Sometimes you just want to be able to try it all. And that’s okay! Why should breweries get all the fun when it comes to flights? The good news is that in Columbia SC, more is more and there are flights to suit every fancy that you can enjoy at all times of the day. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
Spritz and Drunken Dessert Flights | Il Giorgione
Let’s start off with the newest flight in town, shall we? Not only are we so excited that weekend brunch is officially back at Il Giorgione, but also that with its triumphant return comes two new heavenly-sounding flights. First up is a most refreshing offering of Italian spritzes. Cool off like you’re in Capri with this lineup of lip-smacking flavors: Blood Orange Cappelletti, Hugo (elderflower and mint), Strawberry (locally-sourced from Cottle Farms) and Passionfruit Pineapple.
Then satisfy your sweet tooth with three desserts paired with a little something spiked. Get a taste of Tiramisu + Kahlua, Panna Cotta + Limoncello and Vanilla Gelato + Homemade Chocolate-Cello because who can ever decide on just one dessert, anyway?
Pisco and Cocktail Flights | Ratio Restaurant
If you’re unfamiliar with pisco, it’s a Peruvian brandy distilled from specific grape varietals. And if you’ve never tried it, well, that’s exactly why Ratio offers a Pisco Flight. As many of their patrons have never tried it or perhaps even heard of it, the flight serves as a way to introduce and educate them on pisco. Like wine, the different grape varietals offer varied flavor profiles and as they’re able to source new piscos, the flight board evolves and allows them to highlight the spirit in different ways.
But that’s not the only flight they’re serving here! Their Cocktail Flight started as a Pisco Sour flight and has since become a seasonally-rotating feature on the menu. Previous versions have included classic cocktails, rum-based drinks and more, with the current edition showcasing “Staff Pick” selections of the team’s favorite cocktails. Keep coming in to see what they come up with next!
Margarita and Cold Brew Cocktail Flights | Publico Kitchen & Tap
Another spot with more than one flight on their menu is Publico in Five Points. And with each one offering six renditions, these flights aren’t messing around. First is the Margarita Flight with pours of Watermelon, Spicy Publico, House, Mango, Strawberry and Blueberry. Then there’s the Cold Brew Cocktail Flight(!) starring Froot Loops, S’mores, Coconut, Puffle + Bacon, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and regular cold brew flavors.
But don’t forget about Publico BullStreet, because they also offer a margarita flight and the flavors are just different enough (Spicy Publico, House, Raspberry Mint, Mango, Strawberry Kiwi and Watermelon) that we highly recommend going and trying that one, too.
Mimosa Sampler | Boku Kitchen & Saloon
These are not your average mimosas. Available in 3 oz. or 6 oz. pours during Dim Sum x DJ Brunch on the weekends, you can decide how much funday you want to add to your Sunday. The flavors include Asian Pear, Blood Orange Honey, Lychee Strawberry and Aloe Pineapple Raspberry.
Bacon Flight | Republic Biergarten & Kitchen
Flights don’t have to just be sippable! Meant to be shared, the Bacon Flight for 2 includes four strips in both sweet and savory flavors like Fireball Cinnamon Sugar, Caramel Chocolate Praline, Cajun Dry Rub and Chili-Lime.
Wine Flight | Lula Drake Wine Parlour
On Tuesday nights, slip into Lula Drake on Main Street, where owner Tim Gardener selects three different wines each week that typically aren’t available by the glass and creates a flight tasting experience. This approach allows guests an opportunity to acquaint themselves with these wines without the usual commitment of having to buy the whole bottle. And while you’re there, you may as well order up a dish of their famous Cacio e Pepe, right?
Oyster and Steak Flights | Smoked
Quite possibly the most posh flights you’ve ever heard of can be found at Smoked on Main Street. During happy hour, slurp up the Oyster Flight – premium oysters on the half shell prepared four different ways: with Champagne Foam Microgreens, House-Made Mignonette, Caviar & Crème Fraîche and a fresh daily specialty. Then come dinnertime, dig into the Steak Flight, which includes one-ounce portions of Japanese a5-grade wagyu, prime wet-aged ribeye and bison coulotte that are cooked right there at your table atop a 450-degree Himalayan salt block. Now that’s luxury.
Coffee Flight | Azalea Coffee Bar
For those days when one cup of coffee just isn’t going to cut it, you can take comfort in knowing Azalea’s coffee flight is waiting for you on Devine Street, ready to deliver four 8 oz. pours of the good stuff. With a shot of espresso in each, you can pick from any of the specialty drinks (hot or iced) to build out your flight. Whether you share with a friend or power through them all yourself, we feel pretty confident you’ll be ready to take on the rest of your day afterward.
Ruiz Sunrise Flight | Breakfast at Ruiz
Finally, if you’ve ever felt that brunch being relegated to just the weekend days is a downright shame, then Breakfast at Ruiz in West Columbia is the place for you and the Ruiz Sunrise Flight is bringing the bubbles to you all week long. This mimosa quartet comes in blueberry, orange, strawberry and passionfruit variations that are perfect for sipping and savoring the morning away. Plus, they also serve up a seasonal version. The current offerings include peach, raspberry, pineapple and pear.
Have you ordered one of these flights? Snap a photo and share on social media with #RealColumbiaSC for a chance to be featured on this blog!
