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Have a Conniption

Have a Conniption

by | May 29, 2024 | Eat, June 2024

Durham Distillery’s RDU location is prepping for takeoff.

Promising to quell any pre-flight jitters—and/or get the vacay started from the gate (!)—enter long-awaited Conniption Cocktails and Cuisine at RDU Airport, the latest extension of the Durham Distillery brand.

Offering a Zen refuge to avoid the stressful buzz typical of traveling through the airport, the stylish restaurant and lounge space isn’t your average airport bar. Slated to bow this fall in Terminal 2 by gate D8, the spirited new concept from America’s highest-awarded gin label promises to be a game changer for terminal time that’ll “make you forget you’re in a terminal,” boasts Durham Distillery co-founder, CEO and President Melissa Katrincic. 

“Our goal is to create a haven amid the bustling terminal where both newcomers and aficionados can savor the distinctive flavors of Conniption cocktails,” adds Katrincic. “This new venue is designed to offer a delightful respite where travelers can relax and enjoy the very best we have to offer—even on a tight schedule.”

Drawing inspiration from Conniption bottle designs and DD’s on-site cocktail bar in Durham, the chic soothing outpost will also feature a batch of innovative gin cocktails (natch), high-end draft cocktails, and frozen martinis like the distillery’s signature Subzero Purple Rain feat. its fan-fave shade-shifting purple Kinship gin. The crafty concoctions will be complemented by elevated breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings—because when at the airport, time doesn’t exist. Martini at 9am? No judgment.

While the final food menu is still being fleshed out, Katrincic is toying with such delectable draws as popular Corpse Reviver staple marinated olives, spiced nuts, small plates and salads. Single-serving naan flatbreads are likely fodder as well, and the Conniption queen nods to one topped with roasted broccoli, Gruyere and mozzarella, caramelized Meyer lemon slices, and hot honey—which she says the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority particularly loved. There will even be a kids’ charcuterie plate—think of it like an upgraded Lunchable. 

“Being chosen for this opportunity by the RDU Airport Authority is a great honor, and we’re eager to introduce Conniption to travelers from around the world,” emphasizes Katrincic. “Recognizing the unique demands of airport dining, we’re dedicated to ensuring quick service without compromising the exceptional quality our guests experience at our distillery’s cocktail bar in Durham.” Looks like you just may find yourself hoping for a delay to dine, drink and destress. Happy travels, indeed. durhamdistillery.com

Under the Gin-fluence

Under the Gin-fluence

by | Mar 31, 2022 | April 2022, Eat

In celebration of National Gin & Tonic Day April 9, Publisher Gina Stephens shares her top local G&Ts.

A lot of times a G&T is just a G&T—especially if you’re pouring OGs like Hendrick’s, Sutler’s or local fave Conniption. But the trick to a tantalizing twist is how the gin and tonic blends together. At STIR the housemade tonic makes all the difference—then it’s a choose-your-own adventure by picking the perf pour for your palate. Gina’s go-to is Conniption American—but if you’re looking to drink more like a sailor, go Navy strength. stirraleigh.com

The Longleaf Hotel

Sometimes it’s all about where you’re sippin’. Whether it’s the fresh air or DTR “laid-back” vibes—or both—there’s just something about sippin’ on “gin & juice” on The Longleaf Hotel’s primo patio. NTM the bar’s sundry selects of gin—and occasional live music. thelongleafhotel.com

Aunty Betty’s

Go to Aunty Betty’s for the half-dozen-ish made-in-house tasteful tonics—stay for the vast range of gins from across the globe… and that chill colorful speakeasy vibe. And no matter what potion you pick, it’s sure to be a G&T fave. Fun fact: Bar master Greg Ewan created all the G&T recipes that make up that dreamy drinkable botanical gin tree at Highgarden. auntybettysbar.com; highgardenraleigh.com

Libations 317

Life is better in color. Libations 317’s perfectly balanced violet-hued blend—garnered from the Empress 1908 with which it’s made—is a sip that’ll have you feeling like, well, royal-tea. chefhamm.com

You may know Dram & Draught as one of Raleigh’s best whiskey bars—because it literally is—but beyond the seemingly limitless neat pours is a well-curated craft cocktail list—and one of the top G&Ts in town. dramanddraught.com

Bonus Coverage: Gin lovers lookin’ to swill something beyond these G&T twists should let the evening be-gin at celeb chef Katsuji Tanabe’s just-opened a’Verde with the Sponsor Me—an elegant gin cocktail that Gina deems def worth sponsoring… straight into your sipper. averdecary.com 

Editorial Team Pick

Barcelona Wine Bar Flower GinTonic
Barcelona Wine Bar’s Flower GinTonic | Photo by Marc DePaul

The Spanish set the bar high when it comes to gin tonics—known as one of the most prolific cocktails in the country. Barcelona Wine Bar brings those revered concoctions to Raleigh via its delish GinTonic program. Choose from four different varietals—root, fruit, flower or classic—or just try them all.