Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileSTIR
Raleigh, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
STIR is a cocktail bar known for artisanal ice, house-made syrups and bitters, and barrel-aged cocktails served on draft. The spirits list spans 350 premium and rare bottles, with a private barrel program. Allocated wines like Opus One anchor a smaller but serious wine list. Cocktail specials such as the Elderberry Spritz and Dark Horse Old Fashioned show technical range, while brunch drinks add a lighter side.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Dark Horse Old Fashioned, a barrel-aged cocktail with Four Roses Bourbon, burnt cinnamon maple syrup, and black walnut bitters. For something brighter, order the Elderberry Spritz, which layers St. Germain, limoncello, house tonic, and prosecco. If you prefer spirits neat, a private barrel pour of Maker's Mark or a rare pour like Blanton's Single Barrel is a solid choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts interested in barrel-aging and draft techniques will find much to explore. Spirits collectors will appreciate the rare bourbons, ryes, and tequilas, including Pappy Van Winkle and Clase Azul. Wine lovers seeking allocated Napa Cabernet will also find select options.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktail specials run $13-$14, while brunch drinks range from $5 for a mimosa or Bloody Mary to $18 for a mason jar that serves six. Private barrel pours cost $12-$26, and rare spirits pours go up to $240 for Macallan 25. Allocated wines are priced from $80 to $675 per bottle.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The combination of barrel-aging and draft cocktails is a rarity, alongside a private barrel program that includes Jack Daniel's and Maker's Mark. The house-made tonic syrups appear in both cocktails and nonalcoholic versions. The spirits list's depth, from 1792 Small Batch to Macallan 25, backs the claim of 350 premium and rare bottles.
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
STIR is famous for cocktails, emphasizing artisanal ice, fresh ingredients, and house-made syrups and bitters. Techniques include oak barrel aging and draft service. The menu spans from the Elderberry Spritz to the Dark Horse Old Fashioned, with a brunch lineup of tonics, mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Espresso Martinis.
Menu strengths
- — Barrel-aging and draft cocktails demonstrate technical ambition.; House-made syrups, bitters, and tonic syrups anchor the cocktail program.
- — A broad menu covers both refined specials and accessible brunch drinks.
Standout selections
- — Elderberry Spritz with St. Germain, limoncello, house tonic, and prosecco
- — Dark Horse Old Fashioned with Four Roses Bourbon and smoked salt tincture
Pricing: $13-$14 specials; brunch drinks $5-$18
Wine
STIR's hand-picked wine list focuses on allocated bottles, including Opus One, Amulet Red Blend, Stag's Leap, and Mollydooker Velvet Glove. Prices reflect the rarity, ranging from $80 for J Vineyards Pinot Noir to $675 for 2019 Opus One.
Menu strengths
- — A curated selection of allocated, rare wines.; Vintage depth shown in multiple Opus One years.
Standout selections
- — 2018 Opus One; 2018 Stag's Leap S.L.V.; 2019 J Vineyards Pinot Noir
Pricing: $80-$675 per bottle
Nonalcoholic
STIR's signature tonics, made with Original or Elderberry & Hibiscus syrup, are offered as nonalcoholic drinks. The low price point and house-made syrups provide a simple but flavorful option for those skipping alcohol.
Menu strengths
- — House-made tonic syrups are a distinctive base.; Affordable at $5.00.
Standout selections
- — STIR's Signature Tonics — 5.00 — Choice of well spirit with STIR's Original or Elderberry & Hibiscus Tonic syrup, soda water
Pricing: $5.00
Spirits
STIR's spirits program features 350 premium and rare bottles, including allocated bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle and Whistlepig Rye. A private barrel program offers exclusive selections from Don Julio, Jack Daniel's, Maker's Mark, and Woodford Reserve, with pours priced from $12 to $240 for Macallan 25.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive list of 350 premium and rare spirits.
- — Private barrel program with exclusive selections.; Deep verticals in bourbon, rye, tequila, and Scotch.
Standout selections
- — Don Julio Reposado, Private Cask; Maker's Mark Private Barrel
Pricing: Private barrels $12-$26; rare pours $14-$240
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