In the Mesilla Valley, a collaboration between Dry Point Distillers and Stone Crow Gourmet has emerged as a destination guided by authenticity, quality, and character. The partnership brings together regionally inspired cuisine and small-batch spirits that reflect the distinctive soul of Southern New Mexico.
Dry Point Distillers is a premier Mesilla Valley distillery offering handcrafted spirits, cocktails, live music, trivia, and delicious food by Stone Crow Gourmet. Guests can enjoy popular cocktails as well as crostini flights served Wednesday through Saturday. Together, they continue to build on a tradition of craftsmanship and local flavor.
A Distillery That’s More Than Spirits
Dry Point Distillers began as a wholesale operation before evolving into its current form — a full-service establishment serving handcrafted cocktails and quality food. Owner Chris Schaefer expanded the space to include a second bar, stage, and kitchen, transforming what was once solely a tasting room into a destination for food, drink, and music.
Long before the expansion, the project started with a simple curiosity. Chris and his father, Stefan, first experimented with homebrewing, but their interest shifted when Stefan bought a small still. The two began distilling anything they could ferment.
“We tried fruits, red chile, and I would even go out to the desert for prickly pear and honey mesquite,” Chris recalls. “Anything that I tasted and thought ‘that has a good flavor.’ Then we would ferment it and try to make something out of it.”
That early spirit of experimentation still guides the business. What distinguishes Dry Point Distillers is its commitment to farm-to-bottle spirits with distinct New Mexican character. “We have a ton of pride in Las Cruces. My whole mindset and cultural identity come from this region,” Schaefer notes. “Our red chile is the best in the world, so we use chile from Hatch and the Mesilla Valley.”
Schaefer sources ingredients locally whenever possible, working with regional producers like FARMesilla, Calhoun Flower Farms, and Southwest Heritage Mills.
Chef Gary’s Culinary Vision
The kitchen at Dry Point Distillers houses Stone Crow Gourmet, led by Chef Gary (“Chef G”), whose culinary creations
complement the distillery’s spirits program. After refining his skills in various restaurants over five years, Chef G established his own culinary identity at Dry Point.
“It was just my time to do this on my own and that’s bringing joy and happiness to my customers and loved ones with my cuisine,” says Chef G.
His presence has elevated the establishment from a cocktail bar to a comprehensive dining destination, with dishes designed specifically to pair with Dry Point’s spirits and cocktails.
Dinner & Cocktails: Wednesday Through Saturday
Address: 1680 Calle de Alvarez, Suite C2, Las Cruces
Dinner service runs Wednesday through Saturday from 5 – 9 p.m., with Stone Crow Gourmet whipping up all the culinary creations!
Popular choices include the Tuscan Sun Crostini with lemon pine nut pesto and roasted tomatoes, the Smoked Atlantic Salmon Crostini with capers and lemon cream, and the Blackberry Garden Crostini topped with whipped brie and honey. You can order these in flights of two, four, or six, each served with a side salad and fruit. They offer delectable weekly burgers and food specials.
The crafted cocktails feature Schaefer’s distilling expertise, using Mesa Vodka, Monsoon Gin, Barrel Aged Gin, and Blue Corn Bourbon Whiskey. You can also find Dry Spell Bourbon Whiskey and 6-Shooter Rye Whiskey as well as some recent additions to the lineup including Desert Sotol, Sundown Tequila and Slow Desert Agave Spirit.
As for the bar hours:
- Wednesdays and Thursdays: 4 – 10 p.m.
- Fridays & Saturdays: 4 – 11 p.m.
The kitchen opens at 5 p.m., and they don’t take reservations, so show up early! Also, note that no one under 21 is allowed after 7 p.m.
Community Engagement and Events
Beyond food and drink, Dry Point Distillers functions as a community space hosting weekly live music, trivia nights, paint and sip events, and open mic performances. This programming reflects the establishment’s commitment to supporting local artists and musicians while creating a thriving social atmosphere.
The distillery also collaborates with New Mexico State University to support the athletics program. Their Six-Shooter Rye Whiskey stands as the nation’s first collegiate branded spirit, with proceeds contributing to NMSU Aggie student-athletes.
The space itself incorporates local art, featuring work by Las Cruces artists Jamila Gilbert, who illustrated the bottle labels, and Bree Lamb, who designed the labels, logo, website, and helped with bar design.
Elevating the Distillery Experience
Dry Point Distillers and Stone Crow Gourmet have built something special in the Mesilla Valley. It’s where local spirits meet serious flavor, and the vibe is as carefully crafted as the menu. If you’re hungry, curious, or just a fan of a good cocktail, this Las Cruces collaboration deserves a spot on your list.
For the latest menus and upcoming events, follow Dry Point Distillers and Stone Crow Gourmet on social media, or join their newsletter, the Creosote Club, for updates on special releases and events.
Contact:
Dry Point Distillers Instagram | Dry Point Distillers Facebook
Stone Crow Gourmet Instagram | Stone Crow Gourmet Facebook
STORY SPONSORED BY DRY POINT DISTILLERS
VISIT THE WEBSITE
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please enjoy responsibly. Government Warning: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery and may cause health problems. For detailed product information, please refer to the government warning and other important information printed on the product label.
Posted by LasCruces.com
