Shagri-La Island Bar, a new craft cocktail bar in Carolina Beach, promises the perfect escape from the typical beach bar scene.

Couples and friends can relax in Shagri-La’s many lounge areas while sipping on an array of unique, refreshing cocktails or, if they prefer, indulging in time-tested favorites.

Shagri-La’s rotating craft cocktails are based on in-season fruits, according to the bar's owner, Nicole Adkins. To further ensure her cocktails meet the strictest taste test, Adkins makes her own syrup tinctures and juices. Those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks can imbibe in the bar’s mocktails.

“We have fruity cocktails, simple sweet drinks, wine cocktails, sangrias, fruity wine spritzers, and scotch or other liquors,” Adkins said. “We have all of those things.”

Since opening two weeks ago, many of Adkins' creations, which often combine the fruit juices with carefully selected liqueurs, have already hit the bestseller list. Examples include Shagri-La’s Seedy Situation, which combines watermelon juice, mezcal, and artichoke amaro (an Italian aperitif) for a juicy drink with smoky undertones; Call Me Yellow Mellow, a light, citrusy drink based on gin, Liquore Strega (saffron amaro), lemon juice, and honey syrup; and Shag Fashioned, a stiffer drink that is an old fashioned dressed up with a bit of spice and cherry.

Shagri-La offers a small menu of shared plates that is changed bi-weekly. The fare includes charcuterie boards, cheese plates, artichoke and spinach dip, deviled eggs, and other light meals.The cocktail bar is a nice little spot where locals can hang out all year-round, Adkins said.

“I created a place I would want to go to,” Adkins said. “It’s a cozy, classy place where people can hang out. They can bring their parents or grandparents here.”

The space takes over the former Surf House restaurant, which rebranded to Coast: Craft Cocktails & Calabash last year before closing for good.

Adkins operated Little Jumbo in Asheville for several years, which Garden & Gun Magazine named one of the best cocktail bars in the South last year. She joined forces with Little Jumbo partner Chall Gray on Shagri-La, which is named as an homage to the area being the birthplace of the shag dance.

Shagri-La is located at 604 N. Lake Park Blvd. and is open Thursday Through Monday from 5 to 10 p.m. 

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Nicole Adkins' name.