Exploring Cocktail Trends in Asheville

Cocktail trends in Asheville, according to readers, bartenders

Old Fashioned traditions

A tried-and-true classic is what imbibers want most when it’s time to unwind with a spirited cocktail, according to a recent survey conducted by the Citizen Times and local bartenders. Citizen Times readers voted for their favorite cocktail in a poll open from March 20-March 31. The Old Fashioned won with 25% of the votes. The Negroni came in second at 14% with the Manhattan in a close third at 13%.

The poll results align with what local bartenders have witnessed in Asheville’s bar scene as classic cocktails remain favorites with customers, however, there’s plenty of room for contemporary recipes and experimentation.

Martini and mezcal madness

Mezcal and mezcal cocktails have risen in popularity due to their increased availability in the U.S. within the past decade. “The American public has gotten a taste for it,” said Boyer. “We still can’t get a lot of what you can get in Oaxaca (Mexico) but those drinks have become more popular.”

Boyer regularly makes mezcal Old Fashioneds and Naked & Infamous ― made with mezcal, yellow chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice.

National cocktail trends

One national trend is in-house-made ice cubes, with some bars using artisan ice cubes hand-carved from large blocks or molds.

Ingredients native to Asia are also gaining popularity in cocktails, such as ube, Japanese herbs and citrus, and pandan. Additionally, fat-washing remains popular, with bartenders experimenting with different rinsing ingredients.

What bar customers want, what bartenders don’t

Craft cocktail bars in Asheville are known for premium, house-made ingredients and their bartenders’ creativity. Guests in Asheville are often daring with their drink requests.

Some cocktails may make bartenders cringe due to their complexities or time-consuming preparation, like the Ramos Gin Fizz.