Two words sum up the new, cozy speakeasy at Hilton Head Island: precision and perfection.  Starbird HHI in Wexford Shops is the cocktail bar that we didn’t know we needed.  During my first visit, I was completely blown away by the energy, effort and enthusiasm that goes into making mixed drinks at Starbird HHI.  

Precision

Shane McEnery, chief mixologist, brings his passion for the perfect libations to HHI from northern California.  He knows that the best tincture starts with the finest ingredients.  Starbird curates some of their cocktail contents by making a house made cinnamon syrup, house infused jalapeno vodka and house infused strawberry vodka.  But that’s not all… they upgrade mixed drinks even more by crafting their own tonic water.  To be honest, I usually do not like tonic water so I was hesitant to sample it but I am glad it did.  It has an elevated, slightly sweet taste and the perfect amount of fizz.  Shane’s tonic could turn me into a gin and tonic fan!

Perfection

Starbird HHI takes great pride in creating and presenting the perfect cocktail and doesn’t skip on the serving details.  An expansive glassware selection is kept in a freezer to keep concoctions perfectly chilled.  Large ice cubes are deep frozen to help prevent drinks from getting watered down too quickly.  Glass rims are perfectly salted, tajined, or citrused to be the cherry on top of liquid art.  Drinks are measured with great precision so that they perfectly fill their complimentary glassware and no ounce is left behind.  If you sit at the bar, you get to experience a show… watching Shane expertly measure, shake and decorate beautiful aperitifs! 

Cocktail Menu

Currently, the cocktail menu has eight signature drinks including:

-Black Saint: the Manhattan’s darker, more rugged cousin

-Emerald Snap: an ode to the garden in full bloom 

-Palmetto Blush: bright and refreshing

-Starbird Martini: a large martini served the way you like it  

Of course, with a housemade tonic water, you know Starbird HHI is going to make a solid gin and tonic.  As a result, they offer four variations of a G&T with various fruits and herbs.  Other cocktails include a daiquiri, mezcal margarita, and paloma.  Creative mocktails are also available for non drinkers or DDs.  

When to Go

This spot is meant to be a gathering spot before or after dinner.  Meet up for a cocktail before dinner or keep the post dinner party going by stopping by for a night cap.  They have a small bites menu (which I am told will be expanding over time) if you need a snack.  

Starbird HHI is a welcomed addition to the food and drink scene at Hilton Head.  Their commitment to quality and precise drinks will quickly make them an island favorite.  Have you visited Starbird HHI yet?  If so, what did you love?  Cheers!

Brooke is a Hilton Head local and shares her best tips for island eats, drinks, events, activities and fun with her @hifromhhi Instagram followers.

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