Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Venetian Soda Lounge
Burlington, VT · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Venetian Soda Lounge in the South End Art District pairs a focused cocktail list with a zero-proof program that gets equal attention. Eight full-proof drinks, priced $15–$18, lean on named spirits like WP PiggyBack Bourbon, Sazerac Rye, and Barr Hill Gin. The zero-proof side runs six mocktails at $9–$12, using Clean Co. And Amaro Lucano N/A, plus seven house-made craft sodas at $5. An interactive Cocktail Generator turns four questions into a drink printed on a vintage recipe card. Members get an off-menu list of rare pours and special cocktails.
- What should I order?
- Start with Brando's Old Fashioned—WP PiggyBack Bourbon, maple cream syrup, Luxardo liqueur, Angostura and orange bitters, smoked. For a zero-proof option, the Yes-groni mixes Amaro Lucano N/A, Clean Co. Gin N/A, white grape juice, and orange. The interactive Cocktail Generator can also steer you to a drink by base spirit.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want a compact, named-spirit cocktail list and non-drinkers who expect a real zero-proof program rather than an afterthought. The members' off-menu list and classic-cocktail workshops suit regulars who want more than the standard menu.
- When should I go?
- Most open nights feature live jazz, blues, or folk. The Cocktail Generator and the members' off-menu list are available whenever the lounge is pouring.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Full-proof cocktails are $15–$18. Zero-proof mocktails run $9–$12, and house-made craft sodas are $5 each.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A speakeasy cocktail and soda lounge where the zero-proof list gets its own section with non-alcoholic spirit brands, and the Cocktail Generator turns four questions into a drink printed on a vintage recipe card. Members get an off-menu list of rare pours and special cocktails.
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
Eight full-proof cocktails with named spirits and specific brands, priced $15–$18. The list spans bourbon, rye, gin, tequila, rum, vodka, and cognac, with an interactive Cocktail Generator that recommends a drink by base spirit. A members' menu adds an off-menu list of rare pours and special cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Eight full-proof cocktails with named spirits and prices ($15–$18).
- — Named-spirit cocktails with specific brands (bourbon, rye, gin, tequila, rum, vodka, cognac).
- — Interactive Cocktail Generator personalizes drink selection by base spirit.
Standout selections
- — Brando's Old Fashioned — WP PiggyBack Bourbon, maple cream syrup, Luxardo liqueur, Angostura & orange bitters, smoked. $18.
- — Second Line Sazerac — Sazerac Rye, Ferrand Cognac, simple syrup, Peychaud's bitters, absinthe rinse. $18.
- — Garden District Gimlet — Barr Hill Gin, elderflower, lime, raspberry-lime syrup, cucumber. $16.
Pricing: $15–$18
Nonalcoholic
A zero-proof cocktail section lists six mocktails at $9–$12, using non-alcoholic spirits like Clean Co. Gin N/A, Amaro Lucano N/A, and Clean Co. Whiskey N/A. Seven house-made craft sodas are $5 each. The FAQ describes a full zero-proof program poured alongside the sodas, with non-drinkers described as first-class.
Menu strengths
- — Zero Proof mocktail section lists six mocktails priced $9–$12, including non-alcoholic spirits.
- — Venetian craft sodas offered in seven flavors at $5 each, described as house-made and all-natural.
- — FAQ states a full zero-proof cocktail program is poured alongside house-made craft sodas, with non-drinkers described as first-class.
Standout selections
- — Yes-groni — Amaro Lucano N/A, Clean Co. Gin N/A, white grape juice, orange slice & big rock. $12.
- — The Clean Getaway — Clean Co. Gin N/A, lemon juice, simple syrup, served in a chilled coupe. $12.
- — Green Light Mule — Lemon juice, mint, Venetian Ginger Ale, bitters. $9.
Pricing: $5–$12
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