Oak & Eden, the whiskey tasting room at the Shops at Clearfork, offers a unique and upscale experience for cocktail enthusiasts. However, before delving into the offerings at this establishment, it’s essential to acknowledge the recent closure of Fixe Southern House, a beloved spot for nearly a decade. Its abrupt shutdown left loyal patrons and staff in shock, especially considering its highly acclaimed happy hours and brunches. The bittersweet memory of enjoying an $8 Honey Badger cocktail or indulging in their famed burgers and brunch biscuits will linger.
Located just across from the now-closed Fixe, Oak & Eden specializes in whiskey-based cocktails and offers a whiskey customization experience. The bar exclusively serves drinks crafted from Oak & Eden products, including house-made vermouth, eschewing mainstream labels like Jack Daniel’s or Woodford Reserve for a more distinctive selection.
My husband and I often frequented the AMC Clearfork for movie nights, and after learning that Oak & Eden had reopened recently, we decided to stop in for a drink before catching a screening of Toy Story 5. Our previous visits had included sampling flights of Oak & Eden’s signature whiskeys, which are uniquely crafted by placing a spiral-cut piece of oak, known as a spire, inside the bottle to infuse flavor rather than aging it in a second barrel. This innovative method yields a variety of offerings, including the espresso-infused Bourbon & Brew and the red-wine-forward Bourbon & Vine.
For our drinks, we opted for classic favorites: an Old Fashioned for my husband and an espresso martini for myself. Although I typically prefer vodka in my espresso martinis, the Bourbon and Brew version, masterfully prepared, provided both a delightful flavor and a caffeine boost before we settled into the movie theater.
Venturing into the specialty cocktails, we encountered intriguing names such as Eden’s Radler and Sanbina Sour. These drinks often cater to those who may not favor whiskey, with many recipes designed to mask its flavor while mimicking cocktails made with other spirits. My husband’s Triple Rim Cooler, made with O&E’s standard bourbon and a mix of citrus juices and amaro, offered a refreshing tiki vibe that could easily be mistaken for a rum-based cocktail.
In a moment of nostalgia for the Honey Badger, I chose the Smoking Queen Bee: a honeycomb-washed bourbon mixed with lemon juice, ginger lemongrass syrup, and bitters, finished with a hint of smoke. This cocktail resembled a whiskey sour, enhanced with a unique flair, though its $20 price tag was a bit steep for a second round.
The ambiance of Oak & Eden carries a certain polished sterility, suggesting it may have been meticulously designed by a marketing team. Craft cocktails here come with a premium price, but there are options for discounts during “halfy hour,” albeit at half the cocktail size. For those looking to enjoy the experience without breaking the bank, sharing a flight or opting for single pours of the bourbons is advisable.
While Oak & Eden may not be a regular hangout spot, it serves as a playful pre-movie destination, offering a delightful selection of whiskey cocktails that can easily distract from the bittersweet memories of the past.
