Where people find the best cocktails in Champaign-Urbana
From margaritas to old fashioneds, we have a list of the best cocktails you can find in town
Champaign is a great place to imbibe. And not just because of its name, ha. We’ve made lists before about our favorite places to drink wine, and introduced you to our favorite local craft breweries such as Riggs. We also have a lengthy article of where to get our favorite Margaritas.
So of course we felt it was time to make sure we dip into the great cocktail scene here. This list is in no way a complete list of all the amazing cocktails that are offered broadly across the Champaign-Urbana metro – that’s pretty much impossible. Instead, we are bringing you a list of our favorite places for cocktails. Some are more obvious than others.
There is one thing most people agree on: Downtown Champaign is the mecca for cocktail lovers in the region. There’s no question about it — that’s the epicenter of cocktail culture in our community — and there’s many places to go there.
Also: cocktail menus change, quite often –especially at places that have seasonal menus. So it’s very possible we will add something here that doesn’t exist in a few months.
We’ll try to keep it up to date — that’s where you come in! We want to know your favorites. Email us at editor@chambanamoms.com – and if you really love us, you’ll include a photo to boot.
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Punch: There’s no question that Punch takes cocktail culture to another level. Punch takes its seasonal cocktail list pretty seriously, although I’ve heard that favorites return from time to time. Punch has wonderful photos on its electronic menu with an ingredients list (and yes here’s the link – it’s fun to peruse.)
If you don’t like change, you can stick to the classics menu, where we’re partial to the Paloma – seriously the best in town, in our humble opinions. Located adjacent to the Hyatt Place hotel downtown, if you stay there, you can get cocktail delivery to your room. That’s a serious perk. Staycation, anyone?
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House: Oscar’s Old Fashioned. We have been informed that Black Dog in Urbana has “the best old fashioned in town.” If Old Fashioneds are your drink of choice, then check out Black Dog. (And may the Urbana location reopen in 2025 … please?)
Sun Singer Wine and Spirits: Sangria. Is there any other option here? We’ve had some great cocktails at Sun Singer, but the sangria is truly a signature.
Watson’s Shack and Rail: Watson’s was the first venue to bring Champaign-Urbana true adult slushies when it came onto the scene almost a decade ago. The flavors continue to rotate, so don’t get too attached. One staple that persists is Protect Ya Nectar – rum, guava, mango, strawberry, banana & lime. Find Watson’s in downtown Champaign.
Ladro Enoteca: We love the cozy yet sophisticated vibe at Ladro, the eclectic bottle shop and wine bar that features small plates and snacks in downtown Champaign. It has no website – you can find it on Instagram. The menu changes often; the drink below was the December G + T (gin and tonic for the rest of us) — 6 O’clock Damson Gin & Three Cents Lemon Tonic. (Gin and tonic flavors change monthly at Ladro.)
Seven Saints: A member of our team is a Moscow Mule conniseeur. She’s also really consistent about taking photos of them. From our photo library, we can tell that Seven Saints is the destination for her mules of choice. They change seasonally, and we have photos of a blackberry version; a cranberry seasonal flavor (below); and strawberry rhubarb in summer. Lesson: go get a mule at Seven Saints.
Pour Bros, downtown Champaign: Most people associate Pour Bros with beer, and rightly so; it calls itself Illinois’ first pour-your-own craft beer taproom. But the Pour Bros. cocktail menu is a secret weapon, and makes the place a destination for groups who have divergent palates. Some of them even include, well, beer.
Big Grove, downtown Champaign: No list about local watering holes would be complete without Big Grove, the “original” destination for craft cocktails downtown. We adored its winter holiday special – boozy hot cocoa. As one reader told us; “I’ve never had a Big Grove signature cocktail I didn’t like.” Same, friend. Don’t sleep on the brunch cocktails either – we’re partial to the original Bloody Mary.
Hamilton Walker’s, downtown Champaign: Our readers emphatically showed love for Hamilton Walker’s mixologists. They happen to be at one of the prettiest places to drink in town. Mentioned: 20th Century, Matador, and the espresso martini.
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Casa Del Mar: Just talking about Casa Del Mar’s blueberry margarita makes us long for lazy summer nights on the patio by the pond. A lovely setting for a delicious beverage.
No list of cocktails would be complete about a mocktail list, too. Mocktails — aka a cocktail without the alcohol — are all the rage in 2025. To celebrate dry January, Experience Champaign-Urbana even created a Mocktail Trail.