If you think small mountain towns don’t cater to a sophisticated palate, then maybe a trip to Franklin, NC is overdue for your cultivated taste buds.
Home to an array of incredible restaurants and speak-easy-like pubs, our town offers international cuisine and well-crafted drinks to satisfy any craving. From restaurants to pubs and even a local wine tasting station, there is something for everyone.
This month, not only will our chefs delight diners with Christmas flavors on their menu, but local mixologists tantalize even the finickiest drinker with holiday cocktails that celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, made only better in the mountains.
If you hear the Smoky Mountains calling for a holiday vacation, you’ll find traditional and not-so-traditional menu items with a perfect holiday season touch. Luckily, we sacrificed for you, and checked them all out ourselves and brought back the list of some local favorites. Come on to Franklin, enjoy the view and check out these delights yourself, and, of course, drink responsibly!
Jack Frost
Gracious Plates On Main is known for its variety of unique cocktails with fun flavor twists. This Christmas, the local farm-to-table favorite doesn’t disappoint with its Seasonal Cocktails, created just for the 2024 holidays. One standout is Jack Frost, a wintery blue creation (below, right) with Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao, and pineapple juice. It’s shaken ice cold and served with coconut on the rim.
Visitors are also sure to enjoy the fruity GPOM Poached Pear (center) and the chocolate decadence of Jean’s Camptini (left), so be sure to put this stop on your list for the month of December. (P.S. ask about their Champagne Flight on New Year’s Eve. It’s a good way to get in the spirit before the Annual New Year’s Eve Ruby Drop!)
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
The Rathskeller is a hidden gem located just off Main Street in historic downtown.
It has a bit of a speakeasy feel with a friendly atmosphere and the owners offer a full Winter Cocktails Menu to satisfy any craving. One of the favorites is their Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour. It’s a holiday spin on the classic Whiskey Sour, with added cranberry juice for a tart, fruity finish. They also feature a holiday version of the Toddy, Margarita, Martini, and more!
Frosted Mistletoe Margarita
You can feel the Christmas Spirit this month at JR Chophouse on Main Street! They have a wide variety of holiday specials, but the one that caught our eye is the Frosted Mistletoe Margarita. It’s a festive mix of Tequila, Cranberry Juice, Grand Marnier, lime, sugared cranberries, and orange zest. It tastes like Christmas in a glass, but don’t let it fool you…sip it slowly (haha).
Holiday Coquito
Slanted Window Tasting Station is known for the unique selection of wines from their own local vineyard, but this month, they’ve added something extra special to the menu. Coquito – pronounced “ko-key-toe” – is a specialty Christmas beverage that originated in Puerto Rico. It’s often compared to Eggnog, but with the additional flavor of coconut, just a touch of cinnamon, and a splash of rum. This cozy Tasting Station is open Wednesday – Sunday and the team is ready to serve this holiday special.
Sea Salt Caramel Martini
Caffe Rel is the best place in Franklin to find fabulous French cuisine, and this holiday season, they’ve crafted a cocktail menu that is on par with their authentic dishes. This Sea Salt Caramel Martini is the definition of a seasonal twist on a traditional favorite. It’s made with Vodka, Bailey’s Creme, Caramel, and Sea Salt. And in case you’re wondering, no, it’s not overly sweet. This Christmas cocktail is perfectly balanced, and you’ll probably want one with your entree and one more for dessert!
Of course, you can’t take our word for it. Experience Franklin this holiday season and see if our curated cocktail menus are bursting with as much Christmas flavors as we think. (Grade our choices by visiting our Facebook page – Experience Franklin – or share favorites we missed). And since most of these delectable cocktails are available for all of December, call some family and friends, grab a coat, and make plans to come enjoy these limited edition craft cocktails before they’re gone!
All of Franklin’s best dining options can be found here.
