─ Our Story ─

A real cocktail in a bottle (one without a malt base, neon coloring, excess sugar and artificial flavoring) did not exist in 2013. Trailblazing Chicago bar owner and restauranteur Matt Lindner, and Global Bartending Champion Charles Joly, saw a need from their guests and came up with a solution using their expertise. Hard work and research exposed the truth that it was possible to bottle the very same from- scratch cocktails that Joly was accustomed to creating at the bar, using identical all-natural ingredients and high-quality small-batch craft spirits.

They created classic cocktails using their favorite variety of ingredients and spirits from some of the best distilleries, just as Joly would do for his attendees at famed events across the world. They maintained their uncompromised requirement of crafting classic cocktails their way — a single batch at a time, attending to every detail, no matter how small.

In the end, they succeeded in producing what has become the Crafthouse Cocktails lineup: a meticulously crafted collection of balanced cocktails, rivaling those of even the most respected craft cocktail bars.

Today Crafthouse Cocktails are enjoyed wherever authentic, flat-out delicious craft cocktails are desired: around the BBQ, at home, at a tailgate or concert venue; even on Virgin Voyage cruise lines, AMTRAK trains and in national hotel chains.

Try one and you will see why, when discerning drinkers want a real craft cocktail, they open a Crafthouse Cocktail.

─ Our Founders ─

Matt Lindner

Hi, I’m Matt and I have been in the food and beverage industry since age 16, serving yogurt and salads in the suburbs of Chicago at Love’s Yogurt. I opened my first bar, Bird’s Nest, in Chicago in 1995 at the age of 23. The name Bird’s Nest originated because my nickname is Bird, but most people thought it was because of our amazing chicken wings. Ironically, I also owned a bar named Big Wig that most people thought was because of my huge curly hair but it was because it was originally an old hair salon. When I started in the bar business, I literally lived in the back of Bird’s Nest, sleeping on the couch and showering at a nearby health club. I acted as a bartender, the cook and the cleaning crew (although often my friends would often help in return for a few beers). Since then I went on to open 14 other unique and successful venues. I love the restaurant business.

I consider myself a service industry junkie, with a deep understanding of hospitality, customers and their needs. Not to overstate, but I feel like I have always been on the forefront of emerging trends. Outside of Bird’s Nest and Big Wig was Cans Bar and Canteen in 2001 which served canned beer and had a retro 80’s type theme. The concept was so popular that I opened a Cans in Milwaukee and one in Charlotte. Next up was Salud Tequila Lounge (Chicago) which exclusively used 100% agave tequila in all the cocktails long before agave was a household name. I modeled that concept from the acclaimed Tommy’s Tequila Bar in San Francisco, and the owner Julio helped introduce me to several great tequila producers. The restaurant that hopefully will forever change my life was The Drawing Room (Chicago), where we served classic and crafted cocktails and where Charles and I got the inspiration for Crafthouse Cocktails (late night after a long shift and while enjoying a few libations ourselves) .

My bars and restaurant concepts received numerous accolades but the most gratifying thing for me was just to stand and watch people enjoy themselves in a venue my team and I created -- I like people having fun around me! When I’m not working, I am hanging out in Colorado with my wife Kathy, our two amazing kids, and our rescue dogs Buddy and Bones.

Charles Joly

A global bartending champion, James Beard Award winning beverage designer, and guest experience guru, Charles Joly is a leader in the international craft cocktail and spirits movement. With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, it isn’t too much to say that Charles helped to usher in the modern age of the cocktail.

Now in his fifth year of creating and serving signature cocktails at the Oscars and Emmys, he is a go-to hospitality industry personality for outlets ranging from People, E!, and Access Hollywood to US Weekly, The Today Show, and Rachel Ray and others. He is consistently sought out for his refined palate, creativity and no-nonsense approach to hosting.

As one of the most respected authorities in the beverage field, Charles regularly shares the stage with his celebrity counterparts from the culinary world. He’s had the honor of creating cocktail pairings alongside Dominque Crenn, Stephanie Izard, Jose Andres and other visionaries. He was recently part of a judging panel with Andrew Zimmern and Emeril at Eric Ripert’s Cayman Cookout, because even bartenders need to eat.

His cocktail shakers have many miles on them, having been employed at marquis events ranging from the Grammys, the Kentucky Derby, and Jimmy Kimmel’s after parties to quieter affairs like the Scott Brother’s 40th birthday, Oprah’s 25th anniversary, celebrity weddings and private performances. But no matter the venue, Charles never strays from his light-hearted, direct take on cocktails. His motto: respect your guest, respect your craft, be present, use honest ingredients and have fun along the way!

Charles is the only American to ever win World Class by Diageo, the largest and most prestigious bartending competition on the planet. Charles’ other awards include NBC’s On the Rocks reality series, where he took home top honors. He has received James Beard Award nominations on four separate occasions, appeared on Bon Appétit’s list of 10 Most Influential Bartenders, and been voted US Bartender of the Year by Tales of the Cocktail.

Charles’ passion for culture, history, tradition and the people behind the cocktails and spirits we love has taken him to more than 50 countries where he conducts master classes for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts, and visits spirit producers.

Visit Charles at CharlesJoly.com

CH Distillery

CH is Chicago’s leading artisan spirits producer with an extensive portfolio — including the only organic vodka made from Illinois grain and a variety of core and specialty spirits. Milled, mashed, and fermented from scratch using only the finest ingredients, CH products speak to their core values: sourcing locally, drinkability, high quality, and value. Founded in 2013, the name CH refers to the great city of Chicago and the fundamental compounds in alcohol, Carbon and Hydrogen.

La Cofradia

La Cofradia has been producing and bottling Tequila for over 50 years. Their experience in the Tequila industry has made of them one of the best and finest in the market, always adapting and responding to needs in the global market.

Traverse City Whiskey Company

Traverse City is where they’re from; a quaint, authentic city in Northern Michigan that has become synonymous with enjoying life (and whiskey), an active lifestyle and a retreat where timeless memories are made. Their culture is a reflection of the area and they’re on a mission to produce the smoothest, greatest whiskey possible.

Bittered Sling

Bittered Sling Bitters celebrates the unique life and business partnership of celebrated chef Jonathan Chovancek and award-winning mixologist/sommelier Lauren Mote, who together have contributed more than 30 years of professional experience, knowledge and innovation to the Canadian food and beverage industry.

Plantation Rum

Plantation rums express the flavors of the terroirs of rum in fascinating expressions whose double-aging technique has become a trademark. Thanks to its originality and quality, the Plantation range has won the hearts of rum lovers all over the planet.