Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Ghostbar at the Whitney
Detroit, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Ghostbar's cocktail menu is a study in contrasts: classic constructions like the Whitney Mansion Old Fashioned sit beside creative numbers like The Witching Hour. The Fort Pontchartrain layers bourbon, cognac, and bitters for a serious sipper. Tableside Absinthe Drip adds theatre, while Happy Hour pricing makes the program accessible. A deep spirits list, including rare bourbons and ultra-premium cognacs, anchors the bar's identity.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Fort Pontchartrain, a robust blend of 1792 Bourbon, Remy Martin VSOP, and two bitters. For something lighter, the Corpse Reviver balances citrus gin with blood orange liqueur. If you're in a group, the tableside Absinthe Drip is a ritual worth sharing.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the range of classic and creative drinks, while spirits collectors will find rare bourbons and cognacs worth exploring. The historic mansion setting and live piano music appeal to those seeking a refined, atmospheric bar experience. Guests who value a well-priced Happy Hour will find it here.
- When should I go?
- The tableside Absinthe Drip is a theatrical choice for an evening out, and the bar's ambiance suits a late-night drink after dinner.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Signature cocktails run $16–$18, while Happy Hour drops them to $12. Wine by the glass starts at $10, with bottles from $36 to $700. Premium spirits carry higher price tags, including $225/oz for Hennessy Paradis Imperial and $150–$450 for Louis XIII.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The tableside Absinthe Drip, with options from Michigan and France, is a rare offering. The spirits program goes deep, featuring rare and allocated bourbons, Macallan 18, and ultra-premium cognacs. The venue's historic mansion setting, highlighted by live piano and vintage decor, sets a distinctive backdrop.
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 diverse menu of classic and creative cocktails, with a notable tableside Absinthe Drip. Happy Hour pricing offers significant value.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail list including classic and creative offerings
- — Happy Hour pricing provides value; Tableside Absinthe Drip is a unique experience
Standout selections
- — Whitney Mansion Old Fashioned – Elijah Craig small batch bourbon, rosemary orange syrup, orange bitters
- — Fort Pontchartrain – 1792 Bourbon, Remy Martin VSOP, Benedictine, Cocchi di Torino, two bitters
- — The Witching Hour – Valentine White Blossom Vodka, Limoncello, raspberry liqueur, fresh lemon
Pricing: Signature cocktails $16–$18; Happy Hour $12
Wine
Extensive wine list with global and local selections, including Michigan sparkling and Napa Cabernet. Reserve wines include Opus One and Dom Perignon. Offers by-the-glass and bottle options.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive wine list with global and local selections
- — Includes rare and allocated wines in reserve list
Standout selections
- — The Whitney 'Celebration' Sparkling Blanc – Suttons Bay, NV
- — Chateau Grand Traverse 'Late Harvest' Riesling – Old Mission Peninsula, MI
- — Opus One – Napa Valley, 2014
Pricing: Glasses $10–$25; bottles $36–$700
Beer
A modest but solid beer list featuring Michigan craft beers like Atwater Dirty Blonde and Bell's Oberon, plus domestic and imported standards. Heineken 0.0 provides a non-alcoholic option.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local Michigan craft beers; Offers non-alcoholic beer option
Standout selections
- — Atwater Dirty Blonde Ale – MI
- — Bell's Two Hearted IPA – Kalamazoo, MI
Pricing: Beers $6–$8
Nonalcoholic
Two creative mocktails, including a sparkling grape juice and ginger-lemon number and a coconut mojito. Non-alcoholic bubbly is available for Mansion Tea, and Heineken 0.0 is on the beer list.
Menu strengths
- — Offers creative non-alcoholic mocktails; Provides non-alcoholic options for tea and brunch
Standout selections
- — Left on Woodward – sparkling grape juice, ginger-lemon syrup, fresh mint
- — Coconut Mojito Mocktail – cream of coconut, lime, ginger beer, mint
Pricing: Mocktails $13–$14
Spirits
An extensive spirits list covering whiskey, scotch, bourbon, tequila, rum, and cognac. Rare and allocated bourbons are available on request, and ultra-premium cognacs like Louis XIII elevate the program.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive and diverse spirits selection; Includes rare and allocated bourbons
Standout selections
- — Macallan 18 yr – Scotch; Blanton's Single Barrel – Bourbon
- — Louis XIII by Remy Martin – Cognac
Pricing: Whiskey $11–$60; bourbon $14–$19; ultra-premium cognacs $150–$450
How it sits with the food
The dinner menu suggests wine pairings for several dishes, indicating a thoughtful approach to food and beverage harmony. The Ghostbar's cocktails, such as the Corpse Reviver's citrus profile, could complement lighter fare, while the Fort Pontchartrain's spirit-forward character suits richer dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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