The Best Cocktail? Charleston's "The Gin Joint"

I may have just had the best cocktail of my life this past weekend in Charleston. I typically go for wine or beer before cocktails, but we came across this fairly new place called The Gin Joint and they almost exclusively do cocktails. Seemed to make sense. Plus, I like gin.

Started off with a snack of fingerling potato skins with aged cheddar, bacon, and sour cream. I am a sucker for potato skins. I've always like them. Nice to see someone do this in a more gourmet fashion with fingerling potatoes (including purple ones!), which I really enjoy, and really excellent bacon.

Now, on to the important stuff....

My first drink was pretty safe. It was called "Aeromexico" and was featured on their seasonal "Fall Harvest" menu. It included pecan wood smoked honey, Cuervo Tradicional tequila, maraschino, and lemon. Pretty solid. More or less an alternate margarita, but good. More of a summertime drink, in my opinion, than a fall drink, though.

Brandy, on the other hand, went out of her comfort zone. She ordered "The Original New Orleans Fizz." Wow...what a cocktail. Made of Plymouth Gin, lemon, lime, Fleur d'Orange, egg white, and cream, this thing was unlike anything we'd ever had. More of an aromatic and texture experience than just focus on flavor. Excellent!

On to the next round...

I ordered "The Old Metropole" from the "Fancy Cocktails" list. OH MY GOD. This was THE BEST cocktail I've ever had - right up my alley. It was super simple - Cles des Ducs Armagnac, orange bitters, and Carpano. It was smoky, vanillay, super smooth, dark, and awesome! AMAZING.

Brandy went for another fizz. This time, the "Blackberry Imperial Fizz," featuring Goslings Rum, blackberry, lemon, and sparkling wine. This was sweeter and richer than the other fizz. It also had a big chuck of old-school ice block in the middle. Very good, too.

All drinks are $10, so it's not the cheapest place in the world, but two cocktails from The Gin Joint will do you right.