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Courtesy Letterpress

Spirit Quest

Seattle’s superb artisan distilleries not only offer the chance to taste well-crafted spirits, many of them also have bars and restaurants serving up creative cocktails.

A close-up of a glass filled with a dark cocktail garnished with a cherry on a toothpick. A person with painted nails holds the glass. A bottle of Westland American Single Malt Whiskey is placed next to the glass on a wooden table. Courtesy Westland Distillery

Westland Distillery

2931 First Ave S; westlanddistillery.com

Try: A Stateside Manhattan, with Westland’s Flagship single-malt whiskey, Brovo vermouth, Scrappy’s aromatic bitters, and an Orasella cherry.

The space: The official distillery of the Seattle Kraken, SoDo’s Westland has an airy tasting room and bar serving Salt Blade whiskey-infused salami, Lummi Island smoked wild salmon, and other local nibbles. For an in-depth look at the process, take a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour.

A refreshing green cocktail served in a wine glass, garnished with a vibrant orange and yellow flower and delicate greenery. A red and white striped straw completes the presentation. The drink is set on a dark table. Courtesy Oola

Oola

1412 E Union St; oolacapitolhill.com

Try: A Pomp and Whimsy, with OOLA gin, cucumber, lemon, and mint.

The space: With a tasting room, bottle shop, and restaurant in a sleek new contemporary space in Capitol Hill, OOLA offers up an extensive menu of creative Pacific Northwest fare paired with cocktails made from bourbon, vodka, and barrel-aged gin infused with botanicals, many grown locally. On warm days, dine on the patio shaded by Japanese maples.

A person in a dark shirt is pouring liquor from a bottle into a glass labeled "Copperworks." The glass is on a wooden surface, and the background is softly blurred. Courtesy Copperworks

Copperworks

1250 Alaskan Way; copperworksdistilling.com

Try: A Plum 75, with Copperworks plum gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine.

The space: Although there’s no bar at this downtown waterfront spirits maker located across from The Seattle Great Wheel, guests can sample flights of different cask-aged and small-batch spirits. Take in views of the huge copper stills while you sip; hour-long guided tours are also offered.

A glass of iced tea with an orange twist sits on a table. The background features blurred, circular yellow lights against a red wall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Courtesy Letterpress

Letterpress

85 S Atlantic St; letterpressdistilling.com

Try: An Il Tipo Vecchio (old-fashioned) with rye whiskey, Letterpress arancello rosso, Peychaud’s bitters, and a large orange peel.

The space: An easy walk from T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field, Letterpress serves flights of house-made amaro, limoncello, and other aromatic liqueurs along with an extensive menu of delicious cocktails in a casual tasting room with a cheerfully landscaped heated patio.

A frothy, light green cocktail in a stemmed glass sits on a wooden table, garnished with a small green herb. Lush green leaves surround the glass, while a decorative black and white patterned vase is partially visible in the background. Courtesy Mischief Distillery

Fremont Mischief Distillery

132 N Canal St; fremontmischief.com

Try: Fremont Mischief changes its cocktail menu seasonally, but this Matcha Gin Sour with Mischief gin, dry curacao, lemon, matcha powder, simple syrup, and egg whites showcases their creative approach.

The space: Known for complex bourbon, gin, vodka, and apple brandy, this popular distillery beside Fremont Canal Park has a large, leafy rooftop cocktail garden and occasional live music. Restaurant Mischief serves innovative gastropub fare.

This article was originally written for Visit Seattle's Official Visitors' Guide

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