Spot Check: Bluewater Distilling

Bluewater Distilling is a shiny oasis beyond the hustle and bustle of downtown Everett, located in the up-and-coming Waterfront Center at the Port of Everett. More than just a distillery, this place promises refreshing libations and creative food choices.

Great for a custom built Bloody Mary after visiting the Sunday Everett Farmers Market, an evening date, or after work cocktails. If the weather suits, there is a clean patio out front to enjoy the mellow ambience and maritime atmosphere.

From what I gather, this place was born from an experiment on a sailboat, hence the ocean theme and perfectly picked location snuggled in the marina. For more about their story and how it all got started you can visit their website here.

Inside the building design is industrial chic, noted with beautiful wooden features for warmth. Their nautical dining booths are center stage and will make you want to sit down and stay a while or even just hop in one for dinner because they’re that enticing.

A simple, neat bar showcases their vodka and gin selection. The cocktails are made with care from their small batch spirits.

They also have a great farm-to-table menu crafted with local, seasonal ingredients and an innovative twist. I tried their summer salad special – mixed greens with candied walnuts, red apple, and blue cheese with roasted chicken breast and a vinaigrette (pictured without the chicken). It was refreshingly fun for a salad, not skimpy, and perfectly partnered my cedar gimlet.

The gimlet was well balanced, piney with an herbal note, and made with their halcyon gin, cedar tincture, simple syrup and lime.

The bartender informed us that they only use fresh ingredients, so no sugary mixers, soda, or other miscellaneous bar additives here. Drinks range from tart to sweet to bubbly. You can choose from old classics like the Limoncello Drop and Maritime Mule or try one of their house martinis like The Purist (Bluewater 100 proof, seasonal fruit, on ice).

If you are feeling adventurous, there are several unique options like The Explorer (Halcyon gin, dry vermouth dash, smoked olives and brine, orange and aromatic bitter) or The Herbivore (Halcyon gin, absinthe, herbal liqueur, orange liqueur, blanc vermouth, and lemon).

This place is more than just a bar – it’s a community hub, a distillery and a world-class restaurant all tied together in a beautiful, hip and laid-back package. Come in for a light snack, visit on the weekends to try brunch, or stop in for a cocktail and dinner. Bluewater also offers community events like Yogamosa to get your stretch and tone on before imbibing on a glass of champagne.