Hatteras Island is a semi-dry island, which means that only beer and wine are served restaurants and bars. A limited number of establishments have “brown bag policies” where you can bring your own liquor, and the restaurant will provide the mixes and garnishes for a fee.
More common, for cocktail lovers, local restaurants offer wine-based mixed drinks. These are popular drinks made with a wine based liquor, and many folks attest it’s hard to tell the difference between these cocktails and the so-called real thing. For a refreshing post beach treat, try a wine based margarita, daiquiri or pina colada before your meal.
The only place to buy bottled liquor on the island is at the state run ABC store, located in Buxton. If you plan on enjoying cocktails at your home, swing by the ABC store when you visit the lighthouse or stop at one of the ABC stores in Kitty Hawk, Manteo or Nags Head along your trip down to the island.