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Weekly Scoop (September 2-8) - The Urban Gastronome has a drink with the Pink Lady 👄🍸 Plus lots to do this week!


Drink This... with The Urban Gastronome

 

An evening with the Pink Lady and Cultivated Cocktails

There are countless exciting things to eat and drink in the AVL. So for me, diving into the craft beverage scene was a seamless transition from my hobby to what is now a career. Besides, who doesn’t want to taste all of these fantastic beverages that Asheville offers?
 

As stated in my last article, I wander the streets thirsting for a good libation. However, flavor isn't the only important thing; it's the story and the tools needed to make it a memorable experience. One place that comes to mind is a locally owned distillery: Cultivated Cocktails. Recently they had a re-branding from their old name, H&H Distillery. The Howard's (Wendell, Taylor, and Leah) have been crafting spirits here locally for four years and are the most down to earth, amazing people. Not only do they offer an array of tasty North Carolina spirits, but they also have a new retail location downtown that will blow your mind.
 

Cultivated Cocktails is ideal for the cocktail enthusiast (like myself), and it is the one-stop shop for all of your party needs. When you first walk in, your breath is taken away by the beautifully decorated shop. The walls and counters provide everything you need to set up your bar at home–spirits, copper bar tools, glassware, local bitters, and mixers. There is even an area with fresh herbs for muddling and garnishes. Everything imaginable is right there at your fingertips. They've also partnered with several other local businesses to house locally sourced ingredients; Rayburn Farms, Asheville Bee Charmer Honey, Devil's Foot, and Luscious Liquor Ice Cream to name a few.
 

Best of all, you can sample all of their products for free! Who wouldn't want to try before you buy? If you need assistance, make sure you ask for Kelsey. Oh, and don't let her easy-going personality fool you; Kelsey is exceptionally knowledgeable as she guides you through tastings and stories of their humble beginnings.
 

Currently, Cultivated has four different liquors:

  • Shades of Rosé Gin

  • Hwy 9 Gin

  • Hazel 63 Rum

  • Asheville Coffee Liqueur
     

In the fall, they have a surprise for all of us. Sorry everyone, I'm not here to spoil the secret!
 

Cultivated Cocktail's distiller, Reel Adams, is the key to their award-winning spirits. Reel graduated from AB Tech in brewing, distillation, and fermentation. I recently spoke to Jeff "Puff" Irvin, the Director of the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. Irvin states that Adams is one of the smartest and most creative students to ever go through the program.
 

Drop the mic.
 

So, let's finally get to what you want: a drink. Plus, I have a treat for you! Not only can you go downtown to Cultivated Cocktails after September 1st and try this concoction, but I am also going to give you the recipe to make at home!
 

The Pink Lady
 

Ingredients:

  • 2.0 ounces of Shades of Rosé Gin

  • 0.5 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 0.25 ounces of rosemary simple syrup

  • 0.25 ounces of raspberry simple syrup
     

Instructions:

  1. Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice

  2. Stir liberally for 15 to 20 seconds

  3. Strain into a coupe glass

  4. Add a spritz of rosemary tincture

  5. Garnish with a floating raspberry dusted with confectioners sugar

  6. Voila!
     

Feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more on how to make these syrups, bitters, and tinctures. Or you can purchase recipe books at their shop. It's really easy and will step up your cocktail game while impressing your guests.
 

The production facility is located just outside of town on Charlotte Highway, while the retail location is across from the Grove Arcade at 29 Page Avenue. When you visit, remember to tell them I sent you. Be sure to also check out all of the delicious beverages and specials that Cultivated Cocktails has to offer on their Dig Local profile.
 

In closing, I want to thank everyone who reached out after the launch of the first column. I appreciate your support and kindness. Thank you, Asheville!
 

Until we drink again. Cheers!

(Be sure to check out The Urban Gastronome's Dig Local profile for his upcoming hosted events and more info.)

Below you will find one locally curated Scoop chosen for each day this week — but make sure to check out all the Scoops this week on our Dig Local Scoop Calendar.

Monday, September 2

Labor Day Weekend Sale
at The Regeneration Station
You worked hard this summer; take a break! And take additional 20% off any item in TRS inventory. No exclusions!
More details.
More to do Monday
Tuesday, September 3
Taco Tuesday
at Mountain Madre
All tacos $3!
More details.
More to do Tuesday

Wednesday, September 4

Last Bike Night and Beach Party of the Year
at Surf N Brew
Benefit WCCA Etowah by partying with live music by Rock Academy, all-day food specials, beverages, and motorcycles!
More details.

More to do Wednesday

Thursday, September 5

Farm to Village - Dining Under the Stars
with Margaret & Maxwell - A Wine Salon

Celebrate the unique history of Biltmore Village and its connection to local farms with a feast and cocktails under the stars at a 150 ft. long table in the middle of Boston Way.
Tickets and more details.

More to do Thursday

Friday, September 6

Free Dead Friday ft. Members of Phuncle Sam
at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall
Gather at The One Stop every Friday at 5pm for their free Acoustic Grateful Dead series featuring members of Phuncle Sam and great drink and food specials.
More details.
More to do Friday

Saturday, September 7

Renaissance Faire at the Farm
at Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Adorn yourself in your medieval best and head to the farm! Witness sword fighting demonstrations by Warriors of Ash, juggling, costume contests, special beer from UpCountry Brewing, food, vedors, artisans, and more! 
Tickets and more details.
More to do Saturday

Sunday, September 8

TEDx Asheville: Challenging Assumptions, Breaking New Ground
with TEDx Asheville
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of TEDx Asheville with 10 speakers who will discuss creativity, wellness, business, leadership, and more!
Tickets and more details.
More to do Sunday
For all of this week’s Scoops and more, visit DigLocal.com or download the Dig Local AppKeep digging local!