7 to-go cocktails to cure your homesickness for your favorite bar

We’re all homesick for our favorite bars. We miss sliding into that familiar booth, catching up with our usual bartender, saying hi to other regulars — but most of all, we miss that first sip of a special cocktail we’ve been looking forward to all week. Fortunately, recent legislation has ensured to-go cocktails will remain on the menu through the end of 2020, meaning many bars are now offering their specialty cocktails for pickup or delivery. Here are a few great options for the next time bar o’clock strikes.

Bali 3 pm // The Bao
The Bao’s Bali 3 pm features Missouri’s own Nobletons Duckett Golden Rhum blended with gin, tamarind, pineapple and lime juices, and spices. The Bao gets bonus points for its artful packaging; garnishes (in this case, a mint bouquet) come vacuum-sealed above the pre-mixed drinks, keeping them fresh until cocktail hour.
2 servings: $23. 14 N. Central Ave., Clayton, 314.899.9089, thebaostl.com

Sangria // Onesto Pizza & Trattoria
While Onesto’s sangria is a staple of summertime patio dining in St. Louis, it’s available year-round in a rotating selection of seasonal flavors like raspberry-blood orange or watermelon-mint. Grab a pitcher to go to recreate the joys of dining out alfresco in your own backyard.
40 ounces: $27. 5401 Finkman St., St. Louis, 314.802.8883, onestopizza.com

Chocolate Martinis // Baileys’ Chocolate Bar
If you find yourself craving a drink that combines those two pantry staples, chocolate and liquor, Baileys’ Chocolate Bar’s classic chocolate martinis are here to help. Try a Very Dark, a dark chocolate-raspberry, or keep it light with a milk chocolate martini.
3 servings: $17. 1915 Park Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.8100, baileyschocolatebar.com, orderbaileys.com

Subcontinental // The Royale
The Subcontinental – affectionately known as “that green drink” – is a true South City classic. The cocktail features a gorgeous green hue derived from the cucumber juice that’s blended with gin, Cointreau and lime, making this drink refreshing for both the eyes and the palate.
2 servings: $20. 3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.772.3600, theroyale.com 

Tennis With Hemingway // Juniper
For its online cocktail offerings, Juniper has brought back some retired favorites including this riff on a Hemingway Daiquiri, which adds St. Germain and orgeat to the classic rum-based recipe. Racket skills and tennis whites not required.
1 serving: $10. 4101 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314.329.7696, junipereats.com

Tomato of My Eye // Natasha’s Gin Room
This savory cocktail tastes like a bloody mary and a martini got together and made a delicious, vegetal baby. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for the tomato-y classic but want to skip the heavy juice.
2 servings: $28. 3200 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.771.3411, natashasginroom.com

Kentucky Buck // Planter’s House
The Kentucky Buck shows off the lighter side of bourbon. The spirit’s innate sweetness is paired with fresh strawberry and balanced by lemon, ginger and Angostura bitters. You can order just one, or get a whole liter bottle of Planter’s top-tier cocktails.
1 serving: $10.50. 1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314.696.2603, plantershousestl.com