From the makers of lady jaye comes Your Newest Seattle Bakery Obsession. NOW OPEN! >>

What Are Craft Cocktails in Seattle? And Why Lady Jaye Does Them Differently?

Looking for truly original craft cocktails in Seattle? At Lady Jaye, we handcraft every pour with house-made ingredients, deep whiskey knowledge, and a whole lot of attitude.

The term “craft cocktail” gets thrown around a lot these days—kind of like “artisanal” or “farm-to-table.” But at Lady Jaye, it actually means something. If you’re looking for craft cocktails in Seattle that go beyond the basics, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re not talking about pouring something premixed over ice and tossing in a lime wedge. We’re talking about creative freedom, scratch ingredients, thoughtful spirits, and bold flavors that push boundaries while still making sense.

A Quick Sip of Cocktail History

Craft cocktails are rooted in the golden age of bartending, way back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when cocktails were mixed with care, recipes were complex, and bartenders had real skill. Then came prohibition, shortcuts, and mass-produced mixers. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that bartenders across the country—especially at places doing craft cocktails in Seattle—started bringing real ingredients and techniques back to the bar.

Why We Do It Differently at Lady Jaye

At Lady Jaye, our cocktail program is an extension of our smokehouse soul: bold, balanced, handcrafted, and just a little bit wild.

? 1. Full Creative Control

We don’t take cocktail specs from corporate. We invent, riff, test, and drink until it’s dialed. Our bar team creates every menu from scratch with full creative freedom—seasonal ingredients, offbeat spirits, and unexpected flavor combos encouraged.

? 2. Everything is Made In-House

Syrups, shrubs, infusions, fat washes, tinctures, ferments—you name it, we make it. If it goes in your drink, we likely cooked it, smoked it, or squeezed it ourselves.

? 3. Whiskey Is Our Love Language

We’re a whiskey-forward bar, and we embrace the full range—from bold American bourbons to smoky ryes and single malts. But don’t worry—we know how to balance a stiff drink with elegance. Ask for something classic, or let us go off-menu and surprise you.

? 4. A Deep Bench of Mexican Spirits

We’ve got a not-so-secret obsession with mezcal, sotol, and tequila—and we treat them with the same respect we give whiskey. You’ll find smoky agave spirits mingling with smoked citrus, chili liqueurs, and savory ingredients on our cocktail menu year-round.

Come Drink With Us

A craft cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. A little ritual. A tiny burst of intention in a glass. At Lady Jaye, we bring that level of thought to every pour—whether it’s smoked, stirred, shaken, or served on the rocks next to a big ol’ ribeye.

If you’re searching for craft cocktails in Seattle that are bold, thoughtful, and made from scratch, this is where you want to be.

Join the Lady Jaye family!

We’re taking over the world! From podcasts, to bakeries; the Lady Jaye brand is constantly innovating! Sign up for our newsletter for discounts, merch and smokin’ tips!

Holiday Meals are here!

If you’re in the Seattle area, lucky you! Reserve your Holiday Meal today!

Logo copy
Little jaye is opening
October 5th!

From the creative minds of the Lady Jaye team comes Little Jaye, South Seattle's newest bakery, coffee and pastry obsession.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Little Jaye Pastries