Frisco, TX

I was recently in Dallas for the Academy of Country Music Awards in nearby Frisco, TX.  There were a few open hours on show day, and I did my usual due diligence trying to find a cocktail bar that featured a worthy Old Fashioned. I quickly found that most of the search results came from the Dallas area, just too far away for the time allotted. But I found one place that showed potential: The Bottled in Bond Cocktail Parlor & Kitchen.  Luckily, it was less than two miles from my hotel.

The bar is well-lit and longer than it is wide. It has a definite welcoming factor and lots of space between tables. Attached is another smaller space resembling a speak-easy. Surprisingly, there was a decent amount of people already gathered for happy hour at 4:30 pm. 

 I took my usual seat at the bar and struck up a conversation with the bartender. I could immediately tell he was knowledgeable, friendly and gave great care in his cocktail preparations. I had previously scoured their cocktail menu online and saw something I liked.  After confirming with the bartender that it was as good as it looked, I ordered their ‘Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned.’ I was wearing a Weller shirt, so he upgraded the base to Weller 12.  I didn’t fight him on that.  They blend in demerara, cherry bitters, and chocolate bitters, then serve it over a large cube with orange peel. He then brought the drink over and smoked it in front of me.  It was so good, it hit the spot. When that was empty, he asked if I would trust him to create something personal for me.  Hell yes, was the reply.  He crafted a split spirit Old Fashioned. Mixing Old Forester Rye with Appleton Reserve Rum, he placed the drink in front of me and awaited my reaction to the first taste. It was different but it was great.  I enjoyed the change up, as the rum delivered a sweet finish.

This ended up being a really enjoyable visit. While enjoying my cocktails, I discovered that I was seated next to a liquor distributor.  That was an easy conversation to initiate.  Soon the GM came over and we must have talked for 45 minutes about whiskey and his business. A very nice guy who is now part of The Nashville Whiskey Guy tribe.

This was a big score finding a spot, not only so close to my lodging but enjoying a couple of crafted cocktails made by someone who was as into it as much as I was.  This bar is not far from the Dallas Cowboys practice facility and the business offices of the Dallas Stars.  Frisco is a very nice area. I encourage you to make a stop at the Bonded in Bond Cocktail parlor & Kitchen.  Try one of the few Old-Fashioned options they have on the menu.  If you’re there on a Wednesday, you can build your own.  They also offer OF flights, which I cannot recall seeing before.

As for the ACM Awards later that night, we cleaned up. Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Jordan Davis, and Parker McCollum all walked away as winners! This will be my lucky spot next year and I’ll be bringing friends.