Thirsty AF: PostModern

I cannot possibly write in the summer without writing about PostModern, my absolute favorite place for a cocktail and patio. You already know how I feel about the Old City, and PoMo is one reason I always feel at home here. They’re active with Pride year round, and they make their own liquors. What’s a gay boy not to love?

PostModern is a distillery. They have an amazing special-release gin right now distilled with grapefruit. If you’re turned off from gins because they taste like a pine tree, this is the one that’ll turn you into a gin drinker. They distill their own vodka, whiskeys, and liqueurs too. Their mocktails are also not to be underestimated. They use a SodaStream for their mixer sodas, and they take their ice seriously. Fresh soda and ice are basically the starter pack for a smooth drink no matter what else you add. Think about it: You probably have some ice in a tray that’s been sitting in your freezer for weeks as you reach past it for some chicken nuggets; do you want those cubes melting into your nice cocktail?

Sweet, tart, spicy, bold, frozen, or hot - PoMo has a drink for you. Yes, I said hot. Their gin hot toddy got me through some frigid Knoxville winter nights. Thankfully those times have passed, and it's slushie season, y'all!

You can have a frozen margarita anywhere, but where else will you get a frozen Cape Code or Gimlet? Then you can take it out to their Jackson Ave. patio and people-watch as the sun sets on a divine Saturday night. It’s life giving. If you don’t feel life coursing into your spirit, you will at least feel your cocktail. PoMo pulls no punches. These are full-strength adult beverages. The Spanish gin and tonic, my favorite cocktail in all of Knoxville, is basically two drinks in one, and one is all I need. It’s also p r e t t y. I keep this photo of it on my phone because it sparks joy, and I hope you find an ember or two of joy this summer.