Sweatman’s Garden is as visually dazzling as it is delicious
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
The highly-anticipated Sweatman’s Garden has officially opened in South Windermere and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen in West Ashley. Charleston’s first sodary and fondue lounge is a true delight for the senses. Upon entering the door, you’re immediately wowed by the stunning decor.
The location has seen a rotating cast of tenants over the last two decades, from Med Deli to most recently Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen. But Sweatman’s Garden owners Danielle and Brent Sweatman have reinvented the expansive space and made it a visual treat for the eyes that is only matched by the vibrant sodas and cocktails that they handcraft.
Once inside, you understand the “garden” part in the name. You are enveloped by dozens upon dozens of plants, which create a lush and welcoming vibe.
“It’s a funky, cozy lounge where you can come as you are and have a delicious beverage, whatever that means to you,” says Danielle. “Think ’70s disco jungle where you can have a warm pot of cheese and the best ginger beer you’ve ever had in your life next to a case overflowing with orchids.”
Danielle’s husband and business partner Brent is the mad scientist soda maker behind the place’s inventive concoctions. And while she’s undoubtedly proud of her man, it’s not hyperbole that it’s the best ginger beer you’ve ever had. Brent is a bit of a legend within the local cocktail scene.
“Brent has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to spirits after being a bartender/mixologist and writing many cocktail programs in the Charleston area,” says Danielle. “You may not realize it but he’s probably the man behind the curtain of many of your favorite cocktails around town.” Brent has created the cocktail program for some of the hottest spots downtown and many of the top bars and restaurants are using his mixers, like his famed ginger beer and tonic.
“I personally really love the tonic because it completely reversed my ideas of what tonic is and the ingredients in it are actually all very good for you,” says Danielle. “We love serving people something that they can feel good about putting in their body.”
On that note, many will be excited to know that it’s not all about the booze at Sweatman’s Garden. Sure they have a thoughtful line-up of spirits that can be mixed with any of their sodas, but the focus is on handcrafted sodas.
Despite Brent’s extensive knowledge and mastery of mixing cocktails, he has been sober for nearly two years. Danielle quit drinking at the same time.
“While this was amazing for our relationship and overall lifestyle, navigating friendships and the drinking culture of Charleston was a little more complicated. It’s not always easy being sober in this town, so I hope our spot makes it just a little easier and less awkward for some people,” says Danielle, adding that they wanted to create a space where folks could feel comfortable drinking or not while offering more options for everyone.
“I hate the idea that not drinking might mean skipping a night out with friends, keeping you from going on a first date, or grabbing that after-work drink with coworkers,” she says. “We have experienced how hard social situations can be not drinking and challenging social norms was a big driving force when we started thinking about what we wanted Sweatman’s Garden to look like. Drinking in Charleston is so pervasive and I feel really passionately about being able to create a space for absolutely everyone!”
Danielle says she and Brent have also gotten really excited about the Delta-8 and Delta-9 products that are coming to the market.
“We truly identify as ‘California-sober,’ so it’s a fun opportunity for us to dive into the world of spiritless cannabis drinks. We really love the Levity line of cannabis spirits and are stoked to be able to offer these products to the sober-curious and California-sober community to have even less drinking FOMO (fear of missing out).”
On their opening day, the Sweatmans said it was great to see groups where some people were drinking and others were just drinking sodas or having cannabis cocktails without it being a big deal.
“We are super excited to create an inclusive hangout space,” says Danielle.
Beyond the hand-crafted beverages, Sweatman’s Garden also serves up another unique offering, several different fondue options to snack on.
“Who doesn’t love cheese and chocolate? On top of being delicious, it also helps us streamline things on our end. Kitchen staffing has been difficult for some time but especially since COVID so not having to hire a kitchen staff has been a huge relief,” says Daniel. “Working in food and bev for so long, I have seen how hard it is for other local businesses to stay staffed and open with the plague of staffing woes.
According to Danielle, Sweatman’s Garden plans to do some pop-ups and kitchen take overs in the future.
“We’re really looking forward to letting our talented food and bev friends and family do their thing,” she says. “I would love to dive into collaborations with local businesses, chefs, and restaurants. Hopefully we can announce some great partnerships and events very soon.”
