Small-Town Tipples

For the longest time, Asheville seemed the only destination for a good cocktail in Western North Carolina. If you simply wanted a good craft beer or glass of wine, you were set in any of our tiny towns, but crave a real old fashioned—whiskey, bitters, and sugar sans the club soda and zombie-pink cherry—or a proper Manhattan—stirred, not shaken—and you were often out of luck. (At a Hendersonville “cocktail” bar one Derby Day, I ordered a mint julep only to be served a pint-glass potion of rye whiskey and ginger ale.) But a handful of plucky small-town mixologists are shaking things up.

The Cut Cocktail Lounge - Sylva

Gothic charm and curious concoctions abound at The Cut, a quiet cocktail joint on Main Street in the sleepy college town of Sylva. In addition to unique originals like “Two Blackbirds”—black rum with dandelion and burdock syrup, lime juice, and an egg white—they also have a selection of CBD-infused mocktails like the “Elderberry Ricky,” a blend of blueberry compote, lime juice, elderberry syrup, and soda. There’s also a small menu of Latin fare to feast upon. www.thecutcocktaillounge.com

Breadheads Tiki Shak - Sylva

In the mood for something sweeter? Look no further than this quirky tiki hut on the main drag in Sylva. Shane and Rebecca Bennett started Breadheads as a food truck slinging sandwiches but added painkillers and zombies to the menu after finding their brick-and-mortar space in an old diner. Serving food and drinks until 2 a.m., this late-night joint is a cool spot to catch live music and sip an island-inspired cocktail in the mountains. www.breadheadstikishak.com

Liondog Lounge - Weaverville

On a serene side street tucked away from Weaverville’s bustling two-stoplight main street lies the Liondog Lounge, a petite and peaceful spot that stirs up a proper tipple. Bargoers appreciate the moody atmosphere, complete with dim lights, jazz trumpet crooning across excellent speakers, and a comfy couch on which to relax. With a menu that focuses keenly on classic cocktails both new and old, it’s a cozy place to slip into a Sazerac or Between the Sheets. www.liondoglounge.com

_{Photos (2) by Jenna Saine}

Pinky Promise - Hendersonville

Opened by World Class U.S. Top 100 bartender Timmie Hoffman—formerly of the award-winning Happy Accidents cocktail bar in Albuquerque—Pinky Promise makes a strong contender for best cocktail bar in WNC. The Hendersonville native has designed a playful, charming, and unpretentious space with a menu of cocktails that are as pretty and imaginative as they are delicious. “Let Me Upgrade Ya,” their bright purple take on a lemon drop made with citrus oleo, is topped with a smoked bubble that pops before you sip. Their espresso martini is as deep and flavorful as possible, made even richer with a coco-oat foam. Several cocktails can also be served as mocktails, and don’t miss the elevated hot dogs at this hip bar in a peaceful little town. www.pinkypromisebarhvl.com

Bevel Bar - Weaverville

Hidden behind Ax & Awl Leatherwork’s shop, there’s a secret: a handsome speakeasy that dishes out hearty cocktails and classic spirits every weekend. Here, records spin on the hi-fi while glasses clink in the dim light of a tranquil, sophisticated, and intimate bar. This one’s a private club, so you’ll need to sign up for a membership at Ax & Awl during their regular business hours before being granted entry. www.bevelbar.com