You may not have noticed, but it’s been hot lately. Whatever your feelings on the Southern-style summer heat Winston-Salem has been experiencing, you’re probably feeling pretty thirsty.
There are more than a few watering holes in the iQ–from coffee shops to cocktail bars. Some you may know, some you may not, and you may find some new discoveries from already-familiar favorites.
We asked some of the purveyors of beverages in the iQ (both current and future) to share one of their signature drinks–which are among some of the best drinks in Winston-Salem–and tell us what makes them so special. Whether you’re in the mood for coffee, craft beer, or cocktails, there’s a little something for every sipper.
DeBeen Espresso
DeBeen Espresso is located on 5th St., right across from Bailey Power Plant, and offers specialty coffee drinks, as well as selling coffee beans from a variety of local coffee roasters. The street-level coffee shop also carries a supply of vegan baked goods.
Signature Drink: Brown Sugar Latte
What Makes It Tasty: DeBeen Espresso uses real brown sugar to make this latte, which creates a creamy, caramel-like coffee. The DeBeen baristas can tailor the sweetness level of the drink to match your tastes. Either served hot or iced (to combat the summer heat), it’s a pretty sweet deal.
What Makes It Special: The Brown Sugar Latte has been a staple at DeBeen Espresso for more than 25 years. It was first crafted in High Point, where DeBeen has its original location. The drink was developed for the Southern palate as a coffee-alternative to sweet tea in order to win over non-coffee drinkers. You’ll have to try it yourself to see if it converts you, too!
Incendiary Brewing Company
Incendiary is a craft brewery with several locations in North Carolina in addition to their original spot located in the Coal Pit of Bailey Power Plant. They curate an adventurous menu of craft beers, along with tried-and-true classics.
Signature Drink: SHIfT New England IPA
What Makes It Tasty: The SHIfT IPA is a hazy IPA, which refers to its opaque quality that happens as a result of the brewing process. That haziness gives the beer a creamy mouthfeel. The SHIfT IPA is known for its tropical and citrus notes, which sounds just right for summer.
What Makes It Special: The SHIfT IPA is Incendiary’s flagship IPA, served year round. Each month, however, you can try a rotating variation on the versatile beverage, which is signified by a new “color” name each month, like SHIfT: Blue or SHIft: Orange. The SHIfT IPA is based on the OG, an IPA for which Incendiary owners, Brandon Branscome and John Bacon, won their first home-brewing award. You’ll have to try it a few times to discover your new favorite color.
The Dutch Light
The Dutch Light is a newcomer to the iQ family, planning to open in Bailey South in early September. The garden and greenhouse-inspired cocktail lounge is what co-owner Daniel Hamm calls a “farm-to-bar” concept. The menu features ingredients such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, many of which will be supplied by its sister company, a hydroponic farm called The Dutch Greens.
Signature Drink: The Violet Daiquiri
What Makes It Tasty: If you’re looking for something fresh and floral, you’re going to want to try the Violet Daiquiri. It’s a white rum drink, with fresh lime juice, a house-made lavender syrup, elderflower liqueur, crème de violette, and blueberry jam. Give it a shot when they open and you might discover it’s your new jam.
What Makes It Special: The Violet Daiquiri will be featured on The Dutch Light’s Staples Menu, when the craft cocktail lounge opens. The drink itself will bring together some of the elements of the “farm-to-bar” concept, including a fresh viola flower grown at the Dutch Greens farm as a garnish. Mark your calendar to be one of the first to try it!
This trio is only the beginning. There are many more places and drinks to try in the iQ! If you want to learn more about the food scene in the innovation district, check out our Restaurants and Bars page for more information.
