Savannah: Historic Drinks in a Historic City

Savannah, Georgia’s historic city, has long been known for its charming Southern hospitality and rich cultural heritage. But did you know that the city also boasts a vibrant drinking culture that reflects its storied past? From Prohibition-era speakeasies to classic cocktail haunts, Savannah’s watering holes offer a glimpse into the city’s bygone eras. Whether you’re sipping Madeira wine, savoring a mint julep, or indulging in a potent Chatham Artillery Punch, each libation tells a captivating tale of Savannah’s resilient spirit. Discover the city’s historic drinks and uncover the stories that have shaped its dynamic drinking scene.

Key Points

• Savannah’s vibrant cocktail culture is rooted in its history as a bustling port town, including Prohibition-era speakeasies and historic inns.
• Jazzd Tapas Bar offers a taste of Savannah’s history through a Madeira wine and cheese pairing, with knowledgeable staff providing insights.
• Savannah Bee Company showcases the city’s centuries-old mead tradition through a guided tasting of diverse mead varieties.
• The mint julep, a quintessential Southern drink, is served at the historic 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant, highlighting Savannah’s warm climate.
• The famous Chatham Artillery Punch, a potent blend of rum, brandy, and citrus, is served at The Pirates’ House, concluding the historic drinks tour.

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Exploring Savannah’s Drinking History

What makes Savannah’s drinking history so captivating? The city’s past as a bustling port town is woven into its cocktail culture. Prohibition-era speakeasies flourished, and the influential Chatham Artillery Punch has been served since the 1700s.

Savannah’s historic inns and taverns, like The Pirates’ House, have long been hubs for sailors, merchants, and socialites. Today, award-winning bartenders honor this legacy, crafting signature drinks from locally-sourced ingredients.

Whether sipping Madeira wine or savoring a mint julep, visitors can enjoy Savannah’s spirited past and present as a renowned drinking destination.

Madeira Wine and Cheese at Jazzd Tapas Bar

Why not start the Savannah historic drinks tour at Jazzd Tapas Bar? This cozy tapas bar offers a perfect introduction to Savannah’s rich drinking history.

Participants enjoy a glass of Madeira wine, a fortified wine with origins dating back to the 15th century. Paired with a delectable cheese plate, the Madeira tasting lets guests savor the complex flavors that were once favored by Savannah’s elite.

The relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable staff provide an engaging start to the tour, setting the stage for the next stops on the journey through Savannah’s storied drinking culture.

Mead Tasting at Savannah Bee Company

Next, the tour group makes their way to the Savannah Bee Company, where they indulge in a mead tasting. Mead, a fermented honey-based beverage, is a specialty of the local Savannah Bee Company.

Participants enjoy six one-ounce pours of different mead varieties, learning about the unique flavors and history of this ancient drink. The guide shares insights into the mead-making process and how it has been a part of Savannah’s drinking culture for centuries.

Guests savor the sweet, complex notes of the meads while taking in the charming atmosphere of the Savannah Bee Company.

The Refreshing Mint Julep at 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant

Leaving the Savannah Bee Company behind, the tour group heads to the 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant, a historic hotel that serves as the next stop on their journey through Savannah’s drinking heritage.

At this charming inn, the group is served a classic mint julep, a refreshing cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice. They learn about the drink’s origins in the South and its popularity in Savannah.

The mint julep’s cool, herbaceous flavor is a perfect complement to the city’s warm, humid climate, making it a quintessential sip for savoring Savannah’s historic ambiance.

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Chatham Artillery Punch at The Pirates House

After savoring the refreshing mint julep at the 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant, the tour group makes its way to The Pirates House, the final stop on their journey through Savannah’s historic drinking culture.

Here, they’re served the famous Chatham Artillery Punch, a potent concoction dating back to the 18th century. Blending rum, brandy, and citrus, this punch packs a punch.

The group learns about its storied history, including how it was once a favorite of the Chatham Artillery, a local militia unit.

With a toast to Savannah’s rich past, the tour concludes on a high note.

Scenic Stroll Through Savannah’s Historic Squares

As the historic drinks tour draws to a close, the group embarks on a scenic stroll through Savannah’s charming historic squares.

They wander through Wright, Oglethorpe, Columbia, Warren, and Washington Squares, admiring the moss-draped oaks, historic monuments, and architecturally-significant buildings.

The guide shares fascinating insights about the squares’ histories and significance to the city.

Participants enjoy the peaceful ambiance and have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos.

The tour concludes with a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s rich history and the role beverages have played in shaping the city’s culture and identity.

Appreciating Local Breweries, Distilleries, and Bartenders

The historic drinks tour emphasizes Savannah’s thriving local beverage scene, with a focus on award-winning breweries, distilleries, and bartenders.

The tour stops include:

1. Savannah Bee Company, where participants enjoy a flight of six 1-ounce mead tastings, sampling the city’s distinctive take on this ancient honey-based wine.

2. 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant, known for its masterful mint juleps, a classic Southern cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice.

3. The Pirates House, where guests sip the Chatham Artillery Punch, a potent punch recipe dating back to the 18th century.

Insider Tips for the Savannah Historic Drinks Tour

To make the most of the Savannah Historic Drinks tour, visitors should come prepared.

To make the most of the Savannah Historic Drinks tour, visitors should come prepared.

First, wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through several historic squares. Plus, bring a small backpack or purse to carry any purchases, as the tour stops at local businesses like the Savannah Bee Company.

Staying hydrated is also key, so consider bringing a water bottle.

Finally, remember to bring a valid ID, as the tour is exclusively for adults 21 and over.

With these tips in mind, travelers can fully enjoy Savannah’s rich drinking history and sample the city’s finest local libations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

No, this tour is not suitable for children. The tour is specifically for adults aged 21 and over, as it includes tasting alcoholic beverages like Madeira wine, mead, mint juleps, and Chatham Artillery Punch.

Are Additional Food Options Available for Purchase?

The tour does not include additional food options beyond the Madeira wine and cheese plate. However, participants can purchase any other food or drinks they’d like at the tour stops during the scheduled breaks.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Drinks to the Tour?

Participants cannot bring their own drinks on the tour. The tour includes specific alcohol tastings and beverages, and additional drinks outside of the included items are not permitted. Participants must consume only the drinks provided as part of the tour experience.

What Is the Policy on Photography During the Tour?

Participants are welcome to take photos during the tour, but they’re asked to be respectful and not disrupt the experience for others. Photography is allowed, but the tour guide may request participants to refrain from using flash or recording in certain locations.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Groups can work with the tour operator to adjust the itinerary, group size, and other details to meet their specific needs and interests.

The Sum Up

Savannah’s historic drinking establishments offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past. From sipping Madeira at Jazzd Tapas Bar to indulging in Chatham Artillery Punch at The Pirates’ House, each beverage tells a story. Visitors can embark on a journey through Savannah’s rich cocktail culture, savoring local ingredients and appreciating the artistry of the city’s bartenders and distillers. A stroll through the historic squares completes this immersive experience, leaving lasting memories of Savannah’s vibrant drinking heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: