Cocktails and Curveballs

Despite what the calendar might say, for many of us spring officially begins this weekend with the first pitch of the new baseball season. While going to a game usually means overpriced hot dogs and plastic cups of beer, in a number of stadiums fans now have the option of watching from an upscale bar while enjoying a well-made cocktail or craft beer. America’s new pastime could very well be drinking in style.

Astros, Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX:

The FiveSeven Grille, a classy sports bar decked out with memorabilia from famed Astros Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, looks out over center field. (It’s pictured above.) Not only does it have a prime location, it also serves cocktails, like the Killer Bee Mojito (Bacardi Rum, fresh lime juice, mint, honey, vanilla) and the Elderflower Martini (Smirnoff Vodka, St-Germain, dry vermouth), plus 25 different tequilas.

Braves, Turner Field, Atlanta, GA:

Spend your seventh-inning stretch at Turner Field’s Chop House drinking a classic cocktail. To be treated like an all-star, splurge on a 755 Club membership ($600). Members can watch the game while eating gourmet meals and drinking glasses of its signature Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum Ballpark Lemonade.

Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA:

Pirate fans are ensured quality views as they imbibe. At the Trib Total Media Hall of Fame Club, they can sip a frozen Raspberry Margarita on the open-air patio while overlooking left field, the Riverwalk and the Allegheny River. Don’t worry about crowds—there’s seating for 100.

Twins, Target Field, Minneapolis, MN:

Besides star catcher Joe Mauer, locally produced Schweigert hot dogs are the real draw at the brand new Target Field. Pair a dog with one of the 10 craft beers served throughout the stadium, like Leinie’s Honey Weiss from Wisconsin or the North Star state’s own Summit IPA.

Yankees, Yankee Stadium, New York, NY:

The new, gleaming Yankees Stadium opened last year to much fanfare. One of its exciting features is Tommy Bahama’s Bar in the Great Hall, where you can take a break from the action with a tropical Cuba Libre or a Cayman Cooler (Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, passion fruit juice).