Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileRuby Sunshine
Charlotte, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Ruby Sunshine's beverage program leans heavily on brunch theatrics: a dedicated 'Eye-opening' cocktail section, flights, and zero-proof options. The Bacon Bloody Mary, with bacon-infused Frïs vodka, and the Sparkling For All bottle are anchors. Specific spirits like Pueblo Viejo tequila and Miles gin appear throughout. Wine is mostly sparkling for mimosas, and beer only surfaces as an ingredient.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Bacon Bloody Mary, featuring bacon-infused Frïs vodka and a spicy housemade mix. For a lighter pour, the Ruby Mimosa adds pomegranate to sparkling wine and OJ. The Lavender 75, with Miles gin and sparkling wine, offers a more aromatic turn. Consider the Mimosa Flight or Taste Of Ruby for variety.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Brunch crowds seeking creative, eye-opening cocktails will find plenty to like. Those who want non-alcoholic options are covered with zero-proof drinks like Ruby Colada and Sparkling Sunrise. Groups can share the Sparkling For All bottle. The cocktail flights appeal to those who want to sample multiple drinks.
- When should I go?
- Best enjoyed during brunch hours, when the cocktail menu is the focus. Seasonal specials like Sparkling For All suggest a weekend gathering. The menu's brunch orientation makes it a daytime destination.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program stands out for its brunch-specific cocktail creativity, including the award-winning Bacon Bloody Mary and the Sparkling For All bottle with blueberry compote. The use of specific spirits like Pueblo Viejo tequila and Cane Run rum adds a crafted touch. Zero-proof cocktails are given equal billing, rare for a brunch spot.
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 creative, brunch-focused cocktail menu with signature drinks, flights, and zero-proof options. Uses a range of specific spirits. The Bacon Bloody Mary is a highlight.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated 'Eye-opening' section with inventive drinks like Bacon Bloody Mary and Morning Margarita.
- — Offers cocktail flights (Mimosa Flight, Taste Of Ruby) for variety.
Standout selections
- — Bacon Bloody Mary: spicy housemade mix with Applewood-smoked bacon-infused Frïs vodka.
- — Lavender 75: Miles gin, Monin lavender syrup, fresh lime, sparkling wine.
- — Mardi Gras Punch: Cane Run rum, Peychaud's Aperitivo, pineapple, passion fruit boba, topped with Red Bull Yellow Edition.
Pricing: No pricing information available on retrieved menu pages.
Wine
Wine is essentially limited to sparkling wine used in cocktails and a bottle option. No dedicated wine list or by-the-glass pours beyond sparkling.
Menu strengths
- — Sparkling wine is featured prominently in brunch cocktails.
- — Offers a bottle option for groups: Sparkling For All.
Standout selections
- — Ruby Mimosa: sparkling wine, OJ, pomegranate.
- — Peach Bellini: sparkling wine with peach purée and peach schnapps.
- — Sparkling For All: bottle of sparkling wine with blueberry compote and fresh strawberries.
Pricing: No pricing information available on retrieved menu pages.
Beer
Beer appears only as an ingredient in a food dish and as a mixer in a cocktail. No dedicated beer list or draft options were found.
Pricing: No pricing information available on retrieved menu pages.
Nonalcoholic
Provides dedicated zero-proof cocktails and a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee, tea, juices, lemonade, and soft drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Offers dedicated zero-proof cocktails: Ruby Colada and Sparkling Sunrise.
- — Wide range of non-alcoholic beverages including coffee and juices.
Standout selections
- — Ruby Colada: zero-proof with beet orange juice, cream of coconut, pineapple, lime.
- — Sparkling Sunrise: zero-proof with muddled strawberries, preserves, blood orange juice, San Pellegrino Limonata.
Pricing: No pricing information available on retrieved menu pages.
Spirits
A diverse selection of spirits used in cocktails, including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. Brands are specific but there is no dedicated spirits list or tasting menu.
Menu strengths
- — Specific brands mentioned: Frïs, Tito's, Pueblo Viejo, Miles, Cane Run, Paddy's.
Pricing: No pricing information available on retrieved menu pages.
How it sits with the food
Cocktails are designed to complement brunch fare: the Bacon Bloody Mary pairs with savory dishes like Shrimp and Grits, which themselves incorporate beer and rosemary butter. The Ruby Mimosa's pomegranate brightness suits sweeter breakfast items. The Morning Margarita's citrus and tequila can cut through rich, egg-based dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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