Cheers Sippin Gypsy Team Gin! This post comes to you while enjoying a Sippin Gypsy Gin Smash inspired from my recent visit to the Red Phone Booth in Atlanta and featuring Gin from Atlanta's own Old Fourth Distillery.
Atlanta is an amazing city.  She has so much to offer!  Of all the big cities I have visited and worked in, I found the people of Atlanta to be the most friendly, engaging and hospitable.  Find all my tips about Atlanta HERE.

Like many big cities, Atlanta is spread out in her offerings.  Most of these great places are not within walking distance of downtown Atlanta.  Traffic is Atlanta is no better or worse than any other big city, but to really taste and experience Atlanta you will need to have arrangements to get yourself to some of these unforgettable experiences.  I was able to drive to Atlanta, so I experienced the pleasures of being driven by a local or driving myself.  Do yourself a favor before you get to Atlanta and download the Park Mobile APP.  Almost every parking garage and lot is set up for you to pay from your phone, and what's even easier: when your time is almost up you get a text to remind you and you can easily add more time right from your phone.  Trust me...get the APP.
Now onto some truly amazing tips for where to sip and taste around Atlanta!

1) Red Phone Booth
If its not already blatenley obvious, I love a well made cocktail from an establishment that takes great pride in the craft of cocktail making.  Red Phone Booth is a Speakeasy where you truly have to know the password to dial in the phone booth to be allowed in.  Once inside you feel transported back to a bygone era with rich woods and dark hues making this bar one of my favorite spots in Atlanta.  The cocktails offered here all have their roots traced back to prohibition era recipes.  Come dress to impress and be prepared to be impressed.  This is an Atlanta must do.

2.The Bon Ton
One of my favorite spots I've visited so far, The Bon Ton.  Set in Atlanta's midtown neighborhood, this eclectic cozy spot is a must do while in Atlanta.  The food is amazing and the cocktails bold and effective.  I loved watching the bar staff greet everyone who came through...they knew everyone...it was obvious there is a crowd of very regular locals which says a lot about an establishments detail to quality and hospitality. 

3. Ponce City Market
This spot is my list for Sippin' and well as Playin' because it offers such a variety of options.  This was the one spot in Atlanta that I found I could Sip and Stroll (a Sippin Gypsy mantra).  Ponce City Market offers a delicious variety of food options, many of which also offer a bar that you can order your cocktails 'to go" to enjoy while shopping or tasting food from another vendor.  There really is cuisine for everyone here.  From Stiles Fish Camp to Batter Cookie Dough Counter, the options really can please any pallet. 

4. Krog Street Market
Another easy location to go to for variety and options.  Krog street market is much smaller than Ponce City Market, but has two spots I really enjoyed:   For sitting down and enjoying delicious Tex Mex style cuisine and cocktails with a tequila inspiration please visit Superica,  one of the many successful restaurants by Ford Fry.  Almost every local I spoke with recommended at least one of his restaurants during my stay, guess I'll have to get back to Atlanta to try more of them!  For a quicker grab and go bite, I have found the best fried chicken ever at Richards.  I tried both their classic and hot recipes...while I truly enjoyed both...get the hot!

5.  Farmers Markets
Most of the Atlanta neighborhoods will host a Farmers Market at some point on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  Skip breakfast at the hotel and go and get fresh baked goods from one of these great local markets.  While you may not need to stock up on meat and eggs while on vacation in Atlanta, you can stock up on other great local finds.  I was super excited to find Piedmont Provisions where I was able to stock up on fresh jams and elixirs for my home bar!

6. The Pig and the Pearl
Set up in the Atlantic Station neighborhood, this local spot is a must do for $1 oyster happy hour and great smoked southern cuisine.  Set in a charming outdoor shopping area, The Pig and Pearl was cozy and had great cocktails to set the afternoon off perfect.  I've heard they have one of the best brunches in Atlanta with an abundance of mimosas...

7. Sun Dial
A top the 72nd floor of the Westin Hotel, the Sun Dial offers beautiful views of the city.  The food menu looked good, but I haven't tried it yet, only appetizers and snacks from the bar and lounge area.  This is a great place to hit right at sunset and toast in the evening while you watch the city lights come alive at dark.

This is my list so far (my stomach can only hold so much on a weekend get away...but I am already planning another trip back to Atlanta to try more amazing food.  A few places that are still on my bucket list thanks to great tips from my local friends:

Gun Show  for a new hybrid of  Brazilian/Asian cuisine
Beetle Cat another of Ford Fry's restaurants featuring seafood cuisine
Salt Yard for creative and bold flavored dishes and cocktails 

 Cheers Sippin Gypsy Team Tequila! This cocktail comes from an afternoon sippin' and trying different tequila based cocktails!  I've also been testing  my green thumb with attempting to grow herbs and fruits on my patio garden, so I had previously frozen small pieces of fruit in my ice cubes to add to my presentation! 

2 oz. Tequila
1 oz. Turbinado Simple Syrup 
1 lime
Mint (handful of leaves)
Rose (or any pink sparkling wine)
Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes

In a small tin shaker add tequila, simple syrup and top off with ice.  Slap the mint in your hand until you can smell it and add it to the tin.  Slice the lime and squeeze the juice into the tin then shake vigorously until the tin is very cold to the touch.  Pour into your favorite serving glass with the frozen fruit ice cubes and top with rose and a mint sprig!