As the nights grow cooler and the air turns crisp, Bird’s Nest at Blackbird invites you to step inside and experience a September filled with indulgence, music, and timeless cocktails. From seasonal martini flights to bourbon education, vinyl magic, and classic cocktails, this month is all about slowing down and savoring the flavors of fall. Whether you’re a devoted cocktail enthusiast, a jazz lover, or just seeking a sophisticated evening out, there’s something to delight every sense.
A Flight of Flavors Await
At our cocktail lounge, martini lovers always have a reason to celebrate. In the shadow of Prohibition, when quality spirits were scarce and creativity was a necessity, the dry martini took flight. With only the most minimal ingredients, it proved that simplicity could be its own kind of luxury. Simple, refined, and perfectly balanced, it became the drink of choice for those navigating an era of secrecy and whispered passwords. Today, it remains an enduring symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Our new Martini Special, available Tuesday through Thursday starting September 1st, brings a new reason to slip into our cocktail lounge. Indulge in a tasting flight of three martinis—crafted to honor the elegance of timeless classics while allowing you to explore bold, unique variations. Whether you’re devoted to a classic dry martini or seeking something a little more adventurous, the bar is ready to pour perfection.
This fall, our seasonal dessert martinis add an extra touch of indulgence. From the spiced warmth of Great Pumpkin and the dark sophistication of the Espresso Martini to the sweet-and-savory Salted Caramel Bourbon and the cozy, chocolatey Nice & Toasty, each one is crafted to delight your senses and complement the intimate, moody ambiance of our cocktail lounge.
Whether you’re savoring a single martini or indulging in a full flight of fall flavors, these evenings are an invitation to slow down, savor, and experience cocktails as they were meant to be enjoyed—thoughtfully, deliciously, and with just the right touch of indulgence.
A New Chapter In Our Cocktail Story
While our martinis celebrate timeless elegance, the full menu offers a broader exploration of flavor, from classics to bold new creations. Some stories are timeless, meant to be retold, while others emerge fresh and daring, inviting curiosity with every sip. Our new menu was designed with both in mind—classics that feel like coming home, and creations that surprise, delight, and linger long after the last glass is set down.
The Classics, Our Way
Certain cocktails endure because they are perfectly balanced: a dialogue of flavor that transcends time. These cocktails are more than familiar—they are foundational, grounding the menu like the steady notes of a favorite song.
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- Manhattan — Rye and vermouth in seamless conversation, deepened by the warmth of bitters and lifted by a cherry and twist of orange.
- Old Fashioned — Minimalist perfection: rye, bitters, and demerara sugar, brightened with orange peel.
- Margarita — Clean, vibrant, and refreshing with tequila, lime, and curacao, kissed with a salted rim.
- Whiskey Sour — A mix of bourbon and fresh lemon juice, shaken with egg white for a creamy, frothy texture, and finished with a crisp dehydrated lemon wheel.
- Sidecar — Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon in a coupe—refined, balanced, unforgettable.
- Bee’s Knees — Gin, honey, and lemon, garnished simply with a citrus wheel: sunshine in a coupe.
- French 75 — Gin, lemon, prosecco, and bitters—a sparkling celebration in every pour.
- Gold Rush — Bourbon and honey in golden harmony, a fireside favorite.
- Paper Plane — Aperol, amaro, bourbon, and lemon—a modern classic with wings of its own.
- Penicillin — Scotch, honey, ginger, and smoke: restorative, warming, quietly powerful.
Modern Signatures
The heart of our menu beats strongest in our own creations—drinks inspired by tradition but composed to surprise, intrigue, and spark conversation across the table.
- The Blackbird — Tropical brightness meets unexpected depth: pineapple, coffee liqueur, Campari, and aged rum, garnished with mint and citrus.
- My Sharona — A playful sparkle of vodka, strawberry shrub, and brut—fresh, effervescent, and undeniably charming.
- Un Poco Picante — A fiery balance of tequila, jalapeño, ginger, and lime—sweetened with honey, but never tame.
- Oaxacan Gold — Mezcal’s smokiness layered with apple, cinnamon, and lemon—finished with egg white for velvety texture.
Now Serving Local Flavors
Starting next week, we are partnering with Cape Fear Seafood Company, so you can have elevated bites delivered right to your seat. During all regular service hours, Cape Fear will offer a limited menu crafted for easy, elegant enjoyment—just keep in mind their kitchen closes at 9 p.m. No need to come before or after dinner anymore; now, you can savor a delicious meal while enjoying your favorite cocktails.
In addition, we’re adding creamy pimento cheese from Butcher’s Market and artisan Italian crackers from Katie at Haw River Wine Merchant. These thoughtfully curated bites pair beautifully with your favorite handcrafted cocktail, enhancing the experience.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic martini, exploring one of our inventive new creations, or simply soaking in the speakeasy ambiance, this collaboration adds a delicious new layer to your evening.
This Month’s Highlights
September 8th (3-5 PM): USBG Bourbon Education at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Industry friends, take note—an afternoon of discovery awaits. Join us for a bourbon session like no other with the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG). This isn’t just tasting—it’s a journey into the craft, exploring how time in the barrel shapes aroma, flavor, and character. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon devotee or simply curious about what makes each pour distinct, this class offers a rare chance to taste thoughtfully, expand your palate, and dive into the artistry behind every dram. Sip, savor, and let the nuances of fine bourbon tell their story.
September 11th (5-11 PM): Vinyl Night at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
There’s a certain magic that happens when the needle hits the groove—the warmth of vinyl fills the air, and suddenly the night feels richer, slower, more intentional. At Bird’s Nest at Blackbird, we celebrate that magic every second Thursday with Vinyl Night. Bring along your favorite records to spin—whether it’s a timeless classic, an overlooked deep cut, or a track that sparks a memory. It’s all about slowing down, soaking in the vibe, and sharing an experience with fellow music lovers who understand that sometimes, the best way to connect is through sound.
September 15th-20th: Negroni Week at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
It’s time to raise a glass to a true classic. Negroni Week has arrived, and all week long we’re pouring the perfect balance of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—crafted with care, served with intention. Whether you’ve long been a devotee of this iconic cocktail or are taking your first sip, the Negroni is a chance to savor something beautifully bitter, elegantly refreshing, and utterly timeless. Pull up a stool, soak in the atmosphere, and let each glass be a moment to slow down, savor, and celebrate the artistry behind the pour.
September 20th (7-9 PM): Miss Candice at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Step into an evening where elegance meets timeless sound. The captivating jazz chanteuse and cabaret sensation Miss Candice is taking the stage at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird, weaving sultry jazz from the 1920s–1960s with dazzling cabaret flair. Her performance is more than music—each note, each gesture, draws you into a world of style, romance, and just a hint of nostalgia. Whether you’re a devoted jazz aficionado or simply seeking a sophisticated night out, this intimate evening promises to leave you enchanted long after the last song fades.
October 1st (6-9 PM): Book Club at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Bring your latest read, order a carefully crafted cocktail, and slip into an evening that celebrates both words and spirits. Whether you prefer the quiet intimacy of the bar or the spark of conversation around a table, each gathering invites reflection, dialogue, and discovery. Hosted on the first Wednesday of every month, it is a midweek respite—an ode to literature, connection, and the timeless ritual of sharing stories.
New Hours
After weeks of planning and a few late-night team chats, we’re ready to tweak our schedule one last time: Fridays will now open at 5:00 PM.
Our updated hours are:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thanks for rolling with us—we can’t wait to welcome you, raise a glass, and keep the good times flowing.
Raise Your Glass to Fall Flavors
From handcrafted martinis and classic cocktails to unforgettable performances, September at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird is a celebration of fall in every sip. Step into the warm glow of our cocktail lounge, let the music set the mood, and enjoy a month where cocktails are crafted to delight, moments are meant to be savored, and every glass is an invitation to slow down and toast to the season.