Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge
Durham, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge runs a broad beverage program: ten signature cocktails with full ingredient lists and bartender attributions, a wine list spanning sparkling through red, five drafts plus ten packaged beers, and six alcohol-free cocktails. Signature drinks are priced $14–$16. The 'Tomorrow-Friendly' section uses Lyre's and Ritual, and several signature cocktails can be made without alcohol.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Infinite Aura, an Appleton Estate and coconut-rum drink with house-made ube coconut cream; or the Elevator Eyes, Teeling whiskey with Fino Sherry and berry-thyme syrup. For a no-alcohol order, the Hot Tropic uses Ritual Tequila Alternative with guava, lime, and jalapeño. Wines by the glass run $11–$15.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Groups ordering rounds of signature cocktails, wine drinkers who want by-the-glass options across styles, and anyone seeking a full alcohol-free cocktail list rather than a token mocktail.
- When should I go?
- The venue serves its signature cocktails seven days a week and has been recognized locally for Best Late Night and Best Date Night.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Signature cocktails are $14–$16. Wine by the glass is $11–$15, bottles $42–$70, and a half bottle of Le Mesnil Champagne is $85. Draft beers are $7–$8 and packaged beers $3–$8.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Individual bartenders are credited on the menu for specific signature drinks. The alcohol-free section is a full six-drink list using Lyre's and Ritual, and several standard cocktails can be ordered made without alcohol.
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
Ten signature cocktails with full ingredient detail and bartender attributions, priced $14–$16. Local recognition includes Best Cocktails and Best Mixologist. The list covers gin, rum, whiskey, cachaça, and vodka bases with house-made syrups and infusions.
Menu strengths
- — Ten named signature cocktails with full ingredient descriptions and individual bartender credits.
- — House-made components such as cucumber syrup, habanero syrup, ube coconut cream, and purple corn orgeat.
- — Local recognition for Best Cocktails and Best Mixologist.
Standout selections
- — Infinite Aura: Appleton Estate Jamaican rum, Rum Haven coconut rum, house-made ube coconut cream, lime and pineapple juices; by Cerrissa.
- — Elevator Eyes: Teeling Whiskey, Fino Sherry, Giffard Grapefruit liqueur, house-made berry and thyme syrup, lemon; by Zig.
- — The Garter Belt: Hendrick's gin, St. Germain, lime, house-made cucumber syrup, Bittermens Burlesque Bitters, grapefruit, soda, mint.
Pricing: $14–$16
Wine
Ten wines by glass and bottle spanning sparkling, white, rosé, and red, with Prosecco on draft. The list includes a Crémant d'Alsace Extra Brut and a half bottle of Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru.
Menu strengths
- — Ten wines across sparkling, white, rosé, and red, available by glass and bottle.
- — Prosecco on draft.; Le Mesnil Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru available by half bottle.
Standout selections
- — Le Mesnil Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, half bottle, $85.
- — Vincent Stoeffler Crémant d'Alsace Extra Brut, $70.; Kir Yianni Akakies Sparkling Rosé, $15 by glass or $58 by bottle.
Pricing: $11–$15 by glass; $42–$70 bottles; $85 half bottle
Beer
Five draft beers plus Prosecco on draft, and ten bottles and cans including ciders and hard seltzers. Draft selections include pilsner, lager, IPA, sour ale, and cider from local and regional breweries.
Menu strengths
- — Five draft beers spanning pilsner, lager, IPA, sour ale, and cider.
- — Ten packaged beers, ciders, and hard seltzers.; Draft and packaged options from local and regional breweries.
Standout selections
- — Burial Beer Co. Surf Wax American IPA on draft, 6.8% ABV, $8.
- — Bull City Ciderworks Bludacris Blueberry Lemon Cider on draft, 6% ABV, $7.
- — Creature Comforts Brewing Tropicalia IPA, bottle or can, 6.6% ABV, $7.
Pricing: $7–$8 draft; $3–$8 bottles and cans
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated 'Tomorrow-Friendly' section lists six alcohol-free cocktails using Lyre's non-alcoholic spirits and Ritual Tequila Alternative. Several signature cocktails can be ordered made NA. The venue has local recognition for Best Mocktails and Best NA Drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Six named alcohol-free cocktails with full ingredient descriptions.
- — Six Lyre's non-alcoholic spirits plus Ritual Tequila Alternative available.
- — Several signature cocktails can be made NA with listed non-alcoholic spirits.
Standout selections
- — Hot Tropic: Ritual Tequila Alternative, guava nectar, lime, fresh jalapeño, cinnamon sugar smoked chili salt rim; by Cerrissa, $12.
- — Zero Proof 'Aperol' Spritz: Lyre's Italian Spritz, NA sparkling wine, club soda, orange wheel, $12.
- — Girl Dinner: prickly pear and passionfruit purees, coconut cream, lime, vanilla syrup, soda; by Gabe, $10.
Pricing: $9–$12
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