Albuquerque's top cocktail bars feature unique cocktails, some even containing green chile. Whether you like a margarita or something a bit more old fashioned, there's a cocktail bar somewhere in the city where you can relax and enjoy a concoction like nothing else.
Apothecary Lounge
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/apoth-5895dbd75f9b5874ee00ccf2.jpg)
The Apothecary Lounge atop Hotel Parq Central boasts views of the sunset and the Sandias. The 1926 East Downtown (EDo) building was once a hospital, and it retains the theme with a bar that has an apothecary theme. Its retro cocktail menu includes Prohibition-era favorites such as the Pink Lady and Sazerac. They have a serious selection of bitters that make cocktails unique.
Sunday through Thursday, 3 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 3 p.m.-midnight.
Ibiza Rooftop Lounge
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ibiza-deck-water-5895dbe85f9b5874ee00cf14.jpg)
The Ibiza rooftop bar and patio overlooks downtown from the famous Hotel Andaluz. The hotel is one of the original Hilton hotels and Conrad Hilton brought his bride Zsa Zsa Gabor here to honeymoon. Cozy up to drinks such as a cucumber-jalapeño margarita. They offer regular nightly programming or a casual evening on the roof. Dress to impress.
Monday through Thursday, 5-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday 5-7 p.m.
Nob Hill Bar and Grill
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/panoHDR-X3-1024x682-5974e8820d327a001176d819.jpg)
The self-proclaimed "upscale joint" in Nob Hill offers an extensive spirits menu. Some items give a nod to New Mexico, such as their red chile agave margarita, which comes with a red chile salt rim, or their green chile bloody Mary, which comes with vodka infused with local green chile and spices.
Seasons
After visiting Old Town, a cocktail on the rooftop bar at Seasons is a wonderful way to relax. The rooftop views overlook the Sandia mountains and Old Town, and feature live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays.
Lunch: Monday through Friday,11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner: Nightly, 5-9 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4-6:30 p.m. & 9-10 p.m.
Zacatecas
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Zacatecas-exterior-2-5895dbe13df78caebcbfde2c.jpg)
A taco bar in the heart of Nob Hill, Zacatecas has a variety of liquers and over three dozen tequilas and mescals exclusively from Mexico. Build your own margarita or go with a signature cocktail such as the ZACArita, a house made blend of Sauza Blue agave tequila, triple sec and fresh lime, which comes on the rocks or frozen. Their open air dining room has a festive feel, and their specialty tacos, tortas and antojitos pull in food lovers looking for a taqueria experience.
Zinc
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Zinc-5895dbdc5f9b5874ee00ce11.jpg)
The Cellar Bar at Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro in Nob Hill features a Happy Hour seven days a week. Specialty cocktails include the ABQ Trolley, which contains Cruzan spiced rum, Cointreau, a squeeze of lemon and a sugared rim, and a skinny skull margarita with Kah silver tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and a salted rim. Enjoy live music every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night.
Dinner: Sunday, 5-9 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 5-9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 5-11 p.m.
Happy Hour seven days a week, 4-5 p.m.
