Drink This Now: Southern Smoke at Char Bar

Southern Smoke at Char Bar // Photo by Tiffany Watts

Every now and then, a cocktail dares you to reconsider your entire stance on an ingredient. For me, that ingredient is mezcal, and that cocktail is the Southern Smoke at Char Bar in Westport.

To be clear: Mezcal and I have history. Usually, it tastes like someone set my taste buds on fire and then told me to say thank you. But when I saw this drink, made with Milagro Reposado, mezcal, lime, pineapple, cinnamon, and Fresno chili oil, I felt oddly compelled. Maybe it was the pineapple. Maybe it was the promise of spice. Maybe I just wanted to give Mezcal one last shot in the name of character development.

Whatever the reason, I ordered it. And I must say, I was impressed.

The smoke is there, yes, but not in an aggressive “bonfire-in-a-glass” way. It’s balanced. The pineapple cuts through with tropical brightness, the cinnamon adds warmth without feeling seasonal, and the Fresno chili oil? It’s the secret sauce. It may only bring a tiny bit of heat, but it makes things interesting. Sort of like a clever plot twist in an otherwise predictable story. The result is a layered, grown, and sexy drink that’s bold without being obnoxious.

To round out the experience, I ordered the Jumbo Smoked Chicken Wings: whole wings brined in red-eye coffee and finished with a spicy BBQ drizzle. These wings are a masterclass in flavor. The coffee brine infuses the meat with a rich depth that plays beautifully with the smoke, while the BBQ sauce ties it all together with a sweet-spicy finish. They’re massive, too—this is not a light snack. This is a commitment. And a satisfying one at that.

Char Bar has long been a Westport favorite for its patio vibes and beer selection, but if you’re only coming for the lawn games and drafts, you’re missing the point. The cocktail menu is where the story gets interesting. 

Char Bar is located in Westport and Parkville, with a location coming soon to Olathe.