athletic Brewing $6; Freixenent and FRE 0% Wine $32 per bottle; Dirty Soda $7
Spirits
A spirits list covers bourbon, rye whiskey, scotch whiskey, cognac, and tequila. An On the Rocks section offers 2oz pours with a large cube. Bourbon names include Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve; tequila runs from Lunazul Blanco to Patron Anejo; cognac includes Remy Martin VSOP and Hennessy VS.
Menu strengths
- — Spirits list spans bourbon, rye, scotch, cognac, and tequila.
- — On the Rocks section offers 2oz pours with a large cube.
- — Tequila selection alone includes Patron Silver, Patron Reposado, Lunazul Blanco, Lunazul Reposado, Herradura Blanco, Herradura Reposado, and Patron Anejo.
Standout selections
- — Knob Creek Kentucky straight, small batch, 100 proof.
- — Rittenhouse Rye bottled in bond, 100 proof.; Naked Malt blended scotch, first fill sherry casks, 96 proof.
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