A relaxed, artsy mountain community, Asheville is better known as a destination for outdoor adventures than as a cocktail haven. But the small city is full of big ideas and bubbling with creativity—particularly in its food and drink scene. Over the past 15 years or so, Asheville has quietly grown beyond its moonshine-making roots to cultivate a lively and collaborative industry for spirits production, which enriches the cocktails. Despite operating in a control state, Asheville bars manage to feature impressive and eclectic offerings, from extensive mezcal and tequila collections to dedicated absinthe menus. But bartenders here also stay rooted in the bounty of western North Carolina’s family-owned farms and biodiverse forests. Drinks often showcase ingredients concocted from the city’s own fresh fruits, herbs and foraged treasures, and locally distilled vodkas, rums and gins—even homegrown Appalachian amaro—frequently find top billing. The bars on this list range from pioneers of the cocktail scene to innovative newcomers, located everywhere from historic buildings in the heart of downtown to West Asheville’s funky, fabulous Haywood Road strip. Through their individual concepts and thoughtfully designed drinks, each embodies a different facet of the city’s singular spirit.

Asheville

Where to drink in

With only a limited time in the city, here are the can’t-miss cocktail bars.

By Gina Smith

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