Thirsty AF: Tern Club

While there are so many spots that I adore in Knoxville, this thawing out from winter’s chill and abundance of sunlight has me feeling like a vacation, so I know I will start finding myself more and more in Tern Club sipping a Tiki cocktail with obscure ingredients that I know I’ll never buy. I usually don’t even know what the ingredients are, but I know I’ll love the drink. If you’ve not been to Tern Club on Gay Street in the Old City, it’s probably because you don’t wander off of Market Square. I am personally an Old City boy. This area has my vibes and my heart, which is why I can never fully love someone else.

If you’re a fan of the Mai Tai, then you know the ilk of Tern Club’s beverages. Many are not so cloyingly sweet though. I suggest arriving during happy hour and having their $7 mojito. My first sip gave me the delicious tang of lime followed by the relief of rum. I mixed it with my straw and was greeted by all the stress-melting mint. I didn’t even know I was stressed, but it melted away anyway. The mojito is classic for a reason.

Tern Club recently added some new drinks, so I tried the Tradewinds. I had been in the mood for a Painkiller, which is usually heavy with tropical fruit juices. Tradewinds has creme de apricot along with lemon, coconut, and rum - drinks like this are why I come here. Not only is it a queer-friendly bar but the bartenders know what they’re doing. This becomes important if you’re not into an alcohol-forward drink as some of these cocktails tend to be. Ask your server if you’re looking for something more fruity than boozey.

Now that the weather is warming up, you’ll be tempted to sit outside. They have a back patio, but I strongly suggest bug spray if you want to sit out there. Otherwise try to snag one of the tables on the sidewalk out front and people watch on Gay Street. Of course you could also ignore me and stay inside in the air conditioning. There are few wrong choices here. There are also snacks and mocktails, so everyone’s thirst can be quenched.

Speaking of quenched thirsts, I’m hosting a natural wine tasting and lecture at Corks Wine & Spirits. There is limited availability, so be sure to RSVP! You can check it out under events.

The attached pics are from my trip today when I was doing “research” with a friend.