Hotel Tango Distillery: Best Signature Cocktails in Fletcher Place, Indianapolis

Cocktails with Backbone: Exploring Hotel Tango Distillery’s Signature Sips

Veteran-Owned. Spirit-Driven. Bold Cocktails in the Heart of Fletcher Place.

If you like your cocktails with a little edge and a lot of character, Hotel Tango Distillery should be your next destination. Nestled in the historic Fletcher Place neighborhood, this veteran-owned distillery is equal parts rugged, refined, and ridiculously good at crafting drinks that hit. Whether you're a neat bourbon type or into complex seasonal concoctions, Hotel Tango delivers a cocktail experience that’s anything but ordinary.

This isn’t your average bar — it’s a working distillery where every spirit is made in-house, and every drink tells a story.

What Sets Hotel Tango Apart

Founded by combat veteran Travis Barnes, Hotel Tango was the first combat-disabled, veteran-owned distillery in the U.S. That sense of purpose, precision, and pride shows up in everything — from their flag-draped branding to the discipline in their drink execution.

“Hotel” and “Tango” come from the NATO phonetic alphabet: H + T = Hilary + Travis, the founders.

Their cocktail program doesn’t just showcase their spirits — it amplifies them. And the vibe? Cozy cabin meets urban cocktail lab.

🍸 Must-Try Signature Cocktails

Their menu rotates seasonally, but here are the heavy-hitters (and cult favorites) that you’re likely to encounter:

Smoke & Honey

Spirit: Hotel Tango Bourbon
Flavors: Smoked orange, honey simple syrup, angostura bitters
Smoky, sweet, and perfectly balanced. It’s bourbon-forward but approachable — like sipping a campfire in a glass.

Spiced Pear Mule (Seasonal Favorite)

Spirit: Hotel Tango Vodka
Flavors: Spiced pear, ginger beer, lime
Bright, crisp, and fall-friendly. A spiced twist on a classic mule with cozy layers.

Gin Bravo

Spirit: Hotel Tango Gin
Flavors: Fresh cucumber, basil, lime
Clean and botanical with just enough bite. Ideal for summer sipping or anyone easing into gin territory.

Operation: Sidecar

Spirit: Hotel Tango Reserve Brandy
Flavors: Lemon, orange liqueur, sugar rim
A nod to a cocktail classic, but with HT’s barrel-aged brandy, it’s smoother and deeper.

Espresso Martini Tango

Spirit: Hotel Tango Espresso Liqueur + Vodka
Flavors: Cold brew, vanilla, house espresso liqueur
Velvety, caffeinated, and dessert-worthy — served up with a little sass and a lot of punch.

Pro Tip: Grab a cocktail flight if you’re indecisive. It’s a sampler of the boldest seasonal offerings and a great way to explore the full lineup.

Vibe Check: Distillery Meets Designer Bunker

The tasting room has serious whiskey library energy — exposed brick, leather couches, military touches, and a roaring fireplace when it’s cold out. But it’s also wildly welcoming. Come solo, come on a date, or bring your crew — you’ll find space to sip slow and stay awhile.

Outside? There’s a dog-friendly patio with firepits, cornhole, and a casual buzz that carries into the evening.

Small Bites (But Big Flavor)

While Hotel Tango is more cocktail-forward than food-focused, they often feature charcuterie, snack boards, and rotating pop-up kitchens. Check their calendar for guest chefs and special events — or pre-game at one of the nearby Fletcher Place eateries before settling in for drinks.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Hotel Tango Distillery – Fletcher Place
702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
🕐 Hours: Open daily, with extended evening hours on weekends
🐾 Dog-Friendly? Yes, patio included
🌐 hoteltangodistillery.com

Final Sip

At Hotel Tango, every cocktail is more than a drink — it’s a salute to craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Whether you're a spirits nerd, a cocktail connoisseur, or just someone looking for something that feels both bold and personal, this Fletcher Place gem is where stories and spirits flow freely.

Come curious, leave buzzed (and impressed).