Best cocktails - Du Nord Craft Spirits - 2015 Best of MN

Now that craft beer taprooms have reached saturation, drinkers are turning their attention to spirits. In January, Du Nord — a Minneapolis-based, small-batch craft distillery — opened the Twin Cities' first cocktail room. The emphasis is placed squarely on the drinks at Du Nord: The no-frills south Minneapolis space is marked by minimalist industrial design. The cocktail list is constructed by Mike Rasmussen (Bluestem, La Belle Vie) with flagship spirits L'Etoile Vodka and Fitzgerald Gin flowing via house signatures such as the Fitzgerald & Tonic and the Du Nord Salty Dog. There's a rotating seasonal assortment, but martinis, Moscow Mules and hot gin Toddies are available year-round. Drinking on an empty stomach isn't an issue, as Du Nord encourages carrying in food from neighborhood joints ranging from Gandhi Mahal to Le Town Talk Diner to Parkway Pizza and more. 2610 E. 32nd St., Mpls.; dunordcraftspirits.com