Best Distilleries
Craft spirits, tastings, and cocktail experiences at the Jersey Shore
8
Distilleries
3
Cocktail Bars
2
With Tours
Craft Spirits
New Jersey's craft distillery scene is booming, and the shore has some of the best. From Cape May's original whiskey distillery to Asbury Park's trendy cocktail bars, there's a tasting room for every palate.
Local ingredients shine. Many distillers use Jersey corn, cranberries, and botanicals to create spirits with true local character. Tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at the craft.
The birthplace of Jersey Shore craft spirits
Cape May Distillery
Cape May · Whiskey & Vodka
The original Jersey Shore distillery, known for craft vodka, gin, and their signature Cape May whiskey.
Try: Cape May Whiskey
- ✓Free tours
- ✓Tasting room
- ✓Cocktail bar
- ✓Local ingredients
Lazy Eye Distillery
Cape May Court House · Rum
Small-batch distillery producing unique rum varieties and fruit-forward spirits.
Try: Spiced Rum
- ✓Small batch
- ✓Unique rums
- ✓Tasting flights
- ✓Intimate setting
Boardwalk-adjacent and historic distilleries
Little Water Distillery
Atlantic City · Vodka & Gin
AC's first craft distillery, producing vodka, gin, and whiskey steps from the boardwalk.
Try: AC Vodka
- ✓Boardwalk adjacent
- ✓Craft cocktails
- ✓Tasting room
- ✓Small batch
Egg Harbor Distillery
Egg Harbor City · Whiskey
Historic location producing whiskey and gin with deep South Jersey roots.
Try: Jersey Corn Whiskey
- ✓Historic location
- ✓Whiskey focus
- ✓Tours available
- ✓Bottle shop
Urban craft distilleries with cocktail culture
Asbury Park Distilling
Asbury Park · Vodka & Gin
Trendy distillery in downtown Asbury Park with a lively cocktail bar and unique spirit lineup.
Try: Asbury Gin
- ✓Cocktail bar
- ✓Live music nights
- ✓Craft spirits
- ✓Urban vibe
Red Bank Distilling
Red Bank · Rum & Bourbon
Boutique distillery focused on small-batch rum and aged spirits in a historic building.
Try: Aged Rum
- ✓Small batch
- ✓Aged spirits
- ✓Historic building
- ✓Tasting events
Beach-inspired spirits and island vibes
Beach Haven Spirits
Beach Haven · Vodka
LBI's craft distillery producing vodka and seasonal spirits with a beach vibe.
Try: LBI Vodka
- ✓Island vibe
- ✓Seasonal releases
- ✓Tasting room
- ✓Beach-inspired
Jersey Shore Distillery
Toms River · Vodka & Moonshine
Ocean County craft distillery known for vodka, moonshine, and creative seasonal infusions.
Try: Jersey Moonshine
- ✓Moonshine
- ✓Seasonal infusions
- ✓Tasting flights
- ✓Local favorite
Distillery Tips
Book Tours Ahead
Weekend tours fill up fast, especially in summer. Reserve online a few days in advance.
Designate a Driver
Tasting flights add up quickly. Plan ahead for safe transportation or stay nearby.
Ask About Exclusives
Many distilleries offer bottles you can only buy on-site—ask about limited releases.
Pair with Dining
Several distilleries are near great restaurants. Make an afternoon of tastings and dinner.
FAQ
What spirits are made at Jersey Shore distilleries?
Local distilleries produce vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, bourbon, and unique specialties like Jersey corn whiskey and cranberry-infused spirits.
Do distilleries offer tours and tastings?
Yes, most distilleries offer tours of their production facilities and tasting flights. Prices typically range from $10-20 per person for a tasting of 4-6 spirits.
Can you buy bottles at Jersey Shore distilleries?
Absolutely! All distilleries have retail shops where you can purchase bottles. Many offer exclusive or limited releases only available on-site.
Are distilleries family-friendly?
Most distillery tasting rooms are 21+ only. Some may allow minors during certain hours if they also serve food, but tastings are adults only.
Do distilleries serve cocktails?
Many distilleries have cocktail lounges or bars where bartenders craft drinks using their house-made spirits. It's a great way to sample spirits in cocktail form.
What's the best time to visit a distillery?
Weekday afternoons are typically less crowded. Saturday tours often book up, so reservations are recommended. Some distilleries offer special sunset or evening events.
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