The Sagamore Pendry Is Baltimore's Top Destination For Cocktail Lovers

With more than 550,000 residents within its borders, Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland.

Officially founded in 1729, the harborside city of Baltimore is renowned for its fascinating and lengthy history, serving as a prominent point for immigration throughout the 1800s as well as the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner. While destinations like the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and Fort McHenry National Monument offer ample insight into the intricate background of the surrounding region, visitors can spot physical evidence of Baltimore's historic significance during a leisurely stroll around town, with landmarks like the 1820s-era Phoenix Shot Tower and 1840s-era Lloyd Street Synagogue on full display—and one structure in particular doubles as one of the city's most sought-after destinations for a masterfully-crafted cocktail.

Operating within a refurbished Beaux Arts-style structure that dates back to 1914, the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore serves as one of Maryland's crown jewels of luxury travel, first opened as a hotel in 2017. While there are 128 plush rooms and suites awaiting visitors, the property has also earned abundant acclaim for its refined drinking and dining destinations, with three separate venues available for visitors.

For fans of hearty Italian cuisine, it's tough to find a better—and more beautiful—destination than Rec Pier Chop House, a dazzling space that serves up dishes like roasted Maryland rockfish and dry-aged bone-in ribeye crafted at the behest of Chef Andrew Carmellini. Yet when it comes to the perfect cocktail, there's no beating The Cannon Room. Armed with a prestigious armada of spirits served alongside beer, wine, and small bites, this polished spot has earned abundant acclaim for its close ties to Maryland's spirits scene, with the local favorite Sagamore Spirit serving as a key component of the ever-changing Cannon Room cocktail menu.

The earliest recorded recipe for an Old Fashioned dates back to 1895.

"I'm partial to Barrel Select Old Fashioned," says Maxwell Armstrong, Sagamore Pendry Baltimore's Food & Beverage Manager. "We, as a bar team, take an annual trip out to Sagamore Farm to pick out a 6-year-aged single barrel for exclusive use of the Pendry. The whole team goes up to the farm, we all drink from the spring, then sit around and taste rye for the afternoon. It's a spectacular bonding experience, and as of yet, little has done more to bring the team together. We then get the opportunity to join the Sagamore team at the distillery on the bottling line, filling our selection and signing each bottle that comes off the line. Once in house, we create an Old Fashioned recipe that not only highlights the unique flavors of the barrel, but also the tastes of the bar team that selected the juice."

While the Pendry Old Fashioned showcases the flavors of Maryland at their best, The Cannon Room is equipped with a diverse array of other drinking options to sample as well. For tequila fans, the Tuxedo No. 2 unites maraschino, dry vermouth, and Clase Azul Plata to create a mixture that's just as refreshing as it is sweet, while the Apollo is a top choice for those in search of the perfect nightcap, loaded with Luna Aperitivo, citrus, and sherry that's topped off with a touch of Chandon. To keep with the whiskey theme after a perfect Old Fashioned, guests can snag a wealth of classics ranging from Boulevardiers to Black Manhattans—and of course, the Sagamore Pendry is no stranger to top-tier craft beer, with Union Craft Brewing's Foxy Red IPA serving as the perfect selection for hop lovers.

Baltimore is often referred to as "Charm City."

While The Cannon Room is a local favorite for cocktail aficionados, there's a lot more to do around the property than just hang out by the bar. During a stay, guests are welcome to take advantage of the balmy weather and hit The Pool, a seasonal outdoor water feature that offers spectacular open-air views of the surrounding harbor—and to sweeten the deal, the property also offers six private cabanas for guests to book, with fresh fruit and a cold bottle of Moët & Chandon waiting to greet visitors upon arrival. After a long day spent in the sun, guests can treat themselves to a lavish spa treatment just a short ride away from the property by water taxi, with a wide range of facials and massages all open for booking.

The exterior of the Sagamore Pendry may date back more than a century, but the hotel's food and drink scene is anything but antiquated. Upon arrival, guests can discover refined takes on classic Maryland dishes like Chesapeake oysters and crab cakes, all served alongside complex cocktails brimming with top-notch local whiskey. Whether you’re a seasoned Baltimore aficionado or you’re paying your first visit to the city, the Sagamore Pendry is certain to leave you with fond memories, offering a taste of Charm City all neatly mixed into one glass.