Noah’s Smoked Old-Fashioned at Aura Restaurant & Lounge (Photo courtesy of Aura) By Lily Allen-DueñasDes Moines’ cocktail scene is anything but ordinary. Sure, you’ll find the classics — but you’ll also discover creative drinks that go beyond the expected. These are cocktails that fe el like an experience, crafted with care and worthy of praise. While national critics may not be clamoring to Des Moines (yet), I’m here to celebrate and share the best craft cocktails this city has to offer. Ready? Set? Sip.The Karate Kick, the Bartender’s HandshakeIf you ask around town for the best cocktail, one name comes up again and again: the Karate Kick. This drink has reached near-legend status — let’s just make that official — among bartenders and cocktail lovers alike. It’s a bold mix of Swell vodka, Ancho Reyes, carrot, ginger syrup, lime, ancho chili and mint. Imagine a carrot smoothie that has a rebellious streak — fresh, spicy and slightly sweet.The Strawberry Stratus, the ContraryEven though the Contrary just opened in November, it’s already become one of my go-to spots. Their standout drink menu makes it hard to pick favorites, but the Strawberry Stratus keeps calling me back. It’s made with Broker’s gin, lime and strawberry syrup, topped with a delicate cloud of aquafaba, mint, sake and matcha. The result? A stunning, fruity drink with velvety green-tea depth.The Bell Brasky, Juniper MoonYellow bell pepper in a cocktail? Stick with me here. The Bell Brasky isn’t just an experiment — or an inside joke — it’s an experience. This drink starts with bell pepper-infused rum, giving it a hint of earthiness and an elegantly grassy base. Add in Nolet’s gin, lemon, lime and a touch of vanilla bean, and you get a cocktail that balances bright acidity with smooth, mellow warmth.Noah’s Smoked Old-Fashioned, Aura Restaurant & LoungeIf you’re looking for showmanship and substance, this drink delivers. The tableside presentation starts with Elijah Craig bourbon, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters poured into a decanter with hickory and cherry wood smoke. After a moment’s rest, the smoke is released into the glass, billowing into a pillow before the cocktail follows. The smoke may turn heads, but it isn’t just for effect; it adds aromatic depth and complexity that transforms this into a cocktail worth savoring. If you’re not an Old-Fashioned drinker, this one may persuade you to give it a try.The Valley Junction Sour, Cooper’s on 5thThis cocktail features Glenmorangie Lasanta 12-year scotch, lemon juice, maple syrup, egg white, simple syrup and a Malbec float. Yes, you read that right: scotch and red wine in the same glass. This Sonoma County girl was more than a little skeptical, but then I took a sip. It’s rich, tart and smooth all at once. It works beautifully.The K-Drop, HarbingerHarbinger’s bar philosophy mirrors its food: seasonal, local and ever-evolving. The top-notch bartenders here craft balanced drinks that tend toward deep, earthy flavors with an umami edge. The K-Drop, for example, features vodka, eucalyptus, Korean pear, lemon and white pepper. It’s just one good choice among many, so my advice: Don’t overthink it. Just trust the bartenders, and they’ll give you something special.The Cryptic Mystic Fortune-Teller Picnic, Table 128Creativity is always on the menu at Table 128, and while I still hope their unforgettable ube cocktail makes a return, I highly recommend the Cryptic Mystic Fortune-Teller Picnic. This layered drink includes Brugal Añejo rum, Yellowstone Toasted bourbon, Saveiro Castanea, Cynar, Rogue hazelnut reduction, dark cherry, allspice and mustard seed. It’s nutty, warm, not too sweet and so complex you’ll want to sip it slowly.Various surprises, Good News, DarlingGetting into Good News, Darling — the intimate cocktail bar tucked behind Hello, Marjorie — can take a bit of persistence. But the reward is a menu that pushes boundaries, especially with their culinary foams and infusions. Past stunners include: August 8th: gin, mezcal, charred watermelon preserves, toasted pine nuts, parmesan foam. Holiday Coffee Cocktail: Japanese whisky, coffee, apple, caramel, wasabi, coconut miso whip. Lemon Bar: buttered rum, vanilla, honey, ginger, lemon, graham cracker, cheesecake wash. Twilight Zone: gin, fermented Romaine hearts, pickled young strawberries, smoked almonds, Kalamata olives and a blue cheese wash. Whether you’re sipping a smoked Old-Fashioned, swirling a Malbec-floated sour or braving the briny depths of a cocktail with fermented Romaine, the city’s cocktail scene is creative, ambitious and worth exploring. It’s more than a trend; it’s a destination — and every sip is an adventure. ...read more read less