Community Cocktails
From PBFs to Shotskis, here are eight of downtown Bellingham’s iconic drinks
Story by Neisha Gaskins
Photos by Courtney Sipila
Published Feb. 27, 2026
Neisha Gaskins (left) and Charlie Nunes (right) prepare to take a shot of iced tea at Sweet As Waffles.
Community gatherings and celebrations are integral to a place like Bellingham. College students bar-hop for their friend’s 21st birthday, long-time communities gather to enjoy quality time at their third place and coworkers pull up a chair to unwind after work. Whatever the occasion may be, Downtown Bellingham bars are the place to go, and each has something special on tap.
It might be while you’re in line at The Orion and recommended the Cassiopeia. Or just a couple of blocks down the street, at The Ranch Room, where the Mystery Shot takes the crown. Your have-to-try list is getting long, and you can’t make up your mind on what to get.
Although only highlighting a sliver of the iconic drinks patrons can order in the downtown area, here’s a curated list that serves up something for everyone. From fruity and bubbly to tart and hoppy, there’s a reason why these sips are so popular. So next time you’re out with a group of friends, don’t be surprised when at least one of these eight drinks ends up on your tab.
Cassiopeia at The Orion.
THE ORION: CASSIOPEIA
Illuminated by constellation art decorating the bar, the Cassiopeia displays a stunning gradient from red to pink. A mix of peach vodka, muddled citrus, lemonade and soda, the cocktail is topped off with a lemon and peach ring. With an array of other galaxy-themed drinks to choose from and soft rock playing in the surrounding speakers, The Orion provides a magical aura to kick off a night of touring Bellingham’s bar scene.
SWEET AS WAFFLES: SHOT-SKI
Served in a miniature ski boot, the Shotski is exactly what the name suggests. With alcohol of your choosing, up to four people lift a ski at once, making Sweet As Waffles a great stop for groups. With six hops left to their bar crawl, Neisha Gaskins (left) and Charlie Nunes (right) prepare to take a shot of iced tea.
RUMORS CABARET: PILLOW PRINCESS
Flashing colorful lights, pool tables and photobooths paired with Lady Gaga pouring from the speakers make for an electric, dance-filled night. Created by bartender Ezra Wagoner and a friend, the Pillow Princess cocktail came from a surplus of Pink Whitney, watermelon and the need for a lesbian-inspired drink. Its name, like many of the other drinks offered at Rumors Cabaret, is a humorous innuendo.
L&L LIBATIONS: DESERT ROSE / SUPER GRAPHIC ULTRA MODERN
Music from SZA, Addison Rae and Leon Thomas can be heard throughout the decorative bar, plants galore beneath colorful lights. With too many stunning cocktails to choose from, bartender Liv Clough recommends: Desert Rose and Super Graphic Ultra Modern, the latter an ode to musician Chappell Roan. With a variety of ingredients such as tequila, grapefruit, coconut cream syrup and salted rims, L&L Libations has it all.
Pillow Princess at Rumors Cabaret.
THE RANCH ROOM: MYSTERY SHOT
With six different mystery alcohols and a die to roll, the choice is made by fate. Paired with a chaser, the Mystery Shot at The Ranch Room, located in the back of Horseshoe Cafe, is an amusing surprise. The classic dive bar has a dark, cozy atmosphere with pool tables, happy hour and a game day menu. My mystery shot was rum, and bartender Demitri Pence paired it with a Coca-Cola chaser.
BEAVER INN: SEEK OUT CIDER PITCHER
Instead of committing to an entire pitcher of beer, the fizzy, deep red cider was offered in a shot glass. Seek Out Cider, poured at Beaver Inn, is crafted in Oregon and sources apples from local Oregon and Washington farms. The bar itself is long, paired with plush barstools and an impressive selection of alcohol behind the counter.
CAP HANSEN’S: PBF (PERUVIAN BEAR FUCKER)
Cap Hansen’s mix of spiced rum, a splash of orange juice and beer is not something you sip — you have to chug. Before chugging the PBF, you drop the shot of rum into the orange juice and beer, creating a competition between you and your friends: who can drink the fastest? With ambient red lighting filling the bar, paintings of monkeys on the ceiling and iconic TV characters framed on the walls, Cap Hansen’s makes for an eye-catching atmosphere.
THE CABIN TAVERN: BOOT MARGARITA
Originally served in a boot, The Cabin Tavern’s classic margarita is most popular for its simplicity and long-time reputation. While loud, country-esque music fills the bar, and booths and stools swarm with people, you’ll maneuver out back to the bar’s firepit. The tart beverage pairs nicely with an iconic Cabin smash burger and fries, a perfect combination after a long, enjoyable night out.