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Baton Rouge is the city of restaurants. For years it seemed as though going out to eat was about the only thing to do on a Friday night.

But it’s also a place that appreciates a great cocktail. Bartenders here know their customers expect tasty, well-balanced drinks, especially for the stout prices bars often fetch.

Signature cocktails abound in Baton Rouge, but some of them are simply a cut above. Here are seven to savor.

Gimlet at Duvic’s

It can get packed and hot in there, and this is the perfect cocktail to cool off with.

INGREDIENTS: Vodka or gin, shaken, and lime juice

PRICE: $8

ADDRESS: 2854 Kalurah St. (near the Perkins overpass)

Shroom Tea at Mellow Mushroom Pizza

Southerners love tea, especially when it’s spiked with alcohol and served along side a steaming hot slice of pie. Like a Long Island iced tea but with a raspberry twist, this signature sledgehammer of a drink is one way to loosen up for Tuesday’s open mic night.

INGREDIENTS: A secret (but think Long Island iced tea plus raspberry)

PRICE: $4

ADDRESS: 4250 Burbank Dr.

Jack and Coke at the Happy Note

The Happy Note is known for the potency of its drinks. There are no frills with this drink, often served in a non-descript plastic cup. It’s simply a heavy pour of Jack Daniel’s. Drink more than three, and someone will have to get you home in a wheelbarrow.

INGREDIENTS: Jack Daniel’s whiskey and Coke

PRICE: $5

ADDRESS: 3755 Perkins Rd.

Honey bourbon at Juban’s

They soak a honeycomb in bourbon for a month to concoct this beguiling elixir. It’s an excellent drink to sip while eavesdropping for insider stock tips, not to mention redoing your budget in your head to pay for the meal you’ve just eaten.

INGREDIENTS: Knob Creek whiskey and fermented honeycomb honey

PRICE: $8.50

ADDRESS: 3739 Perkins Rd.

The Knockout at Sullivan’s

Made and marinated with real pineapple, it just proves a cocktail can be a vital part of the USDA food pyramid.

INGREDIENTS: Finlandia vodka and fresh pineapple

PRICE: $9.75 (Thursday special $5)

ADDRESS: 5252 Corporate Blvd.

The dirty martini at Galatoire’s Bistro

Experience counts as the original 100-year-old restaurant survived Katrina, the flood of 1927 and having Richard Simmons as a guest. Imagine what they can do with vodka and olive juice.

INGREDIENTS: Vodka and olive juice

PRICE: $8 to $9, depending on which vodka you choose

ADDRESS: 17451 Perkins Rd.

The chocolate martini at Gino’s

Creamy, chocolaty and decadent, it gives Mama Gino’s red gravy a run for its money.

INGREDIENTS: Vodka, crème de cocoa, Godiva chocolate liqueur and heavy cream or Bailey’s Irish Cream

PRICE: $8 to $9.50

ADDRESS: 4542 Bennington Ave.