We don’t just eat for a living, we are also charged with keeping track of the ever-changing food and drink scene in the Twin Cities.

We try a lot of beers and cocktails throughout the year, so it has to be really special for one in particular to stick out. Here are our five favorite drinks from 2019. Cheers!

The Celeste Negroni at Celeste St. Paul Hotel + Bar ($12)

The Celeste Negroni, top left, along with the Bad Habit and Sister Jane. (Courtesy Celeste St. Paul Hotel + Bar)

Negronis are hot right now, and the one at St. Paul’s newest cocktail spot is oh so smooth. Mixed drinks here use spirits from women-owned or -operated distilleries. And this combination of Dampfwerk London Dry Gin, Dampfwerk Hergolander, BroVo Jammy Vermouth is a tasty version of the classic cocktail.

Celeste St. Paul Hotel + Bar: 26 E. Exchange St., St. Paul; celestestpaul.com