7 Places to Enjoy a Cocktail in Blue Ridge (with recipes)
Spring and summer weather afford more reasons to explore Blue Ridge on the trails, in the shops and aboard the train. When you need a rest (or some air conditioning) head into one of these seven restaurants for a specialty craft cocktail. They’re out of this world and even better when paired with friends and family.
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill (pictured above)
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s is a downtown treasure with an upscale casual atmosphere; the type of place you want to be while you’re enjoying your friends and ordering a second drink. The Shrimp and Grits are delicious, and the Tomato Bisque is a crowd favorite.
As for cocktails, we love the Chester’s Mary with pepper vodka, and the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned! Don’t miss the cocktail lounge above the restaurant, Hideaway at Chester Brunnenmeyer’s. Lounge on the leather chairs and couches under subdued lighting while you wait for your table with a Moscow Mule. Chester Provisions is their shop with everything you need to build your own at-home libation.
Thank you to Chester Brunnenmeyer’s for sharing the secret to one of their popular drinks.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/TheWookie.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=4df2d4308366fe826e43e16a7e0a4413 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/TheWookie.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=65d7be4d8f6ae6d03df09da0980d3a40 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/TheWookie.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=402a0a1aceac498e2961d9fbac278443 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/TheWookie.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=3a2c3cc706c3983e8160de4d621a2de1 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/TheWookie.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=900&q=80&w=1200&s=af35339da6896d18657ee18e6f079431 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/TheWookie.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1080&q=80&w=1440&s=2c84902532ec8ed73ae47192ead827bf 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/TheWookie.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1440&q=80&w=1920&s=5003937ac5262e1cbe533198c6fad5b7 1920w)
The Wookie
1.5 oz house-infused habanero pineapple tequila
1 oz Combier orange
1 oz sour mix
Slash of cranberry
Shake and serve over ice with a salted rim
Mona Lisa’s Dessert House
Sometimes you don’t need a full dinner–just a marvelous martini (and maybe a slice of Blackberry Lemon Buttercream Cake on the side). Enter Mona Lisa’s: An elegant dessert house featuring scratch-made sweets and martinis, wines and other adult indulgences!
Can’t make up your mind between dessert and a cocktail? Combine them! Their Black Forrest Trifle with homemade Cherry Liqueur sauce is a decadent splurge.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Martini-Mona-Lisas-Cocktail-Blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9fb0d66a67baa14608a05a46a76c1c43 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Martini-Mona-Lisas-Cocktail-Blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d3b8bc754d3a7cc752c21cbfde21d06d 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Martini-Mona-Lisas-Cocktail-Blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f70e45c095e1861161cb1c7ccc14cbc3 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Martini-Mona-Lisas-Cocktail-Blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=cd6a2c88b209d64ad9c75576e3fbcced 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Martini-Mona-Lisas-Cocktail-Blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=1e26dac368d68db7a50a0c55bc6f2305 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Martini-Mona-Lisas-Cocktail-Blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=044010a8e2223407efd7c69b8f15bf0e 1440w)
Masseria Kitchen & Bar
The Mediterranean Basin meets the Appalachian Mountains at Masseria. Try House Special Roasted Brisket with polenta or Eggplant Parmesan with cous cous. Yum! But don’t stop there; every unique dish deserves the perfect cocktail paring. Masseria crafts their own infusions, bitters and handmade syrups for creative elixirs that are constantly changing.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Masseria-Calico-Punch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=18458cf99e2b233a97b6150d39c9fa29 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Masseria-Calico-Punch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=61c8b0e555bcbbce91dfca78f6f27153 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Masseria-Calico-Punch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=e036e2242dfa16346747566975c4d5ac 562w)
The Black Sheep
Blue Ridge’s largest outdoor bar and patio can be found at The Black Sheep. Take it easy under the grand 200-year-old oak tree while sipping a bourbon at this home-turned-restaurant, the historic William Butt House, circa 1914. It was one of the first homes in the area to have indoor plumbing, built by the former Georgia Legislator and Blue Ridge Mayor.
Tuna Nachos, Black Sheep Meatloaf or Veal Osso Bucco are just a few of the dinner options available as pairings to your main course–the cocktail. Try the Blue Ridge Lavender Smash, a Georgia Peach Bourbon or their highly desired Trouble in Blue Ridge. Lucky you, they’ve shared the recipe so you can enjoy one at home to remind you of your time here.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Trouble-in-Blue-Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.489&fp-y=0.2633&h=240&q=80&w=320&s=b4486ec8f228dbe34ba03d4ab2b9c752 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Trouble-in-Blue-Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.489&fp-y=0.2633&h=405&q=80&w=540&s=0bebdd17dcec89d2a91c6ce50eb7ab7b 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Trouble-in-Blue-Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.489&fp-y=0.2633&h=576&q=80&w=768&s=f9f3e7c72eefa72fced7ac780a246fc1 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Trouble-in-Blue-Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.489&fp-y=0.2633&h=768&q=80&w=1024&s=ef21873922d9ae2a2f50a6ab44be62fe 928w)
Trouble in Blue Ridge
2 oz Four Roses bourbon
1 oz Campari
.5 oz each of lemon juice, grapefruit juice and honey water
Basil leaf
Shake in a shaker with ice.
Strain and garnish with basil leaf and fresh cracked pepper.
The Dogwood
Just down from The Black Sheep and owned by the same fantastic crew is The Dogwood. If your cocktail vibe requires a more casual setting, then come grab a drink here. 150 outside seats are primed for your hangout pleasure, with live music and no TVs…just pure al fresco fun.
Specialty craft cocktails are top of mind, but there is also a wonderful wine list and a “beer garage” with over 70 options for creating your own six-pack. The menu offers 10 curated dishes served in portions made for sharing while you chill out to the music and friendly conversation.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Dogwood-La-Vie-En-Rose.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7a5b25a6bfe0e8af85c049672fdfc672 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Dogwood-La-Vie-En-Rose.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c2960aa5c5a8ebbc8abd65a1046c02b0 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Dogwood-La-Vie-En-Rose.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=900f652c93fd8b1805cb61335f9bc097 720w)
Harvest on Main
If you’re shopping on Main Street and looking for a place to pull up a chair, nosh on delicious eats and sip a craft cocktail, then Harvest on Main is ideal. Try a Harvest Sangria paired with a dish that leverages the local growers like Mercier Orchards and Brasstown Beef.
Boat Dock Bar & Grill
After you’ve spent the day on the waters of Lake Blue Ridge, step foot on land at Boat Dock Bar & Grill for a casual (but classy) cocktail. The best seat in the house is on the deck or at the tiki bar, with views of the lake and a brilliant sunset.
Wandering out there on the weekend? You’ll love the live music on the weekends.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Boat-Dock-Bar-Pineapple-Rum-Runner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=70bdddecfd421565a821427c687fe18f 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Boat-Dock-Bar-Pineapple-Rum-Runner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=1adc2208a629f1831647d8f9270125ef 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Boat-Dock-Bar-Pineapple-Rum-Runner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3e28c9a636bed02fca443328a786814b 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Boat-Dock-Bar-Pineapple-Rum-Runner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=483369a18ab25b2b93d5fbbac9d67f45 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Boat-Dock-Bar-Pineapple-Rum-Runner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=3699db09ce53e703e1329aa16ca1af16 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Boat-Dock-Bar-Pineapple-Rum-Runner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=371b52267a214233b78eeba367d5b00f 1440w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/archive/blog-images/Boat-Dock-Bar-Pineapple-Rum-Runner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=6a02d170ac52990325e9f2c76fe348e3 1511w)