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.

Around the corner on Grand Street, Fresh Kills (from Richie Boccato) has been quietly serving some of the best cocktails in Brooklyn for nearly a decade.

NOTABLE AND NEARBY

• When outdoor seating is available, the wisteria-draped garden (book ahead on Resy) might fool you into thinking you’re somewhere between Louisiana and Provence. • While Maison excels at the A-list classics, look closely and you’ll find lovingly executed takes on B-side hits, like the Yellow Parrot and the Obituary, that make the case for revival.

NICE TO KNOW

Where to drink in

PRESENTED BY

By Gina Smith

PRESENTED BY

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