Across Williamson County, there’s much to shop, savor, and, of course, sip. Around town, you’ll find everything from hybrid-model coffee shops and cocktail bars to speakeasies, breweries, distilleries, vineyards, and local haunts beloved both by folks who call our county home and friends paying a visit.
It would be nearly impossible not to find your drink of choice here, and maybe a new favorite (or two) along the way. If you’re looking for a definitive list of the county’s top spots to sip, Visit Franklin has put together the Sips & Spirits Pass—consider this free digital passport a comprehensive guide for anyone looking for libations (with a few special offers thrown in, too!).
Meet some of the spots you’ll find on the trail, and my personal order for each (it’s a tough job).
Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club
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This swanky speakeasy is in a location that brings its own shock value: the back corner of a Mellow Mushroom. That’s right, you’ll have to skirt the wafting pizza smells on your way to the back alley, locating a “Frankenstein switch” that will alert the host you’re ready for a table. Once whisked inside Amendment XVIII‘s moody interiors, choose from a large list of funky libations and twists on classics. My recommendation? From Mayan Sunset, a savory blend of cucumber, tomatoes, jalapeños, and gin.
Arrington Vineyards
Few spots in town are as special to me as Arrington Vineyards (where I’ve spent many a birthday, including the big 21). It’s not only a worthy destination because of its stunning hillside location overlooking bucolic acres and rows of growing grapes, but because the wines are just as great as the vibes. You can pack a picnic basket, grab your pals, and host your own tasting with a few varietals, or opt for a tasting flight or seasonal frosé. My favorite bottles are the Stag’s White, Red Fox Red, and Sparkle Blanc.
Happenchance Social
Nolensville is one of Williamson County’s surprising culinary gems, and that prowess is seeping into the beverage game, too. Happenchance Social is a strip mall spot that’s been converted into a cozy wine bar, complete with a row of “vending machines” where guests can serve themselves. Obviously, this makes for a fun outing all on its own, but if a cocktail is calling, the “What Kind of Snake is This” will make you an automatic local (it’s the most commonly asked question on the town Facebook page, IYKYK).
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
This destination distillery was the first to ramp up after distilling became legal in Williamson County in the mid-2010s, and we’ve been proud to see our homegrown whiskey gain national acclaim (including platinum and gold at the ASCOT Awards). Any Leiper’s Fork Distillery whiskey will impress, but their whiskey-based cocktails, like a classic old fashioned or something seasonal, are always a treat.
Mere Bulles
Deep in Brentwood’s bustling corporate area stands a home erected in the 1940s. Maryland Manor stood watch over the 400 acres that would comprise much of the city as we know it today, but now, it’s a popular posh spot for lunch and dinner. As one of the only restaurants in town serving she-crab soup (a must order), the Mere Bulles menu also includes steaks, oysters, salads, and plenty of beverages to pair. I recommend keeping it classic here — a dirty martini or crisp glass of chardonnay will do.
Mill Creek Brewing Co.
Back in Nolensville, you’ll find seemingly the whole town gathered at Mill Creek Brewing Co. on any sunny Saturday. With outdoor picnic tables, plenty of indoor wide-open spaces for kiddos to play in, a golf simulator, an Airstream-turned-food-truck serving a mean smashburger, and rows of taps pouring delicious craft beer, it’s a must-visit stop for a Sips & Spirits pass check-in. Flights are a great way to try a plethora of flavors, but my go-tos are the Easy Daze (session IPA) and the Lil’ Darlin (citrus wheat beer).
Stable Reserve
This Main Street distillery is as Franklin as it gets: a locally-owned team, locally distilled spirits, and locally sourced ingredients when possible. A hybrid coffee shop/bar, the caffeinated concoctions are just as much a draw as the boozy cocktails made with Stable Reserve spirits, which range from bourbons and whiskies to vodka, gin, and flavored liqueur. But, I must recommend combining the best of both worlds and ordering an espresso martini, a delightful blend of fresh espresso with bourbon, coffee, cream, and vodka.
