Eau Claire's bars, wineries, and lounges are shakin' up sweet drinks like never before! These Midwest drink crafters have created fusions all along the cocktail spectrum, including light, fruity refreshers to earthy, bold flavors to deep, strong sippers. Whatever your tolerance is, Eau Claire's drinking establishments have mixed it all. So raise your glasses, it's time to explore Eau Claire's favorite places to get a cocktail!

Two girls clinking their cocktail glasses together at The Informalist

Photo: The Informalist

The Informalist

This fine dining restaurant in downtown Eau Claire serves up a wide array of cocktails that pair perfectly with their dinner menu! The Informalist offers an extensive list of classic & signature cocktails, red & white wine, draft & domestic beer, and even zero-proof cocktails. After having a lovely dinner at The Informalist, head upstairs for more drinks and views of downtown Eau Claire at Dive.

Most Popular Cocktail: The Seamus (Irish Whiskey, Demerara Syrup, Orange, Bitters, Orange Twist)

Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery

Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery is one of Eau Claire's most popular drinking spots all year round! This cocktail bar switches up their menu each season bringing new flavors and twists to their beloved wine and cocktail drinkers. Get a taste of their finest wines made on site, as well as cocktails crafted with vodkas from their distillery. Stay in touch with our event calendar to find out when Infinity is hosting food trucks, menu-release parties, and more!

Most Popular Cocktail: Razzgria Sangria (Mystique Wine, Lemon, Pomegranate, Blueberry, White Grape, Raspberry)

The Red Mixer

The Red Mixer lounge is home to the best Old Fashioneds in Eau Claire! While you're sipping on cocktails, you can tune into live acoustic music at this relaxing, moody lounge. Indulge in impressive cocktails including a Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini, the Smoked Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, and more. Try these tasty drinks made with fresh ingredients and made from a large liquor selection!

Most Popular Cocktail: Smoked Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned (Local Maple Syrup, Bitters, Buffalo Trace Bourbon)

A pink cocktail sitting on the bar at The Lakely

Photo: The Lakely

The Lakely

When staying at the Oxbow Hotel, you're right on site of one of the best cocktail lounges in Eau Claire. The Lakely has mastered the art of creating seasonal, unique cocktails, and they complement their menu filled with modern Midwest comfort food. The drink menu at The Lakely rotates on a seasonal basis introducing new amazing flavor combinations every few months. Sip on these prized cocktails while attending live entertainment shows at The Lakely including trivia nights, Bingo competitions, open-mic nights, drag events, and more.

Most Popular Cocktail: The Great Grampa (Rye Whiskey, Brown Sugar, Lemon Juice, Bitters, Lemon Peel)

44 North

44 North has given cocktails a whole new meaning in River Prairie with riveting drink flights! The flight menu changes based on seasons, holidays, and trending topics, as 44 North has created frozen drink flights for Valentine's Day, the summer season, and even a flight dedicated to Taylor Swift! If you'd prefer to just stick to one flavor, 44 North offers weekly specials and Happy Hour deals on Moscow Mules, margaritas, Truly Fishbowls, Old Fashioneds, Mimosas, and many more specialty cocktails.

Most Popular Cocktail: Not So Savvy (Tequila, Triple Sec, Lemonade, Orange Slice, Sour Mix, Seltzer)

A group of girls enjoy drinks on the patio at Helix

Photo: Helix

Helix

Another cocktail and wine bar bringing a range of cocktails to River Prairie is the stunning Helix! A drinking spot with big windows and a cozy fireplace inside, as well as a lovely patio and rooftop outside... What more could you ask for?! Here at Helix, find everything from fruity cocktails, martinis, Old Fashioneds, sweet, dry, & bubbly wines, and so much more. 

Most Popular Cocktail: Strawberry Guava Mule (Vodka, Ginger Beer, Housemade Strawberry Puree, Guava Liqueur, Lime, Simple Syrup)

The Good Wives

Here at The Good Wives, the drink menu changes quite often to keep up with their curious customers. Try earthy, smoky combinations with sour cocktails at The Good Wives, or try something light and floral for the spring and summertime. There are a few classic cocktail options that stay on the menu, including a mean Old Fashioned you won't find anywhere else. Stop in to see their drink options for dinner or weekend brunch!

Most Popular Cocktail: Old Fashioned (Top-Secret Recipe!)

Johnny's Italian Steakhouse

By now, you should know that Old Fashioneds are kind of a big thing around here... And Johnny's Italian Steakhouse adds one to the charts! Customers love the Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, and bartenders will make your drink to order based on your preference for sour, sweet, or seltzer style. Here at Johnny's, you'll receive nothing short of the best bartending service that creates unforgettable cocktails!

Most Popular Cocktail: Brown Sugar Old Fashioned (Brandy, Bitters, Sugar, Orange Slice, Cherries, Lemon-Lime Soda)

A girl holding a cocktail in an orange glass at Juanita's Mexican Restaurant

Photo: Juanita's Mexican Restaurant

More cocktail spots shaking up the Eau Claire area

Cowboy Jack's

Cowboy Jack's in River Prairie is home to one of the best outdoor patios in the area, and they offer an extensive cocktail and mocktail list! Stop in for daily happy hour deals on appetizers, drinks, and more tasty food at Cowboy Jack's.

Foster's Fireside

Stopping for pizza at Foster's Fireside on your way to Osseo, WI? You're in good cocktail-making hands! Try some of their cocktail favorites including the Fireside Mule, Blueberry Sunset, Raspberry Limoncello Breeze, Wisco Margarita, Mimosas, Grasshoppers, and even beer flights!

Juanita's Mexican Restaurant

Margaritas here! Juanita's Mexican Restaurant is another cocktail hotspot in River Prairie filled with drinks that taste like you're sipping somewhere tropical. Treat yourself to delicious, authentic Mexican food with refreshing, fruity drinks on the patio at Juanita's, or even try a margarita flight for an array of flavors!

Dive

Located at The Lismore Hotel, Dive is one of the hottest spots to get cocktails in downtown Eau Claire. This rooftop bar is a stunning spot to watch the sunset in the summertime and a cozy spot to sip on drinks in igloos in the winter season. Dive in, and experience a cocktail excursion in Eau Claire!

Reboot Social

Get in some game time and cocktail madness at Reboot Social! This arcade bar serves up groovy cocktail creations that go hand-in-hand with vintage games throughout the venue. And if you're keeping things dry, Reboot Social whips up tasty mocktails with just as much flavor and detail as their cocktails!

River Bend Winery & Distillery

Visit the beautiful River Bend Winery & Distillery, and get a taste of the site's whiskey, gin, and vodka varieties! Try a selection of signature cocktails including martinis, Bloody Marys, sour cocktails, and many more seasonal craft drinks!

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