Bar
Unclaimed profileVolare Rooftop Bar
Albuquerque, NM · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Volare Rooftop Bar brings a serious cocktail program to the skyline. Ten signature drinks lean on fresh fruit, agave spirits, and unexpected twists like a tequila old fashioned. A separate six-drink spirit-free menu shows equal ambition. Local drafts, a rotating wine list, and a deep spirits rail round out the view.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Prickly Pear Margarita, a guest favorite built on Casamigos blanco, triple sec, lime, and prickly pear puree. The Gold Fashioned swaps whiskey for Don Julio reposado with agave and orange bitters. For a nonalcoholic option, the Blueberry No-jito layers ginger ale, lime, maple, blueberry, and mint.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers who appreciate creative takes will find plenty to explore, and the dedicated spirit-free menu makes it easy for designated drivers or abstainers to join in. The local draft lineup and approachable wine pours also suit groups with varied tastes.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Signature cocktails run $14 to $18. Wine glasses are $10 to $15 and bottles $30 to $45. All drafts are $9. Spirit-free drinks cost $12 to $13.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A ten-cocktail signature list that includes a tequila-based Gold Fashioned and a gin-sparkling rosé mix, plus a six-drink spirit-free section with options like a cold brew and grapefruit number, gives Volare uncommon range for a rooftop bar. The all-local drafts and rotating wine selection tie the view to New Mexico.
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 showcase fresh fruit, agave spirits, and creative combinations. The list includes a tequila old fashioned and a gin sparkler. Guests specifically praise the peach mule and prickly pear margarita.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated signature menu with ten named cocktails using fresh ingredients like muddled orange and prickly pear puree
- — Creativity extends to a tequila-based Gold Fashioned and a gin cocktail finished with sparkling rosé
- — Guest feedback highlights the peach mule and prickly pear margarita as delicious and well-made
Standout selections
- — Prickly Pear Margarita — Casamigos blanco, triple sec, lime, prickly pear puree
- — Gold Fashioned — Don Julio reposado, agave syrup, orange bitters
- — That Mule is a Real Peach — Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemon, peach syrup, ginger beer
Pricing: $14-$18
Spirits
A deep rail covers the essentials, with five vodkas and four gins including Tito's, Grey Goose, Empress, and Bombay Sapphire. This provides solid mixing stock for the cocktail program even if the list lacks rarity.
Menu strengths
- — Well-chosen vodka and gin brands cover both standard and premium calls
- — Inclusion of Empress gin opens the door to color-changing cocktails
Standout selections
- — Svedka — Vodka; Belvedere — Vodka; Grey Goose — Vodka
Wine
The Vino section spans sparkling, rosé, red, and white, with a rotating local selection and approachable pours from Gruet, Ruffino, and Josh. Bottle prices stay modest, encouraging exploration.
Menu strengths
- — Four wine styles offered by glass and bottle, with prices from $10 to $15 per glass
Standout selections
- — Gruet Brut — New Mexico sparkling, $11 glass / $33 bottle
- — Famille Perrin 'Nature' Rosé — $14 glass / $42 bottle
Pricing: $10-$15 glass, $30-$45 bottle
Beer
Nine drafts including local brews from Ex Novo, Steel Bender, Bosque, and Santa Fe, all at a flat $9. The list favors IPAs and lagers, with a blue corn lager and a hazy witbier adding local character.
Menu strengths
- — Strong local representation: Ex Novo, Steel Bender, Bosque, and Santa Fe tap lines
Standout selections
- — COMPA — Steel Bender Brewyard blue corn lager
- — MASS ASCENSION — Ex Novo West Coast IPA
Pricing: $9 all drafts
Nonalcoholic
Six spirit-free cocktails go beyond standard sodas: a blueberry no-jito, a cold brew grapefruit number, and a coconut water refresher. Priced at $12 to $13, they treat abstainers as equals.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated spirit-free section with six creative drinks; Ingredients like maple syrup, blood orange syrup, and apple cider vinegar show intent
- — Priced just below the cocktail range, signaling serious effort
Standout selections
- — Blueberry No-jito — ginger ale, lime, maple, blueberry, mint
- — Bitter Memories — cold brew, grapefruit juice, apéritif syrup
- — Bright Beginnings — coconut water, orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, mint
Pricing: $12-$13
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