Most people walk into Krueger’s thinking about burgers.
They walk out planning their next visit around the craft cocktails in Cincinnati they just discovered. 🍸
Located in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Krueger’s Tavern has built a reputation not just for excellent food, but for a drink program that rivals any dedicated cocktail bar in the city.
Why Cincinnati’s Cocktail Scene Takes Notice
The best drinks in Cincinnati bars often come from unexpected places, and Krueger’s Tavern proves this beautifully.
The European tavern-inspired restaurant draws crowds for burgers, but the beverage program has quietly become one of the most impressive in Over-the-Rhine.
Local wine and beer in Cincinnati selections mix with a cocktail menu that shows genuine creativity without trying too hard.
Located at 1313 Vine Street, this spot understands that great drinks with dinner in Cincinnati should enhance meals rather than compete.
The team behind the bar approaches every drink with the same attention to detail that the kitchen applies to food.
The Signature Cocktails That Define the Experience
Let’s start with the drink that’s become something of a signature. ☕
The Espresso Martini combines vodka, espresso, Frangelico, and Bailey’s into something that shouldn’t work this well but absolutely does.
Most espresso martinis lean too sweet or taste like coffee-flavored regret the next morning.
This version hits different notes entirely, with Frangelico adding hazelnut complexity that elevates everything.
The Bailey’s brings creaminess without overwhelming the espresso’s bold presence, creating balance that makes this specialty cocktail in Cincinnati worth ordering even for vodka skeptics.
Customer reviews consistently highlight this as a standout, particularly for those looking for unique cocktails for date night.
The Tavern Old Fashioned shows what happens when someone takes a classic seriously while adding their own twist.
High-proof bourbon forms the base, but then brandy enters along with honey and both orange and Angostura bitters. 🥃
This isn’t your grandfather’s Old Fashioned – it’s bolder, more complex, and demands your full attention.
The honey provides sweetness that feels more sophisticated than simple syrup, while the brandy adds depth you won’t find in traditional recipes.
For those exploring cocktails with local spirits in Ohio, this drink showcases what’s possible when bartenders understand both tradition and innovation.
Sage Advice combines vodka, apricot brandy, citrus, yuzu, jasmine, and sage into something completely unexpected. 🌿
The botanical notes from sage and jasmine create an aromatic experience that starts before the first sip.
Yuzu brings distinctive Japanese citrus character that’s simultaneously tart and slightly sweet, while apricot brandy adds stone fruit complexity.
This drink appeals to people who want their craft beverages in Ohio to tell a story rather than just taste good.
Multiple customers mention this as their favorite, which says something considering the competition.
Light and Refreshing: The Paloma and Tangerine Spritz
Tequila lovers have their champion in the Paloma, featuring blanco tequila, grapefruit liqueur, and house citrus soda. 🍊
This drink respects the classic while adding subtle improvements through house-made citrus soda that provides carbonation without artificial sweetness.
Grapefruit liqueur intensifies fruit flavor without overwhelming the tequila’s character, creating effortless balance.
This works beautifully as one of those drinks paired with burgers, cutting through rich flavors while complementing rather than competing.
The Tangerine Spritz brings legitimate European aperitivo culture to Cincinnati with Aperol, dry curacao, Nonino amaro, tangerine soda, and prosecco. 🍾
This drink captures Italian drinking culture – low alcohol, high flavor, perfect for conversation.
Aperol provides distinctive bitter-orange character while Nonino amaro adds herbal complexity and depth.
The tangerine soda brings fruit-forward brightness without crossing into overly sweet territory, and prosecco lifts everything with gentle bubbles.
It’s the kind of drink that works equally well as an afternoon refresher or during dinner service.
Beyond Cocktails: Beer, Wine, and Zero-Proof Options
The local wine and beer in Cincinnati selections deserve recognition beyond the cocktail program.
Draft beers include Kronenbourg 1664, local IPAs, Guinness, and rotating selections that keep things interesting. 🍺
Euro-style imports like Reissdorf Kölsch and Ayinger Brau-Weisse bring authentic European tavern vibes.
The wine list focuses on approachable French and Italian options, with house wines by the glass that pair beautifully with food.
For those exploring Ohio craft beer selections, the rotating local IPA provides chances to discover regional brewers.
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and Krueger’s treats non-alcoholic options with the same respect as cocktails.
The Julius Fizz combines cream, orange juice, orange blossom water, and club soda into something genuinely refreshing. 🥤
Orange blossom water adds floral notes that elevate this beyond standard orange juice drinks, while the cream provides body without feeling heavy.
The Yuzu Arnold Palmer takes the classic tea-lemonade combination and adds Japanese yuzu plus jasmine tea for complexity.
These are legitimate craft beverages in Ohio that happen to contain zero alcohol, not afterthoughts thrown on the menu.
People specifically request these drinks by name, which tells you everything about their quality and appeal.
Drink Highlights
- Espresso Martini: Vodka, espresso, Frangelico, and Bailey’s create a coffee cocktail that hits all the right notes – perfect for dessert or as an after-dinner drink that doubles as both beverage and treat
- Tavern Old Fashioned: High-proof bourbon meets brandy with honey and dual bitters for a sophisticated twist on the classic that bourbon lovers specifically seek out
- Sage Advice: Vodka, apricot brandy, citrus, yuzu, jasmine, and sage combine into an unexpectedly delightful botanical cocktail that showcases serious mixology skills
- Tangerine Spritz: Aperol, dry curacao, Nonino amaro, tangerine soda, and prosecco bring European aperitivo culture to Cincinnati in the most refreshing way possible
- Paloma: Blanco tequila and grapefruit liqueur with house citrus soda that respects the classic while improving on every element
- Yuzu Arnold Palmer: Zero-alcohol option with jasmine tea, lemon, yuzu, and club soda that proves non-alcoholic drinks deserve the same craft treatment as cocktails
Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 2-6pm with all draft beers and house wines dropping to just $5. 💰
This transforms the value proposition entirely, making refreshing drinks after work accessible at prices that feel almost too good.
The happy hour drinks in Ohio scene is competitive, but Krueger’s combination of quality and price dramatically excels.
Smart locals time their visits accordingly, turning post-work drinks into a regular ritual rather than an occasional splurge.
The Setting: Atmosphere, Location, and Practical Details
The drinks taste better in the right setting, and Krueger’s delivers on atmosphere. 🎵
The space balances casual and upscale perfectly, making it ideal for everything from romantic evenings to catching up with friends.
Warm lighting creates intimacy while an eclectic playlist adds personality without overwhelming conversation.
The bar area provides prime seating for watching drinks being crafted, while booths offer more privacy for dates.
Krueger’s sits at 1313 Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine, within easy reach of major downtown attractions. ♿
Street parking dominates the area though spaces fill quickly during peak evening hours.
Reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday nights, though the bar welcomes walk-ins when space allows.
The space offers bar seats for watching cocktails being made, booths for privacy, and upstairs areas for quieter conversations.
What Makes These Drinks Special and Why People Travel For Them
Let’s address what elevates these handcrafted cocktails at taverns above the competition.
The ingredient quality shows in every sip – these aren’t well drinks masquerading as craft cocktails. 🍹
House-made elements like the citrus soda in the Paloma demonstrate commitment to doing things properly rather than taking shortcuts.
Bartenders understand balance, knowing when to show restraint and when to push boundaries with unexpected flavor combinations.
The attention to zero-proof options shows respect for all guests regardless of drinking preferences.
The genius lies in understanding that drinks paired with burgers should enhance rather than overpower.
The Paloma cuts through rich burger flavors while the Old Fashioned complements beef’s savory notes perfectly.
The Tangerine Spritz works beautifully with appetizers, encouraging leisurely dining rather than rushed meals.
The bar staff understands pairings and happily makes recommendations based on what you’re ordering from the kitchen.
The best drinks in Cincinnati bars generate word-of-mouth that brings people from across the region. 🎯
Customer reviews specifically mention planning return visits around trying different cocktails, which rarely happens at typical restaurant bars.
The combination of quality, creativity, and approachable pricing creates an experience that feels both special and accessible.
People who initially visited for the food find themselves returning primarily for the drinks, bringing friends to share discoveries.
Bottom Line
The cocktail program rivals dedicated cocktail bars while maintaining tavern accessibility.
Happy Hour pricing makes craft cocktails affordable without sacrificing quality.
Zero-proof options receive the same attention and creativity as alcoholic drinks.
Beer and wine selections complement cocktails rather than competing with them.
Drink-food pairings show genuine understanding of how beverages enhance dining experiences.
For more info, visit their website or Facebook page.
Address: 1313 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
📞 (513) 834-8670
🕔 Sun-Thu 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM