James Beard Award Winner Brings Slow Drinks to Asheville

Asheville, NC

Meet the James Beard Award Winner Bringing Slow Drinks to Asheville

Danny Childs recently won a 2024 James Beard Foundation Book Award for his book “Slow Drinks: A Field Guide to Foraging and Fermenting Seasonal Sodas, Botanical Cocktails, Homemade Wines, and More.” And now, the author/ethnobotanist/bartender is bringing his backyard mixology expertise to Asheville with a series of special events.

Events in Asheville

Childs’ Asheville tour begins on Saturday, June 29 at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins with an Amaro Adventure, where Childs will lead a foraging tour, letting you gather goods to create your own amaro, followed by a party with live music and a food truck.

On Sunday, June 30, enjoy a five-course dinner prepared by the chefs of Gemelli and Strada using ingredients foraged on a No Taste Like Home tour, paired with cocktails and mocktails by Childs. Check on the Gemelli site for tickets.

On Monday, July 1, Childs will take over the bar at Chai Pani and MG Mini to serve up drinks from his book, including new cocktails and a nonalcoholic soda that bridges the flavors of Appalachia and India.

If you want to learn to incorporate local and foraged ingredients into your cocktails, the Tuesday, July 2 edition of Eda Rhyne’s Cocktail Lab is for you. Childs will talk through the process with Eda Rhyne co-owner Chris Bower before a pop-up with a special menu + book signing.

Exploring the Slow Food Movement

To learn more about Childs and his approach to the Slow Food Movement, follow him on Instagram — you’ll find how-tos on seed starting, foraging, and making special fermented beverages.

Conclusion

Don’t miss the chance to explore the world of slow drinks with James Beard Award winner Danny Childs in Asheville. From foraging tours to cocktail pairing dinners, there’s something for everyone to enjoy his unique approach to mixing drinks. Stay tuned for a taste of Appalachia and India in a single glass.