The Great Gatsby has arrived at Playhouse Square, and there is no better way to join the party than grabbing a Gatsby inspired cocktail from one of the many glamorous locations in the Playhouse Square District. From smoke-rinsed classics to bright, floral sips, these cocktails channel the romance, excess, and theatrical sparkle of The Great Gatsby in their own distinct ways.
Parnell’s
The Twenties Manhattan feels like a toast to The Great Gatsby musical—elegant, theatrical, and just a little indulgent. Made with Suntory Toki, St-Germain, and grapefruit bitters, the cocktail captures the sparkle and sophistication of the Jazz Age, while the optional fire service, which rinses the glass with the peaty smoke of Ardbeg 10, adds a dramatic flourish worthy of Gatsby himself. It’s a drink that nods to the era’s glamour while channeling the romance and spectacle at the heart of the show
Encore
First Crush brings a lush, dreamy energy that fits beautifully with The Great Gatsby musical’s themes of longing and illusion. With a rum blend, falernum, orange, passionfruit, coconut cream, lime, and orgeat, the clarified cocktail feels vibrant and romantic, while its green hue subtly recalls Daisy, Gatsby’s first love, and the famous green light that symbolizes hope just out of reach. It’s a playful, polished sip that captures both the sweetness and wistfulness of the story.
Brel’s
The Bee’s Knees offers a classic kind of glamour that feels right at home alongside The Great Gatsby musical. Made with Hendrick’s gin, honey, and fresh lemon juice, it is bright, balanced, and effortlessly elegant. The cocktail vintage legacy also makes it a natural match for the Jazz Age, giving this stop a timeless sophistication that echoes the show’s romance and style.
District
Daisy’s Whisper is a direct nod to The Great Gatsby musical both in name and in spirit. Blending vodka, St-Germain, white peach, lemon, and sparkling wine, it is bright, floral, and deceptively light. Almost a perfect reflection of Daisy’s charm and the shimmering surface of Gatsby’s world. With a mocktail version also available, it offers a softer, more approachable way to sip on the glamour, romance, and illusion that define the story.
The Bulkley Bar
Located inside The Bulkley building, The Bulkley Bar offers two Gatsby inspired cocktails that are sure to transport you right into the party. Green Light is a classic "Death in the Afternoon" with absinthe, champagne, and edible glitter. It is bubbly, bitter, and balanced — much like the show itself. Roaring on, Old Sport, a Gin Fizz with sloe gin, egg white, heavy cream, lemon, lime and sweetener is sherbert-y, silky, and sweet.
Whether you’re channeling Gatsby’s grandeur, Daisy’s delicacy, or the restless energy of a roaring party, each cocktail invites you to slow down and savor a moment of timeless glamour. So, cue the jazz, raise your glass, and let these cocktails transport you to a place where the night feels endless, and anything seems possible. Cheers, old sport!
For more information on dining, visit playhousesquare.org/dining