Charlotte, NC, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Merchant & Trade has introduced a new cocktail menu showcasing the culture of Charlotte and North Carolina. Inspired by the state motto “Esse Quam Videri,” the menu features original creations from five bartenders, combining local ingredients and unique themes. Signature cocktails include ‘The Greenway,’ ‘Muscadine Bloodlines,’ and ‘Raise Hell, Praise Dale,’ highlighting the city’s history, food culture, and natural resources. This innovative menu offers guests a chance to indulge in flavors deeply rooted in Charlotte’s heritage.
Charlotte Welcomes New Cocktail Menu Celebrating Local Culture
Merchant & Trade has unveiled a new cocktail menu that pays homage to the culture of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina. This innovative menu draws inspiration from the North Carolina state motto, “Esse Quam Videri,” which translates to “to be rather than to seem.” Each cocktail is designed to reflect the authenticity of the city, capturing its flavors, stories, and history.
The cocktail menu is the result of a collaborative effort by five members of the Merchant & Trade bar team: Cecelia Crook (Lead Bartender), Dylan Lapinski (Lead Bartender/Bar Supervisor), Crystal Ridgeway, Khalil Orr, and Justice King. Each bartender contributed their original creations, drawing from their personal connections to Charlotte and the Carolinas, and incorporating local ingredients such as native botanicals and produce grown in North Carolina.
The new menu encompasses various themes, including the city’s streetcar routes, sports history, and the vibrant local food culture. Notable cocktails included on the menu are:
- The Greenway ($18): A refreshing blend of fresh tomatillos, parsley, mint, La Gritona Reposado Tequila, and 400 Conejos Mezcal, inspired by Charlotte’s greenway system.
- Muscadine Bloodlines ($16): A sangria-style cocktail crafted from North Carolina muscadine wine and Citadelle Gin, among other ingredients.
- Kudzu Fields Forever ($19): A playful twist on a lemon drop cocktail, featuring Japanese vodka, strawberry, and yuzu, reflecting North Carolina’s strawberry fields.
- Sugaw Creek Cookout ($17): This drink mimics a watermelon milkshake and honors the local fast-food chain Cook Out along with the Sugaree Tribe.
- Nada Thang at Eastland ($17): A nod to the defunct Eastland Mall, this cocktail celebrates the food truck scene that thrives in the area.
- Copperhead ($20): A spirit-forward cocktail named after the native Copperhead snake, featuring Wild Turkey 101 and various other spirits.
- Raise Hell, Praise Dale ($19): A tribute to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, made with Cheerwine and Hennessy.
- Bobcat Territory ($10): A non-alcoholic beverage that includes lion’s mane honey, paying homage to the North Carolina bobcat.
- The Gold Line ($10): A zero-proof cocktail referencing Charlotte’s Gold Line streetcar, combining ginger kombucha and turmeric.
The new cocktail menu is now available to guests, providing an exciting opportunity to indulge in flavors that are deeply rooted in Charlotte’s culture and history. Each drink encourages patrons to experience the city through its unique offerings, blending local ingredients and rich heritage into every sip.
Background
Charlotte has a rich cultural tapestry influenced by its history, geography, and community. Merchant & Trade, known for its upscale atmosphere and innovative drink selections, aims to foster a connection between locals and visitors through this creative cocktail menu. By highlighting local ingredients and stories, the bar encourages a sense of authenticity and pride in the region’s culinary and cultural history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the new cocktail menu at Merchant & Trade?
The menu was inspired by the North Carolina state motto “Esse Quam Videri,” aiming to reflect authenticity in the cocktails and their connections to Charlotte and the Carolinas.
Who created the cocktails on the new menu?
The cocktails were created collaboratively by five bartenders at Merchant & Trade, each bringing their unique experiences and inspirations to the menu.
What are some unique cocktails on the menu?
Some unique cocktails include The Greenway, Muscadine Bloodlines, and Raise Hell, Praise Dale, each showcasing local ingredients and themes relevant to Charlotte.
Is the new cocktail menu currently available?
Yes, the new cocktail menu is now available for guests to enjoy at Merchant & Trade.
Key Features of the New Cocktail Menu
| Cocktail Name | Price | Main Ingredients | Inspiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Greenway | $18 | Tomatillos, parsley, mint, tequila, mezcal | Charlotte’s greenway system |
| Muscadine Bloodlines | $16 | Muscadine wine, gin | North Carolina wine |
| Kudzu Fields Forever | $19 | Japanese vodka, strawberry, yuzu | Strawberry fields in NC |
| Sugaw Creek Cookout | $17 | Watermelon, milkshake mix | Cook Out fast-food chain |
| Nada Thang at Eastland | $17 | Various | Defunct Eastland Mall |
| Copperhead | $20 | Wild Turkey 101, other spirits | Native Copperhead snake |
| Raise Hell, Praise Dale | $19 | Cheerwine, Hennessy | Tribute to Dale Earnhardt |
| Bobcat Territory | $10 | Lion’s mane honey | North Carolina bobcat |
| The Gold Line | $10 | Ginger kombucha, turmeric | Gold Line streetcar |
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Additional Resources
- WCCB Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Cocktail
- Charlotte Magazine
- Google Search: cocktail culture Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer – CharlotteFive
- Google Scholar: cocktail menus North Carolina
- Axios Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: cocktail
- QCity Metro
- Google News: cocktail menu Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
