Using Your Amex Rewards to Get Some Great Cocktails

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10th September 2024
This post was written in collaboration with Media Strasse

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American Express has built a reputation for offering its patrons some really great customer perks, one of which is the rewards program-a plan that offers points on some basic purchases.

One lesser-known benefit with Amex rewards is the ability to redeem points for experiences, including dining and entertainment.

If you are a cocktail lover, then get ready, as your Amex points bring you class-leading drinks at some of the most incredible venues. From swanky rooftop bars to speakeasy-style cocktail lounges, the options really are endless for a night out and making the most of your rewards.

Below, we will be covering how to use your Amex rewards to enjoy great cocktails, where the best places to visit are, and how you can maximize your points. And for anyone whose interest in travel and entertainment is mixed with online casino gaming, we will have an interesting option. In any case, this article should provide insight into ways you can have fun while drinking cocktails and creating new experiences.

Amex Rewards and Dining: A Match Made in Heaven

Amex rewards are way more than just points; it is an entry into luxury one never knew existed. If you are that frequent traveler or enjoy dining in the finest restaurants around, you know what comes along with these points. But did you know you could use them for elevating your next night out at your favorite cocktail bar?

With many Amex cards, you get to rack up extra points for dining-consumer credit card terms for when you hit the bar or restaurant with that great cocktail menu. And once you're racking them up, there's plenty of ways to redeem them whether for a night of drinks with friends or a romantic night out.

How to Use Amex Rewards for Cocktails

Well, Amex allows the redemption of points for statement credits, gift cards, and even direct bookings through their travel and dining partners. If you're more interested in the cocktails, here are some ideas on how to make your points work for you:

Dining Statement Credits: Some Amex cards extend a statement credit when using your card at select restaurants or bars. Check with your Amex account to see if any of your local cocktail spots are part of this program. If they are, you can use your Amex card to pay and then use your rewards to cover it.

Amex Offers: Amex, from time to time, does special deals through bars and restaurants. You can see these by logging into your Amex account and then clicking the section labeled "Offers". Many of these deals include bonus points on dining or cash back on your bill, which makes saving pretty easy while sipping on some great cocktails.

Gift Cards: If your favorite cocktail bar is part of a larger restaurant group or chain, you might have the option to redeem Amex points for gift cards. This is great if you're planning on a big night out and you want to save on the bill.

Fine Dining Programs: For the high-end consumer, Amex also allows access to exclusive fine dining programs in which you can redeem your points for a full evening of drinks and food.

Best Cocktail Bars That Take Amex

The beauty of Amex is it's widely accepted at high-end venues, especially in major cities. Below are a few of the top cocktail bars across the U.S. that take Amex cards, and you might even be able to redeem points on your night out:

Death & Company, New York: It's a small cocktail bar that gives importance to skillful making and a warm atmosphere. If looking to earn points on an Amex card, this is the best place for that so that they can be redeemed later for another night.

Broken Shaker, Miami: This is a fabulous spot for tropical cocktails in a laid-back setting; one can really relax and enjoy some pretty cool drinks. Cardmember dining offers make this locale perfect to redeem those points toward future visits.

Pardon the interruption

Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.

The Aviary, Chicago: The idea of avant-garde mixology makes one want to spend an evening at The Aviary. Make sure to check any dining offers through Amex beforehand and make the most out of the night.

Smuggler's Cove, San Francisco: This is the holy grail for tiki lovers. You can use your Amex in this establishment, and if you are in luck, special deals could also be on offer to help you earn those extra points.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Amex Rewards

Timing and strategy are everything when it comes to maximizing your rewards from Amex. If you time it appropriately, you can actually double your benefit by capitalizing on promotions and bonus points.

Keep your eye out for promotions: Amex has, very frequently, limited-time promotions whereby you get bonus points earned on restaurants and bars. If you time your visits appropriately, you'll be accruing extra points just for having cocktails.

Link up Dining Partners via Amex: If you are using OpenTable or Resy for reservations, make sure to link your Amex account with it. You will earn points from even before you set foot in the bar.

Redeem Points for Experiences and Activities: Many of the American Express cards allow you to use your points in the experience department, whether this be a private, invitation-only event or a high-class dining experience. Pay close attention to these, especially in major cities with known craft cocktail establishments.

Mixology and Casino Gaming

For those who love a night on the town but chill in by playing a little online, another way to maximize Amex rewards is with casinos.us guide about the best Online Casinos that Accept Amex, so you can have some casino fun while still earning points.

Many of them grant you bonuses for signing up, while others run ongoing promotions-a great way to extend your Amex rewards. Whether it be a night out or gaming online, your Amex card is the key into both worlds.

A Toast to Rewarding Experiences

Indulging in a well-crafted cocktail is always special, more so knowing you are extracting maximum value out of your Amex reward system.

Well, with Amex, it isn't exactly rocket science: it starts from making you earn points on every drink to redeeming them on future nights out-quite easily.

From a sophisticated martini at a rooftop bar to a fruity daiquiri at a tiki lounge, you now know how to use your Amex rewards to make the most of that particular cocktail experience. Cheers to sipping in style!

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Bartender's top tip

Like cooking, making cocktails is a culinary art that benefits from tasting and adjusting. Before serving, taste your cocktail with a straw or spoon and adjust if necessary. Maybe it needs a touch more sweetness, a bit more acidity to brighten it up, or a dilution adjustment. Personalize each drink to your liking, and don't be afraid to stray from the recipe to create something that suits your taste perfectly.

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