The 18th Amendment never sat well with Savannah, which became the “Bootleg Spigot of the South,” according to the American Prohibition Museum in the city’s historic district. That spirit carries on today, as evidenced by the New Orleans-style “go-cups” allowed downtown and the thriving cocktail culture all over Savannah. My traveling companion and I didn’t partake of any takeout beverages, but we did indulge in well-mixed drinks at a variety of fashionable establishments across the city (all in the name of research, of course).

La Aparicion

“You’re from where? This place is supposed to be a secret!” Our surprised fellow patron seemed to be only half-joking; La Aparicion is indeed difficult to find, unlike most bars styling themselves as speakeasies. To access it, head into salsa-themed Mint to Be Mojito. At the bar, ask for the code to the bathroom. Go to the “private restroom” in the back, punch in the code, and hold the green button while sliding the door open. Once inside, guests can sit at tables, at sofas in a lounge space or along the bar. I sipped a delicious Viaje Astral of bourbon, Aperol, passion fruit, orange juice, absinthe and bitters, while my companion tried a new cocktail the bartender was testing that incorporated turmeric and ginger. We met a charming man from Montréal who winters in Savannah as well as a personable veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and even the bar’s owner. The space was dark, but the crowd was convivial. We felt like Savannah insiders for a night. Closed Monday-Wednesday.

La Aparicion
12 West State Street. Tel. (912) 298-6468