A Walk in the Garden
Sweatman’s Garden is rethinking the way we drink to create a welcoming space for all.
Sweatman’s Garden is making “sodary” happen. While it is a full-service bar, Sweatman’s positions itself as a soda-first space to prioritize inclusivity. No matter which way the guests sip, the West Ashley brick-and-mortar has got it covered.
The tonic
Brent’s signature soda, now known as the OG Tonic, started as a passion project 12 years ago and became beloved at bars across the city. It’s infused with “an extensive ingredient list” of “things that are good for you,” including cinchona bark, wormwood, milk thistle, ginkgo, citrus, and a blend of warm spices.
Sodas and Mixes
Sweatman’s now churns out a slew of sodas in classic and seasonal flavors, along with custom blends for bars. Brent started the line with ginger beer and a ginger-lime mule mix, and has since created over 50 flavors, with a rotating selection of 12 served on tap at Sweatman’s Garden.
Additions
At the bar, guests start their journey by choosing a soda, and then they have the option to add spirits for an additional charge, including a selection of zero proof and cannabis-infused products. “The menu is built with the sodas first, and you add things from there,” says Danielle. “[We] don’t want to make anyone feel alienated, so you’re not asking for a cocktail and then removing things. It makes the choice easier.”
Specialty Cocktails
On a chalkboard behind the bar, Danielle keeps an ever-evolving list of original creations. “I change the specials weekly. I want everyone to be happy with what they are drinking, so it's an extensive list.” Some are more classically inspired while others expand on Brent’s sodas, like the Virgo’s Groove with lime cream soda, Tequila, mezcal, and Cynar.
Retail
In addition to selling their sodas by the keg, the Sweatmans offer refillable growlers and growlettes so that guests can enjoy their favorite Sweatman’s beverages at home. The duo is also diving into canning and online sales to grow the reach of their product. “We want to be an accessible place no matter where [we are].”
