Asheville's cocktail bars punch well above the city's size. Downtown alone has apothecary-style lounges, rooftop bars looking out at the Blue Ridge, and a run of speakeasies hidden behind other businesses, and the best of them take their drinks as seriously as the breweries take beer. This guide covers the cocktail bars in Asheville, NC worth planning a night around, what to order at each, and where the hidden bars actually are.
Everything below is downtown or a short ride from it unless noted. For the wider bar scene, pubs and dives included, see our guide to the best bars in Asheville.
Golden hour vibes at Antidote Bar | 📷: Antidote
Asheville's Cocktail Culture
A Blend of History and Innovation
Asheville's cocktail culture has come a long way from its humble roots, once defined by classic southern spirits and modest dives. Today, the city boasts an enviable reputation for innovative mixology with a commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Bartenders here are more than drink makers—they’re artisans, storytellers, and trailblazers redefining the craft of cocktails.
What Sets Asheville Apart?
Creative Mixology: Expect more than just a drink; every cocktail is an experience infused with artistry.
Local Ingredients: Distillers collaborate with farmers to infuse fresh, seasonal flavors into every sip.
Welcoming Vibe: Asheville’s cocktail scene is as warm and inviting as the people who hold it together.
With accolades from travel publications and food enthusiasts alike, Asheville has secured its place as a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers.
A Toast to the Town: Premier Cocktail Destinations
Here’s a closer look at some of the city’s best cocktail bars, each with its own personality and appeal.
Sipping and savoring at Leo’s with a glass of rosé, delicious bites, and cozy vibes. | 📷: Leo's House of Thirst
Leo's House of Thirst
Tucked away in an intimate setting, Leo’s House of Thirst exudes understated elegance. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and chic, ideal for those looking to unwind with innovative drinks or fine wines. Their cocktails are renowned for their balance and creativity, each one crafted to perfection.
Signature Sip: Try the “Blue Ridge Bloom,” a botanical gin cocktail infused with lavender and citrus notes. It’s like sipping the essence of Asheville itself.
Don’t Miss: Their curated wine selection, nominated for a James Beard award, is just as impressive as their cocktails, offering rare finds and crowd favorites alike.
A lineup of crafted cocktails from Sovereign Remedies—every pour is an experience. | 📷: Sovereign Remedies
Sovereign Remedies
Step into Sovereign Remedies, where an apothecary-inspired ambiance sets the mood for extraordinary cocktails. This bar takes mixology seriously, pairing house-made infusions with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their bartenders might even whip up something unique based on your preferred flavors.
Signature Sip: The “Bartender’s Choice” is perfect for the adventurous. Share your mood or favorite flavors, and they’ll craft a bespoke creation just for you.
The Vibe: Cozy yet sophisticated—a haven for intimate gatherings or solo evenings.
Sunshine, good vibes, and Montford’s cocktails that steal the show! | 📷: The Montford Rooftop Bar
The Montford Rooftop Bar
If you're seeking breathtaking views alongside your cocktail, The Montford is your destination. Perched atop a boutique hotel, this rooftop bar offers panoramic vistas of the mountains combined with a sleek yet inviting atmosphere.
Signature Sip: The “Mountain Manhattan” is a delightful twist on a classic, featuring locally distilled whiskey and smoked cherry syrup.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a seat by the outdoor fire pit and watch the sun set over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Crafted to perfection at Antidote—where every sip is the remedy you need. | 📷: Antidote
Antidote
Take a step back in time at Antidote, a Prohibition-style cocktail lounge known for its meticulous attention to detail. From the decor to the drinks, everything feels like a well-kept secret.
Signature Sip: Their “Smoke & Mirrors” cocktail is a smoky bourbon masterpiece you’ll want to savor slowly.
The Vibe: A speakeasy with a touch of glamour—perfect for special occasions or just indulging in a bit of luxury.
A bold sip with a touch of smoke—crafted to perfection at Capella on 9. | 📷: Capella on 9
Capella on 9
This upscale rooftop lounge atop the AC Hotel offers a chic, modern ambiance with an impressive cocktail menu. Capella on 9 combines Mediterranean-inspired bites with creative cocktails, making it an ideal spot for both sipping and snacking.
Signature Sip: The “Golden Hour,” a sparkling wine cocktail accented with elderflower and orange bitters, reflects the glimmering sunsets you’ll see from the terrace.
The Vibe: Upscale but unpretentious—perfect for date nights or celebrations.
Mixing up the perfect formula for a good time at The Chemist | 📷: The Chemist
The Chemist
Science meets mixology at The Chemist, a quirky and fun cocktail bar with a laboratory aesthetic. With beakers and test tubes adorning their bar setup, every drink feels like an experiment worth tasting.
Signature Sip: The “Nitro Negroni,” frozen using liquid nitrogen, provides both a visual and gustatory treat.
Don’t Miss: Their tasting flights, which allow you to sample a variety of cocktails in smaller portions.
Beyond the Classic Cocktail
Asheville’s cocktail scene doesn’t stop at bars. Here are a few other ways to explore the city’s sophisticated sips:
| 📷: Wicked Weed
Craft Breweries with Cocktail Programs
Some of Asheville’s beloved breweries, like Wicked Weed, have expanded to include innovative cocktail menus alongside their craft beers.
| 📷: Curate
Cocktail Classes and Workshops
Visit places like The Asheville School of Wine for an evening of fun, learning, and great drinks.
Tips for Navigating Asheville’s Cocktail Scene
Plan Ahead. Certain hotspots, like Leo’s House of Thirst, can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Booking reservations in advance is highly recommended.
Stay Hydrated . With all those unique cocktails, hydration is key—carry water and pace yourself to fully enjoy the experience.
Tip Well . Asheville’s bartenders are artisans in their own right. Show your appreciation for their craft with generous tips.
Use Ride-Sharing Services . Whether it’s Uber, Lyft, or a local cab, don’t take chances—get home safely after a fun night out.
Asheville speakeasies and hidden bars
Asheville has more hidden bars than a city this size should. These are the ones we cover, each with its own page:
The Crow & Quill is the benchmark: an antique-filled downtown speakeasy with more than 800 whiskeys and 1,000 spirits, board games and live music.
Pink Moon Bar is an outdoor cocktail and wine bar tucked behind The Double Crown in West Asheville, with password-only entry announced on Instagram.
The Low Down, from the Burial Beer team, is an underground room for curated cocktails and elevated bar snacks.
Strange Magic hides behind The Lazy Diamond and runs craft cocktails, natural wine and late-night DJ sets.
The Tiki Easy Bar takes the speakeasy format tropical, with rare and historic rums.
Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge is not hidden, but the historic bank vault and the burger make it the local pick for a late one.
More cocktail bars worth knowing
Beyond the bars above: Little Jumbo is the neighborhood cocktail bar locals send you to for classics done properly; Top of the Monk sits above Thirsty Monk with house-made bitters and a patio facing the mountains; The Observatory crowns The Restoration Hotel with botanical cocktails and city views; and in West Asheville, Golden Pineapple Cocktail Lounge handles the late-night, no-reservations end of the evening.
Our own pages on Leo's House of Thirst, Sovereign Remedies, Antidote and The Montford Rooftop Bar have the details on each.
For the full list of bars we cover, see the best bars in Asheville guide, and for what happens after the cocktail bars close, our Asheville nightlife guide.
The vibes are high, and the drinks are flowing at Montford Rooftop Bar! | 📷: The Montford Rooftop Bar