It’s no secret that here in Asheville, chefs are driven to create their menus with the freshest and most innovative use of local ingredients. Locals and visitors alike agree that one of the best things about dining in our mountain town is the well-crafted menus filled with creative techniques and quality ingredients. So it seems only fitting that Asheville’s best restaurants and bars would follow suit by utilizing the same local ingredients and attention to quality for their craft cocktails. We are lucky to have so many talented mixologists here that spoil us with new, interesting, and delicious drinks. If you’re looking for a great place to try some of the best drinks Asheville has to offer, Here are some local watering holes that we feel best highlight the craft cocktail scene here in Foodtopia.
The Imperial Life
The Imperial life is the craft cocktail bar above and belonging to Table; Asheville’s first farm to table restaurant. In the same fashion as their sister restaurant, the ingredients at Imperial Life strive to be fresh, local, and unique. And while the ambiance is amazing, the drinks delicious, and the food satisfying; we believe the knowledgeable bartenders are what sets this place apart from all the rest in Asheville. A true love for the craft and desire to make sure you get a drink you love make for a wonderful experience at The Imperial Life.
Social Lounge
The Social Lounge was Asheville’s first craft cocktail bar in Asheville- and has been a favorite in the local scene ever since. For 5 years in a row, Social Lounge won “Best cocktails” is the annual “WNC Best Of” by local paper, MountainXpress. The Social is one of the only craft cocktail lounges with a rooftop bar. It is on that bar that they offer live DJs on the weekends, jazz brunch on Sundays, and where they have a private garden growing fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables to be used in their drinks. We recommend the Thalia, which utilizes their house-grown basil along with gin, pineapple, lime and bay leaves!
Sovereign Remedies
Sovereign Remedies takes the idea of the craft cocktail one step further; they focus on how their drinks can relate to nature and also how they can benefit you by drinking them. Sourcing primarily from their own farm and also their next door herbiery, Sovereign works to bring the community tasty beverages that are satisfying not only to the taste buds, but also to the body. We love the old-school apothecary feel that this bar exudes, along with the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
In addition to the local craft cocktail bars, there are many restaurants around town that offer particularly outstanding bar programs. Zambra and Rhubarb both have creative beverage options that easily rival the gradeur of their menus. Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro is where any rum affecianodo should migrate to for a cocktail. And the bar program at Cucina 24 is constantly pushing boundaries of creativity and innovation.
So next time you’re looking for a place to wet that whistle, consider a one of these amazing establishments that are sure to satisfy any of your imbibing needs. Also, you may visit these establishments to enjoy a beverage AND food pairing to go with it, on our walking food tours any day of the week!!
Cheers Asheville!!
