Located on the 9th floor of the AC Hotel in downtown Asheville, Capella on 9 is not your average hotel bar.
With 360 degree views, we came for the sunset and stayed for the rise of the full moon. Even on chilly fall evenings, you have the option to sit inside with the modern and swanky decor and still enjoy the view. Or cozy up by one of the fires on the heated patio. They even have blankets if you want to snuggle up with your date!
Atmosphere
While the cityscape and mountains are breath taking at sunset, and the perfect place to take some sexy selfies, let’s not forget about the cocktails! The beautiful thing about Capella on 9 is the attention to local, seasonal offerings while providing the classics without being boring.
Cocktails
Take the Gin and Tonic, for example. For this star cocktail, Capella uses Hendricks gin and Fever Tree tonic, their twist on this classic is the fresh cucumber and star anise! Served in a large snifter glass, you’ll feel cute and classy.
One of our favorites was the Comfortably Plum, with a house made plum and vanilla shrub, reposado tequila and Pimm’s no. A little tart, a hint of sweet vanilla, a tiny bit of spice. Perfect way to start a fall evening!
Kind of a Honey Story is the cocktail for Christmas lovers where the nostalgia of the holiday season fills your spirit. You’ll have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head as you taste this kombucha style sipper made of bourbon, honey spice liquor, blackberry liquor and a touch of pine.
Craving that Indian Summer? Cachaca made from fermented sugarcane juice, chartreuse and lime are perfectly balanced with the spicy jalapeño simple syrup and warms you up nicely, just like an Indian Summer!
Then there was the Taters Gonna Hate. Appleton rum, spiced pineapple juice, and sweet potato syrup! Yum! Garnished with a cinnamon stick, it’s perfect for stirring and sipping.
The Fennel and Fig cocktail is a carefully designed fall favorite. Fennel and fig shrub, fig syrup, dry vermouth and bitters will remind you of Grandpa’s favorite rye whisky sipper for Thanksgiving Day. We found that the notes of Werther’s Caramel Original caramel were a perfect match with the bold, rye flavors.
On to something a bit more herbaceous, introducing the Sage Advice. Gin with sage infused simple syrup and lime. Simple, yet so satisfying! Pairing it with the Roasted Beet Salad and Brussels Sprout Hash just felt right since these veggies go well with sage.
The fall inspired cocktails are perfect to get you in the mood for the season. Take Feel Like a Nut…Meg, for example, is like Christmas in a glass. Dark rum, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg and topped with a frothy egg white substitute- Fee Foam bitters!
Oh what yum, we loved every single one of these fall inspired cocktails. Nothing will ring in the holiday spirit like an evening out with your sweetheart or your favorite gals. We promise you’ll want to snuggle up at Capella on 9 with each of these delightful, craft cocktails and each other.
The Food
If you’re looking for dinner, you can stay right here. The seared Mid-Atlantic Grouper with maple roasted squash and citrus beets is light and delicious! Once again, using seasonal and local ingredients! Not only serving cocktails and small plates, you can actually split an entree or two. We shared the Seared Grouper and agreed it was the perfect addition. For a lighter fare with a fall twist, we absolutely loved the Roasted Beet Salad. Capella on 9 has gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options as well.
After a couple cocktails, you’ll probably want to get a couple snacks- try the Gambas Al Aijillo, whole seared prawns with garlic and smoked paprika butter. You’ll be laughing together as you peel and eat these gigantic shrimp! They are served with a plate of lemons and hot, wet napkins for easy cleanup.
Want something with a bit of heat? Pozole Rojo is a tender, juicy pork shank with hominy, cabbage and radish, served in a spicy, rich Spanish broth with red chiles, cilantro and jalapeños. Now that will spice things up!
We ended the evening with a glass of Rosé and walked across the street to Old Europe Pastries for a gluten free tiramisu and cappuccino.
Capella on 9 at the AC Hotel
10 Broadway Street
Floor 9
Asheville, NC 28801
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