The vibrant bar scene of Atlanta is experiencing a refreshing revival, particularly with the return of shared drinks, a nostalgic element that evokes memories of the ‘90s.
Growing up in the city, many locals fondly recall the iconic fishbowls served at Lulu’s Bait Shack, complete with whimsical plastic alligator garnishes.
The spirit of communal drinking is not only a throwback but a form of fun that has stood the test of time, especially as post-pandemic landscapes shift social norms.
Boozy punches and shared cocktails have been enjoyed for centuries, evolving from traditional rum and fruit mixes in India to today’s trendy offerings celebrated on social media platforms like TikTok.
In Atlanta, the options for shared drinks are robust and diverse.
For instance, enthusiasts can savor Caribbean-style rum punch at Wylie and Rum or enjoy a refreshing gin punch complemented by grapefruit and bubbles at Painted Pin.
With a few promising spots leading the charge, it’s clear that the resurgence of shared drinks is reinvigorating Atlanta’s nightlife.
Particularly in the tiki scene, shared drinks have become almost a staple.
Trader Vic’s, located in the basement of the Hyatt Regency, has been a go-to for scorpion bowls since its establishment in 1976.
Similarly, SOS Tiki Bar in Decatur offers a modern take on the tiki theme with their own version of scorpion and punch bowls, delighting patrons since 2015.
One of the most creative interpretations of a shared drink comes from Strangers in Paradise, a bar in the West End that has introduced the “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
This playful concoction serves four and features a blend of rum, lime, orgeat, and orange liqueur, served in a unique oversized cheeseburger-shaped punch bowl.
Michael Lennox, CEO and Founder of Electric Hospitality, expresses the inspiration behind the cocktail.
He describes the brand as an imaginative homage to late ’80s and early ’90s Florida resort bars, with a dash of humor.
Lennox revealed, “Someone was like, what if we got punch bowls made that are oversized cheeseburgers?”
They collaborated with local ceramicists to create a playful and colorful serving vessel that captures the fun spirit of the drink.
Moving beyond traditional bowls, the idea of sharing cocktails can also be found at places like Gene’s in East Lake.
Here, classic cocktails such as Negronis and Old Fashioneds are served in large, amber pizza-style pitchers, pushing the boundaries of drink-sharing experiences.
Miles Macquarrie, the mastermind behind the cocktail menu, emphasizes the surprising elegance of these offerings.
He states, “The beauty with those, everything over there is pretty much ready to go. Everything’s batched, so we store the Old Fashioneds and the Negronis; they’re already dialed in with the right amount of dilution and stored in a freezer.”
However, a pitcher of cocktails does not equate to lower quality.
Macquarrie insists on using only the finest spirits and serving them in crystal glasses, providing a blend of luxury and nostalgia through this refreshing twist.
Adding a different dimension to shared drinking is the porron at Pom Court, located within Hotel Granada in Midtown.
This low ABV drink offers a fun experience, served in a traditional Spanish pourer that allows party-goers to share from a communal vessel.
The mix includes Txakolina wine, Cocchi Americano, chamomile tea, apricot brandy, and ginger liqueur.
Rae Doyle, the Director of Food & Beverage, explains the intention behind this unique offering.
She notes that the aim is to merge fruity flavors with a crisp consistency that pours cleanly, elevating the entire experience while still maintaining a fun, low-pressure environment.
As the Atlanta drinking scene continues to evolve, it seeks to marry tradition with modern flair, proving that shared drinks are more than a trend.
Whether you’re relishing a whimsical cheeseburger punch bowl, enjoying a traditional cocktail pitcher, or participating in an interactive porron experience, the joy of sharing drinks remains a beloved component of socializing in Atlanta.
image source from：https://atlanta.eater.com/2025/5/2/24422506/fishbowl-cocktail-is-back-in-atlanta
