Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileRipple Wine Bar | Wine Bar & Restaurant | Covington, KY
Covington, KY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Ripple Wine Bar's outpost pairs a deep wine list with a playful cocktail menu. By-the-glass pours start around $5, while bottles climb to $300. The Wine Cats club adds a monthly subscription angle. Cocktails like the bourbon-and-blackberry 'Friend of the Devil' show a Grateful Dead-inspired streak. A solid non-alcoholic lineup rounds out the program.
- What should I order?
- Start with the 'Friend of the Devil' (Four Roses Bourbon, blackberry syrup, lime) or 'Fire on the Mountain' (mango habanero whiskey, orange juice, red wine float). For wine, try the Leitz Sparkling Riesling by the glass or a bottle from the 'From The Vault' selections like Chateau Musar 2021.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts seeking a broad list with global reach, and cocktail fans who appreciate creative, named drinks. The Wine Cats club appeals to those wanting monthly curated bottles and educational events.
- When should I go?
- Evenings for dinner and drinks; Wednesday dinner service has been noted for attentive bartender service.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $12 to $14; by-the-glass wines from $4.5 to $9.5; bottles from $38 to $300. Mocktails are $6-$8. Wine club tiers are $75, $175, and $250 per month.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A wine bar with a Grateful Dead-themed cocktail list and a robust wine club ('Wine Cats') offering tiered monthly packages, member-only bottles, and early event access. The wine list spans regions from Germany to Lebanon to Italy.
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 12-cocktail list with creative ingredients and a Dead-themed naming scheme. Standouts include bourbon-based 'Friend of the Devil' and the spicy 'Fire on the Mountain' with a red wine float. Prices are moderate.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of spirits and ingredients; Variety across bourbon, tequila, rum, and gin
Standout selections
- — Friend of the Devil: Four Roses Bourbon, blackberry syrup, lime, blackberries ($12)
- — Fire on the Mountain: mango habanero whiskey, orange juice, red wine float ($14)
Pricing: Cocktails priced at $12 and $14; some prices not listed.
Wine
Extensive wine list with by-the-glass, half-bottle, and bottle options, including sparkling, white, red, and natural wines. Global selections from Germany, Lebanon, Italy, and more. Wine Cats club adds educational and experiential value.
Menu strengths
- — Wine club with tiered monthly packages and educational benefits
Standout selections
- — Leitz Sparkling Riesling or Rosé, Rüdesheim, Germany ($8 by the glass)
- — Veuve Clicquot, Champagne, France ($140 bottle)
- — Chateau Musar 2021, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon (from the Vault)
Pricing: By-the-glass $4.5-$9.5; bottles $38-$300; wine club $75-$250.
Beer
Limited beer selection with only a non-alcoholic option. Heineken 0.0 is available at both locations, priced at $5.
Pricing: Heineken 0.0 priced at $5.
Nonalcoholic
A small but thoughtful non-alcoholic program includes two mocktails, an alcohol-free sparkling wine, and a non-alcoholic beer. Prices are reasonable.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of non-alcoholic options including mocktails and wine/beer alternatives
Standout selections
- — Ginger Garcia (apple) mocktail ($6); Althea (strawberry) mocktail ($8)
- — Leitz Sparkling Riesling or Rosé, alcohol-free ($8)
Pricing: Mocktails $6-$8; alcohol-free wine $8.
Spirits
The bar stocks a range of spirits including bourbon, rye, tequila, rum, gin, vodka, and whiskey, as evidenced by the cocktail menu. No dedicated spirits list is available.
Menu strengths
- — Well-stocked bar with diverse spirits used in cocktails
Standout selections
- — Four Roses Bourbon in 'Friend of the Devil'
- — New Riff Rye in 'New Speedway Boogie' (O'Bryonville)
Pricing: No dedicated spirits pricing; evidence from cocktail ingredients.
How it sits with the food
The wine list's range supports pairing with a variety of dishes; the 'Fire on the Mountain' cocktail's red wine float could complement rich meats, while the Leitz Riesling pairs with lighter fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.