For The Love of Summer Salads with a side of Cocktails

I’ve never been less interested in cooking than I am in the summer unless it involves something fresh from the garden or maybe using the grill. I definitely don’t want to heat up the kitchen or have a big heavy meal. Summer salads to me are the perfect solution. You can make them ahead of time, you can easily transport them (to the beach, to a neighbor’s backyard or to work the next day), and they also make a great side dish if you are feeding a crowd. Just saying salad sounds healthy, so we’re going to go with that, even if the following recipes aren’t exactly “diet” friendly. And because we’re a cocktail company, I am going to pair my favorite summer salad recipes with our classic canned cocktails.

I’m terrible at following recipes because I typically take a recipe and see what the basic idea of it is, follow it the best I can based on what my family likes and then tweak it again with their feedback. That said, you generally won’t get the exact same meal from me twice or when you ask for a recipe, and it might not be exactly the same as what I made. I try my best to take mental notes and now that my kids are getting old enough to want to cook on their own, I am trying to write down actual recipes and/or follow recipes closely so they can be replicated. The following are a mix of my most requested from this summer and beyond.

Hoagie Salad (like the sandwich minus the bread)

3 cups washed and chopped baby romaine lettuce

1 small white onion finely sliced

2 large tomatoes seeded and chopped (preferably fresh from the garden — yours or someone else’s)

1/2 pound of deli meat, I do a mix of turkey and hard salami, sliced into strips

1/2 pound of cheese, your choice, I like provolone

1/2 small container of marinated mozzarella balls, each ball cut into 1/4ths including at least 1T of the seasoned oil

1/4 cup sliced jarred banana peppers chopped up

Add all ingredients together in a large salad bowl.

Dressing:

1T mayonnaise

1t Dijon mustard

1T honey

1T oregano

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Whisk ingredients together until they are combined. Pour over salad 15 minutes before serving and toss well. Serve with a warm crusty bread and a Crafthouse Southside canned cocktail garnished with a fresh sprig of mint from the garden or any fresh berries.

Warm Brie, Basil and Tomato Salad (my take on a famous pasta salad)

1 pound Brie rind removed, roughly cubed into small bite sizes

3 large heirloom tomatoes (or any fresh large tomatoes), peeled, seeded and chopped

3 gloves garlic finely chopped

1/2 cup good virgin olive oil

A handful of fresh basil sliced thin

salt and pepper to taste

crushed red pepper to taste

Cavatappi Pasta - cooked al dente

While the pasta cooks, add all the other ingredients together in a large bowl. Drain the pasta and mix it into the cold ingredients. Allow the pasta and tomato mixture to sit for about 30 minutes so the cheese melts and the flavors mix together. After 30 minutes, give it another mix and add more salt and pepper if needed before serving. This salad is great alongside anything grilled or alone. Serve with an ice-cold canned Paloma, the lightness of the Paloma is the perfect pairing for the richness of the Brie cheese.

Classic Pasta Salad

1 cup of celery diced

1 cup red & yellow peppers diced

1 cup seedless mini or English cucumbers diced

1/2 cup sweet onion diced

1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes quartered

1 pound elbow macaroni cooked and cooled

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 t red wine vinegar

1T pickle juice

3t sugar

salt & pepper to taste

Make sure all veggies are diced about the same size. You can add any veggies you want. You can add meat like salami, turkey, ham, shrimp or crab. This is just the base. If you add more ingredients, you might need to increase your dressing. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and gently toss with the pasta and veggies. Chill for at least 4 hours. mix before serving, dressing tends to settle to the bottom. This salad is a go to all summer long alone or with anything and everything. A classic salad like this is perfect with a classic cocktail like our Moscow Mule. Serve with friends and our box of Moscow Mules on-tap and you will have the most perfect summer night. Cheers!

NOT SURE WHAT TO GET DAD? WE’RE HERE TO HELP! our father’s day gift guide 2023

While some people think shopping for dad is nearly impossible, we think dad is one of the easiest people to buy for. In our experience, dads are generally pretty simple and easy to please. But we understand if you need a little guidance, and we are happy to help. So here is our Father’s Day gift guide 2023 for all types of dads.

New Dad — if there is a new dad in your life, we have the perfect gift. Most dads don’t want to carry diaper bags, even when you dress them up as backpacks, it somehow still looks and feels like a diaper bag. So, this company has the perfect solution, the Dad Hoodie, the hoodie that replaces the diaper bag while making dad’s everywhere feel like MacGyver with loads of hidden pockets for baby’s essentials. Guys keep their street cred without any extra baggage while having everything they need to keep baby happy. $108.

Frat Dad — some dads never grow up and that is ok, we aren’t here to judge, we are here to celebrate all kinds of dads. Plus, we think the Shower Beer Holder is pretty brilliant as it solves a problem many of us have encountered long after we graduate, where to put our drink when we shower? Because pregaming doesn’t end when you get a job or become a dad. Not to mention, it is easy on the wallet at only $15. A Crafthouse canned cocktail would fit nicely inside of it as well.

Sports Dad — whether this dad is playing Pickle Ball or cheering on his kids on from the sidelines, he’ll appreciate this gift from Yeti. He probably already has a Yeti rambler for all his hot or cold beverage needs but this new addition to the Yeti rambler family is a game changer. Introducing the Yeti beverage bucket, a bucket big enough to hold a six pack, the entire Crafthouse line-up or three wine bottles over ice, but small enough to easily tote around. And just like any other Yeti rambler, it magically keeps everything inside of it colder, longer. The perfect tailgate and sideline companion. Available in four colors, $150.

Fashion Dad — for the dad who wants (or needs, let’s be honest) a wardrobe refresh, we can’t say enough good things about The Normal Brand. Started by brothers in St. Louis who wanted clothes that were comfortable, durable and versatile, “normal” clothes but better, and were so successful, they now have seven stores around the country. The Normal Brand kicks it up a notch without being too trendy, these are clothes that will be his go-to favorites for years to come. We recommend the Active Puremeso Tipped Polo, a refreshing take on a golf inspired classic. $62.

Good Taste Dad — for the dad who loves a good cocktail, of course we have you covered. Any dad who imbibes, will be thrilled to receive the limited release Crafthouse Coffee Old Fashioned made with rich Dark Matter Coffee, Traverse City Bourbon and house made bitters. If he likes to sip on an Old Fashioned, this is its modern upgrade…the cool guy’s espresso martini. It’s equally delicious at brunch as it is during cocktail hour. Order online with code FATHERSDAY and get free shipping. $39.99.

Bougie Dad — then there are dad’s that are extremely difficult to buy for, the guy who literally has almost everything and we have a gift for him, the Gozney Dome pizza oven. “The world’s most versatile outdoor oven” is next level in backyard entertaining, equally fun for experienced chefs as it is for the dad who just likes to cook over an open fire. Even though it’s a pizza oven, the Gozney is ready for all your culinary needs from roasting to smoking and even baking. A wood-fired dream for the guy who needs nothing doesn’t come cheap, the basic version starts at $1, 699.

Hopefully this guide has shown how easy it is to surprise the dad in your life with the perfect gift tailored just for him this Father’s Day. And to all the dads in our lives, we raise a glass to you on Father’s Day and every day for all that you do, we see you and we love you — cheers!

FOR THE LOVE OF THE OLD FASHIONED

Want to turn up the heat in a room full of bartenders? Simply chime in with your recipe for the venerable Old Fashioned cocktail.

Standing tall, center stage in the current cocktail renaissance, the Old Fashioned boasts as many iterations as it holds devotees. 

How do you make an Old Fashioned? Your answer tells me more than just your taste preference. Where you hail from. Whether you spend formative years with the Brady Bunch, Friends or Mad Men. Your grandparents had a summer cabin in Sheboygan, Wisconsin…I know. It’s written all over your drink order. 

The barroom has long been a standing pulpit for debate. Leave politics behind and let’s discuss cocktails, a far more civilized topic. Bourbon or rye? Canadian or American? Sweet or sour? Fruit salads, red glob cherries, soda water, muddlers...pineapple? They’re all part of the two century history of this little glass of liquid. 

If you’ve been acquainted with the Old Fashioned prior to say, 2000, chances are you reach for the orange slice and cherries - weathered muddler at the ready, prepared to pulverize said fruit.

My friends from the Badger state vehemently clutch the brandy bottle. Their Old Fashioned concluded with a splash of 7-Up or “sour mix” propelled from a sticky gun, holstered at the ready behind so many well worn bars.

The modern enthusiast has adopted a much simplified approach. Although, not modern in itself at all. This stripped down, “chopper” of a cocktail long predates its fruit laden progeny. Take a trip with me. The Old Fashioned is, in fact, the very definition of “cocktail”.

A short and slightly blurry history

You see, the word “cocktail” hasn’t been traced in text prior to 1803. In a booze filled stroke of serendipity, a New York publication actually defines the word for us after its second appearance in 1806. Upon seeing it in print, a curious reader inquired about its meaning to the editor. The paper obliged and eureka!, we have a definition:  “... a potent concoction of spirits, bitters, water and sugar.”

Americans were just beginning their love affair with these convenient, single serving drinks. Punch had long been king (and would retain great popularity for decades to come). Our fledgling country had work to do. All of that work meant we were more thirsty than ever. We just didn’t have hours to tick away, crushing gallons of punch.

Liquid evolution

Simple in its preparation. Accessible in its ingredients. Forgiving in its proportions. Endlessly customizable. The Old Fashioned has all of the makings of a timeless classic. No ice? No problem. Citrus? A treat if you had it. Rye? Cognac? Rum? Bourbon? Moonshine? Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep.

Americans are a curious bunch. Our drive to innovate is as strong as our thirst. As we inched toward the 20th century, rapid globalization was occurring. Imports flooded in from Europe. Exotic liqueurs, wines and spirits began to entice the public’s palate. The humble cocktail sprouted wings and took on new dimensions. 

Amidst the excitement of curacao, maraschino and vermouths from far away lands, many seasoned drinkers still had a taste for simpler times. They wanted their cocktail- a mix of spirits, bitters, sugar & water.* A skilled bartender has always been one to oblige a parched patron. So in the 1880s we began to see this well known mixture given a name- The Old Fashioned (and many variants thereof). The nostalgic imbiber could now walk into a bar, “I’ll have an Old Fashioned whiskey cocktail.” And so the humble c-o-c-k-t-a-i-l becomes a Cocktail.

(*To be sure, variants abound even in the Old Fashioned’s early life. Syrup or rough sugar? Muddle or shake? Chunk of ice or pieces? And on and on… Many brave writers have explored the subject. May I suggest “The Old Fashioned” by Robert Simonson for a deeper dive.)

Time moves on, the old bartenders step down and tastes change. The Old Fashioned seems to become the victim of a decades long game of “telephone”. Versions emerge on the other side of prohibition, two world wars and the Depression tattered and barely recognizable. The streamlined, old, Old Fashioned is largely buried until the modern cocktail renaissance. 

To be fair, I’m quite happy it remained on life support, even as the fruit, sour mixed soaked version. After all, taste is taste. The drink you order is yours to enjoy. The duty falls on the bartender to explore your preference. I’ve always asked “Fruit salad in? Or stripped down, old school style?” (If you must use fruit, I recommend looking for a quality maraschino cherry like those imported from Italy. Otherwise, making your own is a fun and easy project.)

But happy times are here again and we welcome the sleek, sexy and sophisticated version home. And how its return has been welcomed! (I was personally waiting at the airport for this cocktail’s triumphant return: hand-drawn sign, oversized teddy bear & muddler in hand.) Find a watering hole that’s paying attention to the craft of bartending and they’ll be at the ready to make you the 19th century classic. Sometimes now referred to as the Old-Old Fashioned. Spirits, bitters, water (ice), sugar (and a twist). 

The easy choice: Grab yourself a bottle of our Rum Old Fashioned. This is the version I’ve found my enjoying over the past years, so I couldn’t have been happier to be able to bottle it for you.

I make mine with “whiskey drinker’s rum” - long aged, loaded with character and a bit of funk. We were able to call our friends at Plantation Rum and source the very same, top-quality booze. Add in some incredible chocolate bitters from Bittered Sling and the balance of mocha, coffee and ex-bourbon barrels sign together harmoniously. Topped off with a spritz of orange oil from a twist and I’d wager this will become your go-to as well. Pour our canned cocktail over ice, garnish as preferred, sit back and relax and allow it melt the day away as only a proper cocktail can. Cheers!

-Charles Joly

Embracing A Damp January

January is supposed to feel like a new beginning, a fresh start but for most people you enter the new year feeling exhausted. You have just wrapped up a crazy busy holiday season and you are trying to get your house back in order. Depending on where you live, January starts the long cold dreary winter season. Not exactly refreshing. Somewhere along the line, someone marketed “dry January”, a month without drinking. I get the idea, and in theory, after a month (or two) of cocktail parties and too many late nights, it’s good to give your body a break. Alcohol isn’t exactly healthy. But it’s kind of like going on a juice cleanse, what’s the point when you know you are going to eat solid food again anyway? I’m much more into the “Damp January” trend (yay to whoever came up with that term.) No need to cut out drinking and cocktails completely but let’s just cut back a little.

Crafthouse is perfect for the “Damp January” drinker for several reasons (not just because I work for them). First, you can have one canned cocktail and get a nice buzz, perfect for the early evening hours when you need to wind down after a long day and it gets dark at 5pm anyway. Second, all the Crafthouse Cocktails are made with all-natural ingredients and real craft spirits so you can feel good about what you are putting in your body and you won’t feel hung-over the next day. Third, you can keep our bag-in-box cocktails on hand and just pour yourself a glass from the tap whenever you are in the mood and feel good that you are being eco-friendly. You can also add a splash of seltzer water to make them a little more watered down and last longer. With 15 servings in every box, you might make it the whole month (probably not, it’s best to have two boxes on hand just in case.)

Before you know it, it will be February with the Superbowl, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day weekend and plenty of reasons to start celebrating guilt free and we’re here for it all with our canned cocktails and boxed cocktails! Cheers!

Crafthouse Holiday Helper

It’s the season of giving so we’re going to give you some help this holiday season. Let’s start with a free shipping code for any order of Crafthouse Cocktails on this website using code HOLIDAY. Whether you are ordering for your holiday party, New Year's Eve or hostess gifts — Crafthouse Cocktails are always in season.

Next, we can’t say enough about the gifting company Sugarwish. We were fans of them long before we partnered with them. Who doesn’t love a great last minute gift idea that is packaged beautifully and personalized to the recipient? This is how it works; you send a Sugarwish gift via email, text or a physical gift card and they go to the Sugarwish site and order the gift of their choice. They can choose anything from sweet treats, to snacks, candles, teas, coffee, wine, dog treats, canned cocktails and so much more. Their gift arrives within a week beautifully packaged and personalized for them. It’s literally perfect for everyone on your list and you can do it in minutes from the comfort of your home. If you plan on ordering a Crafthouse canned cocktails gift set through Sugarwish use code craftsw for $7 off your order.

Finally, if you are hosting a holiday party, here are a few fun recipes using our Crafthouse canned cocktails to help make your party even more festive.

Crafthouse Chai Hot Toddy

4 200ml Gold Rush Canned Cocktails

16 oz Tazo Chai Latte Concentrate

16oz Apple Cider

½ cup Simple Syrup

heat entire mixture (don't boil)

Garnish as desired (cinnamon sticks, floated apple slices, star anise, lemon slice)

Makes 8 cocktails

Old Fashioned Egg Nog

4 200ml Rum Old Fashioned Canned Cocktails

4 large eggs, separated

1/2 cup sugar

1 pint whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Beat together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until the yolks lighten in color and the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, Old Fashioned and stir to combine. Ladle into cups, sprinkle with nutmeg, serve and enjoy.

Makes 8 cocktails

Festive Cranberry Mule

4 200ml Moscow Mule Canned Cocktails

16 oz Natalie’s Orchard Island Cranberry Orange Juice

12 oz Fresh Cranberries

8 copper mugs or cocktail glasses

Ahead of time freeze Natalie’s cranberry Orange juice into ice cubes**, put 2-3 in each glass, pour Crafthouse Cocktails Moscow Mule over cubes

Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime or fresh mint sprig for a festive & bright cocktail

Makes 8 cocktails

**Feel free to spice up your ice mixture with cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves infused into the juice and strained out.

Thanksgiving Traditions With A Side Of Crafthouse Cocktails

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday at Crafthouse. The combination of yummy food, quality drinks and family and friends to share it with is the trifecta of a perfect day. In a year where we are all so busy it’s hard to get time to sit down and enjoy the good things in life, it’s nice to be able to actually devote a whole day to feeling grateful. With a day celebrating the important things in life, especially where family and food is involved, it’s natural to have some traditions. So we asked our Crafthouse family what they will be doing this year and to share some of their favorite Thanksgiving memories and traditions.

Crafthouse co-founder and global bartending champion, Charles Joly is more of a Friendsgiving kind of guy who loves to show up with plenty of ready-to-drink 750ml bottles of Crafthouse Cocktails, the perfect hostess gift at any holiday gathering. This year, Charles will be embarking on a new tradition as he sets sail with the crew of Virgin Voyages Thanksgiving week during the inaugural Eat & Drink Month on the ship. Charles will be guest bartending and hosting cocktail classes for the lucky sailors on this exclusive cruise where our canned cocktails are offered exclusively to the guests on the ship and when they disembark on Bimini Island.

Our other co-founder, Matt Lindner is definitely more of a family guy and spends Thanksgiving in Colorado surrounded by his family and friends. If the weather is nice enough, they will even put off their turkey dinner until Friday to hit the slopes and go skiing. It’s his favorite holiday, often falling on the same day as his birthday. His most memorable dish growing up was his dad's sweet potato casserole with lots of marshmallows cooked golden brown on top. He says, “I don't think there was anything unique about the recipe but we only had it once a year and it tasted amazing.” And his favorite Crafthouse Cocktail on Thanksgiving? “It’s a Rum Old Fashioned Holiday. A slow sipper during a long meal.”

Crafthouse Brand Storyteller Jen has a fun tradition she wanted to share. Growing up her mom would make a beautiful fruit salad filled with berries, peaches and a little Grand Marnier. Just before dinner it would be Jen’s job to fill vintage round goblets with the fruit salad and top them with a little scoop of rainbow sherbet. That was how they started their meal. She says, she didn’t think anything of it for years but just looked forward to it every year. But as she and her brother’s got older, they asked their mom how this (delicious) but unusual tradition started, and she said it was what her mother did. Very retro! Jen hopes her kids will carry this sweet tradition on as well. Jen said she enjoys sipping on a Moscow Mule canned cocktail as she preps and bakes the night before Thanksgiving and will have plenty of Gold Rush cocktails and Southside mixed with Prosecco on hand Thanksgiving Day.

Our CMO Jason shared this funny story as only a New Yorker can…

The bird had just dropped into the bubbling fat vat when a gaggle of kids came bounding onto the deck to investigate. Panic quickly hit us all and an instant barricade of parents surrounded the fry kitchen. With single handed precision, and to not spill their cocktails gripped in their other hand, the kids were scooped up before reaching the danger zone. The kids now safe in the hands of an adult, many of them not even the parents of the child, an education and wondery lesson began. Explaining what the intriguing bubbling pot was and why it was both dangerous and delicious satiated the kid’s curiosity. This is one of my favorite stories because it has so many layers of true family. Like a village they say, a place where you don’t have to worry about anything because someone’s always got you, or your kids in this case.

Jason pairs his turkey with a Crafthouse Moscow Mule to compliment the spices in the brine. And chooses to go with the bag-in-box, well several of them, because Thanksgiving tallies a good 40+ people.

We hope your Thanksgiving is full of traditions old and new and we’d be grateful if Crafthouse was included in some of your special memories as well. Cheers!

Crafthouse Matt carving a Thanksgiving turkey after a day on the slopes in Colorado.

Dressing Up Your Canned Cocktails This Fall

When October hits, if you are like the Crafthouse crew, you start thinking about Halloween and what your costume will be. But around here, you don’t just put on a costume and decorate your house for Halloween, you can also dress up your cocktails. Our canned cocktails take the work out of making the perfect mixed drink, but you can still have fun dressing them up. We make things super simple with our suggested garnishes on every can, allowing you to look like a seasoned bartender every time you serve a Crafthouse Cocktail.

Whether you are pouring a Crafthouse Cocktail for one or hosting a crowd, adding a garnish elevates your drink to the next level. When serving a crowd, it’s good to prep garnishes ahead of time. Using the correct bar tools makes all the difference too and helps to make you feel like a pro. A really nice sharp peeler or channel knife make it easy to perfect your lemon and orange citrus twists (no pressure when you do it ahead of time!) And slicing up some juicy lemon and lime wheels or wedges is a piece of cake with a bar knife. Everything you need to make the perfect garnishes including a beautiful walnut matching cutting board, is available in this set by Fortessa.

A “trendy” but easy garnish hack that we are loving, is dehydrated fruit garnishes. These are great to have on hand because you’ll always have them ready to go and they dress up drinks beautifully. They are especially nice for fall because of the warm tones of the fruit when dried. 

When you go to garnish some of our favorite canned cocktails for Halloween, here are some fun fall and spooky garnish ideas paired with some of our canned cocktails:

The Gold Rush: The perfect addition to our favorite whiskey cocktail, add some “bloody” cherries with cocktail cherries in syrup, we love these ones from Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Paloma: When dressing up this tart tequila canned cocktail, instead of a salt rim, add a splash of color and flavor and rim the glass with Tajin. Or if you are feeling more sweet than salty, use black sanding sugar available here on Amazon.

Smoky Margarita: Made with mezcal, this smoky cocktail is perfect for Halloween and fall entertaining, just add a blood orange wedge for an unusual and spooky twist on the traditional margarita garnish.

The Moscow Mule: When you think of fall cocktails, it’s hard not to think of a Moscow Mule in a copper mug. To add an extra autumnal spin to this classic cocktail, toss in a cinnamon stick or some cranberries with a splash of cranberry juice to give your mule a bloody hue.

This fall, you can have fun dressing up your cocktails as much or as little as you want. All that really matters is serving yourself and your friends the best cocktails and with our all-natural, craft cocktails made with real spirits (not the spooky kind!) you can relax knowing we took care of that for you the rest is just extra fun. Cheers and happy fall!

What Classic Cocktails are Labor Day Favorites?

Labor Day is right around the corner, and with it comes one of the last opportunities to enjoy summer festivities before the arrival of fall. Naturally, many of us participate in the holiday by spending time with friends and family partying, BBQing, or even just relaxing while enjoying each other’s company. In these situations, easy to make or readymade classic cocktails are ideal. These drinks save us time and give us the chance to really wind down.

At Crafthouse, we are often asked by friends and family which classic cocktails are typically Labor Day favorites. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular Labor Day cocktails and have even included a few ways they can be spiced up for a festive unofficial end of the summer season.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a very popular drink during the summer because of its insanely refreshing combination of ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka. We’ve found that the Moscow Mule is a fan favorite around Labor Day as well, in part because some of the summer heat is still around in many parts of the country. With or without the copper mug the Moscow Mule has become a quintessential end of summer drink, and our version is no exception. We strive to make a Moscow Mule that is high-quality, cooling, and not missing any of the fresh flavors of the original. One thing that people tend to love about the Moscow Mule is its flexibility. Garnishing with a slice of lime, cucumber, or mint is an excellent way to boost the flavors of our Mule and add a refreshing twist to this classic cocktail.

Margarita

There’s something about a margarita and late summer weather that just goes hand in hand. The zippy cocktail is a popular Labor Day drink as it is simple to put together, tasty, and fresh tasting. Our margarita in a can is a great way to make the simple even simpler. At Crafthouse Cocktails, we have a Smoky Margarita and Spicy Margarita, both made with just the right amount of sweetness and fresh flavors. The Smoky Margarita is especially popular among our fanbase around Labor Day because the smokiness of the Traditional Oaxacan mezcal we use reminds many of us of bonfires we enjoy around this time of year.

Old Fashioned with a Twist

An interesting detail about the Old Fashioned is that there are a lot of different schools of thought about the king of classic cocktails. For some, it is a wintertime favorite, but its position as one of the most popular (and enduring) cocktails means that many of us are enjoying it year round. We find that the Old Fashioned is popular around Labor Day, especially among those of us who enjoy twists that make it feel more at home in the unofficial end of summer. Our rum Old Fashioned is a perfect example of such a twist, featuring Plantation 5 Years Barbados Aged Rum often called “whiskey drinker” rum. Adding the quintessential spirit of the summer really gives the classic cocktail and update that fits the Labor Day spirit. If you are really mixing things up, you can also garnish with fruits that are in season in around Labor Day season such as a slice of apple, peach, or pear.

What are We Usually Looking for in Labor Day Cocktails?

When exploring the idea of a Labor Day classic cocktail, we acknowledge that there are a few factors that define which are fan favorites. As the unofficial end of summer, many cocktail enjoyers gravitate to cocktails that remind them of passing season featuring fresh, zesty, and bright flavors. Others may instead look to cocktails that are more crisp, bold, and remind them of the upcoming fall season. Both are great options and there is an extensive list of cocktails, both that we offer at Crafthouse and beyond, that fit the bill.

There is one important quality of a favorite Labor Day cocktail, and that is simplicity. Whether it’s a margarita in a can, an Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, or any other classic cocktail, most of us want a drink that is easy to grab or put together during the holiday. After all, Labor Day is about having the time to relax and soak in the last bits of summer ahead of fall’s arrival. The more convenient the better!

Coming Soon to AMC Theaters, Moscow Mule by Crafthouse Cocktails

Dedicated movie-goers and lovers of cocktails will rejoice at the news that Crafthouse Cocktails is expanding its reach to one of the most beloved movie theater locations in the nation- AMC Theaters!

That’s right, one of the most notable ready-to-serve drinks from the brand, the Moscow Mule cocktail, is about to hit the bars at select AMC Theaters around the country- as if you needed any more excuses to click out of your streaming services and check out movies in the way they were intended…

…except this time, you’ll have the cool, ultra-smooth taste of a Crafthouse Cocktail in your hand.

A Truly Unbeatable Movie Experience

Gone are the days of the traditional movie theatre experiences, but we can’t say it’s something we’re going to be all that nostalgic for! Though in the past, watching a flick came with the familiar scent of buttered popcorn, nachos, and an icy fountain drink, AMC theaters recognized that people deserved more.

They recognized that, on top of a stellar food menu, people wanted to enjoy their movies with a drink or two - especially as a means of relaxing after a long day at work, or simply just to let loose.

MacGuffins Bar is the establishment located in all AMC Theaters, serving an array of cocktails and specially made drinks that truly elevate the moviegoing experience into something truly worth remembering.

Though the drink menu they offer is truly extensive, the Crafthouse Cocktails family couldn’t be more elated to join in on the fun!

For people who haven’t yet experienced what it’s like to try out one of their cocktails, they’ll be able to say they tried one out at one of the best places they could have- sitting in a cushy theater seat, watching the latest release.

Moscow Mule by Crafthouse Cocktails

Don’t be dismayed if you don’t have an AMC theater near you! The Crafthouse Cocktails collection can be found at a multitude of locations (find the nearest location to you, here). When it comes to truly unique tastes, and a refreshing take on the classic cocktails you know and love, there’s no better company put your trust in.

By far the most unique aspect of the brand and their mixes is that they’re made just how you would expect them to be made at a cocktail bar- they’re simply made in larger quantities. Unlike other types of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages on the market, the alcohol amount varies per drink.

It’s no surprise that their Moscow Mule is hitting the refrigerators at AMC. It’s one of their most popular flavors yet, and for good reason! The refreshing, deeply comforting mixture of vodka, ginger beer, and tang of lime juice goes incredibly with a great movie, and while they’re typically served in a copper mug, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying straight from the bottle they come in.

They come with a 10.1% ABV and are carefully and lovingly made with only the highest-quality ingredients on the market, making for a truly luxurious drink experience, all in the comfort of your local theater (or home!).

Entertaining Made Easy With Ready to Drink Crafthouse Cocktails

Summer entertaining has never been easier with ready-to-drink cocktails. With Crafthouse Cocktails hosts and hostesses not only have the convenience of being able to offer premium cocktails alongside beer, wine and seltzers but they also have the option of three distinct sizes to match different party styles. Crafthouse is the only brand of ready-to-drink cocktails that come in single serve cans, beautiful glass bottles that serve 6 and party boxes offering 15 cocktails on tap.

When Crafthouse first launched in 2013, our cocktails came in beautiful, reusable glass bottles with flip tops. We still use those same bottles today. They are perfect for elegant dinner parties on your patio, porch or terrace. Pick a couple fan favorite cocktails such as the Moscow Mule, Pineapple Daiquiri and Southside and line them on the table between flower arrangements. Or go with a theme like all tequila cocktails and feature our Smoky Margarita, Spicy Margarita and the Paloma. The bottles add another dimension to your tablescape and make it easy for your guests to serve themselves.

Having a more casual backyard get together where you will have coolers full of different drinks for your guests? Our eco-friendly, slim, cocktails in a can are perfect for that. You can still offer your guests the option of a premium cocktail but one they can grab quickly out of a cooler. Made with all-natural ingredients and real spirits by an award-winning bartender, Crafthouse will elevate any occasion and always have your guests reaching for more. Plus, with eight classic cocktails to choose from, like the Moscow Mule and two kinds of Margaritas, there is something for everyone so you know your guests will all be taken care of you won’t have to worry about mixing any drinks or getting stuck behind the bar.

Lastly, the ultimate summer party accessory is the Crafthouse boxed cocktails that serve 15 craft cocktails on-tap. Nothing says party like drinking from a tap but this isn’t your college days kegger. These are award-winning cocktails made with premium craft spirits. Our boxed cocktails come in four of our most popular flavors: our famous Moscow Mule made with small batch vodka and house-made ginger beer, the Smoky Margarita with a balanced mix of Mezcal and Blanco Tequila, the Spicy Margarita with a perfect kick of jalapeno & chipotle peppers, real lime and Blanco Tequila and the best Pineapple Daquiri you’ve ever tasted -- made with Plantation Rum.

No matter what kind of summer entertaining you are doing, Crafthouse cocktails has you covered. Whether you serve our classic cocktails in can, in a box or in a bottle – you can relax knowing your guests are enjoying the best craft cocktails made with only premium ingredients. To make your summer party planning even easier, you can use the code PARTY for free shipping from our website through 9/6/2022.

The Benefits of Convenient Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply relaxing by the poolside, a cocktail can transform any moment into a classy affair. Most people don’t want to run back and forth to their kitchen or home bar, though, especially when they’re having fun. This is where a cocktails in a box can come in handy. Simply crack open an RTD cocktail and get back to spending time with friends.

Never experienced the delicious taste of a ready-to-drink cocktail? You don’t know what you’re missing. Let’s take a quick moment to talk about the many benefits of convenient and easy cocktails in a can and soon you’ll see what you’re missing out on.

No More Mixing, No More Measuring, No More Bad Cocktails!

The biggest benefit of a ready-to-drink cocktail is that someone else has done all of the hard work for you. That’s right, no more measuring out ingredients, no more mixing, and no more worrying about whether or not your drink will taste good.

When you make a cocktail from scratch, you need to worry about whether your ingredients are fresh. With a ready-to-drink cocktail, all of the ingredients are sealed in one place, so you know they’re as fresh as can be. This also means that there’s no need to worry about keeping things like mixers or fruit juices on hand.

Simply reach for your favorite ready-to-drink cocktail and get the party started!

A Wide Variety of Choices

When you make your own cocktails, you’re limited to the ingredients that you have on hand. If you want to branch out and try something new, you’ll need to buy more ingredients, which can get expensive. Ready-to-drink cocktails offer a wide variety of choices, so you can always find something new to try.

Convenient and Easy to Transport

If you’re heading to a party or another event, it can be tough to transport your favorite cocktail ingredients without making a mess. Cans of ready-to-drink cocktails are easy to transport, and they won’t make a mess, so you can focus on having fun, not on cleaning up.

Less Expensive than Going Out

If you’re looking to save money, bringing you favorite cocktail in a can is a great idea. They’re less expensive than going out for drinks and you can even buy them in bulk to save even more. With summer already here, you can even host events with your friends and family. Hang out by the pool, throw a barbecue, and crack open a few cans of your favorite adult beverage.

Final Thoughts on Read-to-Drink Cocktails

Ready-to-drink cocktails offer a wide range of benefits, from the convenience of not having to mix your own drinks to the wide variety of choices that are available. Our cocktails are all balanced for optimal flavor and are ready to pour over ice. If you’ve never tried a ready-to-drink cocktail before, now is the time to give them a try. You’ll be glad you did!

Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your summer with Crafthouse Cocktails!

Popular Craft Cocktails to Prepare for Summer

Summertime is quickly approaching, and many of us are already starting to think about what beverages will top our summer cocktail menus. One thing that we certainly aren’t short on is options. Whether it’s from a box, a can, a bottle, or something we can shake up at home, there are a lot of ways to go when it comes to summer drinks and plenty of ways to tweak the classics to our tastes. Here, we’ve amassed a short list of some classic summer cocktails to prepare you for the upcoming season, as well as a few ways you can experiment with them!

The Paloma

The Paloma (“The Dove”) is the most popular tequila cocktail in Mexico (yes, even more popular than the margarita!) and is gaining steam in the US as well. The cocktail includes tequila along with grapefruit soda is a perfect drink for summer get togethers, balancing sweet and sour flavors for a refreshing taste. Our Paloma has all of the great flavors of the traditional classic cocktail along with a twist of lime. Whether your Paloma cocktail is readymade or poured at home, the flavor profile also leaves room for experimenting — especially if you have additions lying around that can mix things up. A splash of infused simple syrup such as strawberry can give the cocktail an extra note that pairs perfectly with the summer heat. Our teammate Jen also had some success with adding a bit of jalapeño simple syrup inspired by our Spicy Margarita! In a glass with a light dusting of kosher salt on the rim, any take on the Paloma deserves a top spot on any cocktail enthusiast’s summer drink menu.

Margarita

The margarita is the most popular cocktail in the United States —and for a good reason! The combination of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur makes for a perfect taste of Mexico. One of the strengths of the margarita is that it can be customized to incorporate a variety of different flavors to elevate its flavor profile. Our Smoky Margarita is a popular choice among our summer cocktails, gaining its unique taste from the blend of Traditional Oaxaca Mezcal and Premium Blanco Tequila. Our Spicy Margarita plays with flavor as well with the addition of jalapeño for a spicier, yet balanced, take on a traditional margarita recipe.

The customizability of margaritas can be played with at home when mixing cocktails as well! Popular takes include mango, strawberry, and pineapple. A trick some of our friends use is to small splash of fresh orange juice to your customized margarita for extra brightness. No matter your preference, margaritas stand out as one of the most refreshing cocktails out there and are a great pairing for summer events.

Daiquiri

Rum cocktails hold a special place on many of our summer cocktail lists, and the daiquiri is no exception. The blend of lime juice, rum, and simple syrup is a classic recipe that pairs with the summer sun extremely well. As expected for one of the oldest cocktails, we have figured out a variety of interesting spins on the classic daiquiri over the years. Popular variations such as the strawberry daiquiri are blended with frozen strawberries to make for an even more refreshing cocktail. Our Pineapple Daiquiri is a spin-off the traditional daiquiri that uses Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum, their 5 Years Barbados Aged Rum, and angostura for a flavor profile perfect for summer. If you’re in the mood to dress it up, blending ice to create a frozen cocktail a festive cup choice can go a long way towards making our Pineapple Daiquiri even better pairing for the summer weather.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow mule is a cocktail that is made with ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka, and this simple mix of flavors makes for one of the most cooling cocktails we can think of. Our Moscow Mule cocktail is created with high-quality ingredients that take it to the next level, making it perfect for sitting around the pool or enjoying a get together with friends. A Moscow mule is perfectly paired with a chilled copper mug, which keeps the cocktail nice and cold in even the most serious heat. Like many other popular summer cocktails, there are plenty of ways to play with flavors to get a Moscow mule even more tuned to your tastes. When making your own, it is important to remember that there are many different variations of the mule that can be made by switching the liquor used in the cocktail. For example, swapping the vodka for bourbon makes a Kentucky mule while tequila makes for a Mexican mule. Moscow mules can also be dressed up with flavors fit for summer including watermelon, blueberry, blackberry, or strawberry. Add fresh sprig of mint, a lime wedge, or cucumber slice and you’re good to go!

Finding Your Perfect Cocktails for the Summertime

We all have different tastes and preferences, but rest assured that there is a perfect option out there for anyone in search of their ideal summer cocktail. Never before have we had so many ready to drink, bottled cocktails to choose from in addition to the many simple recipes that we can make at home. As mixologists, we also recognize how adding small tweaks to even the most classic cocktail recipes can create drinks even more uniquely suited for the summer season. With some festive cups, carefully chosen garnishes, and great company, you’ll be well on your way towards finding your cocktail match for the summertime!

finish dry january strong with these “weak” abv cocktail recipes

Dry January started as a way to help people meet their New Year’s resolutions of being healthier and “drying” out after a holiday season full of gluttony and way too many celebrations. The past few years mocktails, alcohol-free cocktails, have really picked up in popularity. People who choose sobriety now have plenty of choices beyond soda and juice when out to dinner or at a bar. Whether it’s for a month, or a lifestyle choice, there is no longer a need to sacrifice taste for a great cocktail.

You also don’t have to completely cut out alcohol, sometimes it’s just nice to cut back and have a “dry-ish” January. Some of us really do need a little something in our glass at the end of a long day to wind down. Others don’t feel it’s necessary to pull back because they never crossed the line in the first place but are happy to try something new in the name of being healthy. Great drinks can be weak on alcohol content but still strong on flavor.

If you are looking for a really simple way to ease into cutting back on alcohol, all the Crafthouse Cocktails are still delicious when mixed with fresh juices and/or sparkling water. I recommend you still serve over ice with a fun garnish for the full cocktail experience. Charles is a big fan of Natalie’s Orchard Island Juices, made with only fresh juice and free from preservatives and additives — just like Crafthouse, they are the perfect complement to our drinks. The obvious choices would be to mix the grapefruit juice with the Paloma, the margarita mix with the Smoky or Spicy Margarita but you can also have some fun and try the strawberry lemonade with the Southside, or the blood orange with the Smoky Margarita…experiment and play around with the flavors there are so many options. To reduce the alcohol content even more, add plain or flavored sparkling water. This is my regular weekday go-to.

If you are ready to step it up and play bartender, Charles came up with some delicious recipes that he recently shared on-air to rave reviews.

Winter Pimms Cup (~6% abv)

1.5 oz Pimm’s Liqueur

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup

1/2 oz blood orange juice

2.5 oz ginger beer

Glass: collins

Prep: Combine Pimm’s, lemon juice, blood orange juice and rosemary syrup in a shaker with ice. Briefly shake, pour over fresh ice into collins glass, top with ginger beer and stir to combine.

Garnish with orange wheels and rosemary sprig.

Garden Party Martini (0% abv)

2 ½ oz Seedlip Garden

½ – ¾ oz Filthy olive brine

dash Fee Bros Celery Bitters

5 drops giardiniera oil

Glass: martini

Prep: Combine all ingredients, save oil, in a mixing glass. Stir well over ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Use eye dropper to place 5 drops spiced oil.

Garnish with fresh herbs. Rosemary and thyme are favorites.

When it comes to cutting back on alcohol, whether it’s for the night, the month or for good…your options have never been easier or tasted better. We predict the low and no ABV trend is here to stay and even though we are a company that makes cocktails, we completely support it. Alcohol isn’t for everyone but no matter what, everyone should have delicious options. Cheers!

Jen Stamper

Brand Storyteller, Crafthouse Cocktails

Charles Joly Making Low ABV Cocktails with Natalie’s Orchard Island Juice

Graduating With Crafthouse Cocktails in Hand

With graduation season in full swing and Memorial Day weekend right around the corner now is a better time than ever to start easing back into socializing with larger groups. Numerous states have loosened their limitations on social gatherings, and with the new changes in CDC guidelines many people are finally starting to venture out of their homes and smaller social circles. This is the moment we have been waiting over a year for, and it is so exciting to finally see people being vaccinated and the country returning to somewhat normalcy.

With any good party for adults one of the most important aspects is of course the alcohol. Planning a graduation or Memorial Day gathering can be stressful but getting great booze doesn’t have to be. Instead of hiring a bartender or spending your own time making drinks for your guests, grab a box or a couple of our Crafthouse Cocktails instead. With 8 different ready to drink cocktail choices to choose from, there is something for everyone, and all you have to do is pour it over ice. This makes for an easy set-up, as well as clean up so you can focus on spending time with friends and family that you have been waiting to see during the pandemic.

I am graduating in the next couple of weeks, and while I am not hosting a party of my own, I do have plenty I will be attending. In college of course it is all about parties and drinking with friends, so it would only be fitting to bring alcohol as a gift for the host. One or two of the Crafthouse bottles are perfect because not only do they taste great, but they look good too and will stand out on any bar. I personally prefer to bring these over a classic bottle of wine because everyone is always eager to try them, and they always end up being a hit. If you’re having a hard time choosing which one to bring, I usually go for the Moscow Mule because it is such a classic that no one can refuse.

This past year has proven to be difficult for everyone, but I am so grateful, like most of us are, to finally be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it’s being able to have graduation in person, or just inviting over some friends that you haven’t been able to see in way too long we all deserve to celebrate. So, with that being said cheers to warm weather, social gatherings, and of course enjoying some delicious Crafthouse Cocktails! 

By Lucy Duffy

An Extra Special Toast To All Moms This Year

In case you have been in a tequila induced coma this week, consider this your reminder, Sunday is Mother’s Day. This Mother’s Day, mom’s everywhere really deserve to be spoiled. It’s been a year. Mom’s really are the heroes, especially moms with small children and school aged children. Moms were stuck at home for a long time. Moms were teachers, nurses, cooks, cleaners, entertainers, therapists, coaches, organizers, IT professionals, etc. many times all while juggling their own careers, and putting their own physical and mental health needs aside. So the very first thing you need to do on Sunday is give her a big hug, look her in the eyes and acknowledge all the sacrifices she made over the past year. Trust us, this is big. This will earn you points. And because this was a tough year financially for many of us, this might be the greatest gift you give her. IF this is all you can afford to give her, then grab the kids and take them out of the house for the next few hours because the next best thing you can give her, is some alone time.

If gift giving is in your budget, then here is a list of ideas we put together to help you out.

1.      If your mom is a cocktail lover like we are, she needs a set of Fortessa glassware — if she doesn’t have one already. One of our favorites is the Jupiter collection because of the beautiful beaded detailing and variety of colors that brighten up every table setting while entertaining. Instead of a traditional clear color, for Mother’s Day we recommend going for the pink or purple to add a pop of color for the spring and summer. These glasses bring an elegant look to any occasion and will be sure to last her a long time.   

2.      If you are buying beautiful new glassware, she is going to need something to fill it with. With 8 different cocktails to choose from, you know your mom would love some Crafthouse. There is a drink for everyone (if she is up for sharing!). With all-natural ingredients and real spirits, all she has to do is pour over ice and add a garnish.

3.      The best part about hosting friends and family is obviously the food and drinks. It’s always fun to spice it up in the kitchen and test out new recipes when entertaining. The Half-Baked Harvest cookbook has a huge variety of recipes from dinner to desserts and of course cocktails! With over 125 recipes there is plenty to choose from and most of them are for 6-8 people making it perfect for when you have dinner guests. 

4.      If your mom is not one who loves to spend her day in the kitchen preparing food for parties then we have a solution for that too! Board and Bread Charcuterie is a great way to give mom a break from cooking and just enjoy her company. Their beautiful boards are full of delicious meats and cheeses making it an ideal hors d’oeuvres with cocktails or a light meal for a Mother’s Day brunch. The biggest perk about this gift is that there is little to no clean up after you have enjoyed it, which means more time spent with mom.

5.      This year has been a tough one, and while 2020 is in the past it still seems like no one can catch a break. Most husbands and kids are continuing to work from home and drive mom crazy, so if anyone deserves a vacation it’s her, and what better way to do that then to really knock her socks off then to go on a Virgin Voyages luxury cruise. With destinations from the Caribbean all the way to Europe you can go almost anywhere she wishes and all their cruises are KID FREE! If that isn’t enticing enough Virgin Voyages has also extended their deal that if you book now, you could save 10% off all sailings. Give mom the vacation she has been waiting for, and if you’re lucky enough she may let you tag along with her.

6.      If a luxury cruise is not in the budget, then there’s nothing a little ice cream can’t fix. Jeni’s Ice Cream has created an entire collection just for Mother’s Day, and each collection is full of deliciously unique flavors.

7.      Some moms, have more of a sweet tooth for candy so sending her Sugarwish where she can pick and choose all of her favorites. This is a good option for when you aren’t able to be with mom this Mother’s Day but want to show her you appreciate everything, she does for you.

8.      Unfortunately, it’s still important to wear a mask. Most people are sick of wearing them, but it could be nice to change up the rotation and add a new one to mom’s selection. Something Navy is currently selling whimsical, embroidered masks with sayings like “hey mama” and “girl mom” and they’re the perfect little accessory for her. Each mask is cotton denim and they couldn’t be cuter!

9.      You can almost never go wrong with buying mom jewelry, and Arm Candy has so many amazing options. The collection of gold and silver bracelets they have to choose from are endless, mixing and matching them to create a stack is always fun. These bracelets are easy to find elsewhere, but if you buy from Arm Candy you are supporting one mom and her small business while finding a gift for another! 

10. Beauty mogul Bobbi Brown sold her namesake company years ago but she’s back with a simplified, clean, no-frills cosmetics company, Jones Road. This line of multi-tasking products is packed with good for you ingredients that simplify your beauty routine and give you a fresh face in under five minutes, exactly what all moms are looking for in their post-pandemic life. In addition, through the nonprofit Support Creatives, Bobbi has mentored and supported make-up artists around the world during the COVID crisis, so you can feel great about looking good.

The Rise Of The RTD

A typical RTD section at Total Wine & More

The ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage market is doing better than ever and is expected to continue their positive growth into the post-COVID future. Within the past 4 years there have been hundreds of new alcoholic drinks created in an RTD format such as hard seltzers, craft cocktails, and hard teas. These types of drinks are viewed as a better alternative to beer because they contain less calories and feel less filling. Additionally, most of these drinks are gluten free and starting to move away from using malt liquor, which makes them appear “healthier” to customers.

Within the past year the biggest change for this industry was the COVID-19 pandemic. With people unable to go to bars and spending more time at home it created many new off-premise locations for RTD.  “According to the Distilled Spirits Council, gross revenues in the U.S. spirits market grew by 7.7% in 2020, notching the largest increase on record”. Quarantine caused many people to stockpile on alcohol, as well as consume it more frequently than normal, which contributed to most of this sales spike. The beer and spirits sales were almost evenly split, showing how big the RTD market had become by March last year.

While the data from 2020 shows huge advancements within the alcohol market, specifically with RTD beverages, the big question is will these purchasing habits change as the world starts to open up again? People are beginning to return to bars and restaurants, so there is a worry that the demand for purchasing RTD beverages to drink at home may decrease when this happens. However, Bank of America has even estimated that “the spirit-based RTD market could reach between $3 billion and $4 billion in five years, up from about $400 million now”. There is a huge potential for brands in this market, as it seems that the consumer base is only continuing to grow despite these changes to our daily lives.

The potential for an increase in RTD sales continues to be predicted so high because there are many other on and off premise opportunities for these drinks to be purchased for aside from having them at home. Whether they are being purchased on the train, at an airport, or even to bring to the beach, people are still looking for hard seltzers and cocktails that look and taste good. Most alcohol consumers are really drawn to the fact that these options offer such a large variety of flavors while attempting to create a healthier way to drink in comparison to beer, and they most likely aren’t going to change what they purchase based on the pandemic ending.

Overall the RTD market has continued to soar in sales, and there is no prediction that this will be stopping anytime soon. Large brands have even begun to hop on the trend and create their own canned cocktails and seltzers, while many smaller companies have begun to pave the way as well with their craft drinks. RTD has brought huge potential to the alcohol industry, and they are here to stay.

- Lucy Duffy

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Custom Bar DIY: Designing the Perfect Home Bar

by Guest blogger: Adriana Lopez

If you enjoy the occasional adult beverage, you’ve probably visited a few bars in your lifetime. Thanks to the “new normal” that focuses on staying safe at home, it’s a perfect time to consider designing your very own custom bar that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Setting up a bar in your home can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. With a few simple steps, you can easily design a custom-built bar so you can mix, sip, and mingle to your heart’s content. From the build to making sure you have the most important drink essentials, read on for some tips that will inspire you to design a new custom home bar, DIY-style.

Start with the space you have

Before you start working on your home bar design, you’ll need to designate a space for it in your home. Whether your house is large or small, it’s easy to start setting up a home bar that’s both fun and functional. Make sure that your bar space is comfortable and that there’s ample room for storage, mixing drinks, and serving. Determine what your bar budget is in advance. This will make it much easier for you to decide where the bar will be as well as its total size.

Larger homes with an extra spare bedroom, a room over the garage, or a basement offers you endless possibilities. However, if you happen to live in an apartment or condo, you can still enjoy a home bar in a corner of your living room or a section of the eat-in kitchen. Do a quick walkthrough of your home to get a few ideas for the location of the bar. Once you start the process of designing and building your bar, you’ll have a blast coming up with fun ideas and designs — no matter how large or small it is.

Designing and building your bar

There really are no rules in terms of creativity and style when it comes to building a DIY bar. While there are certainly a few must-haves, you’re free to design and build a custom bar any way you see fit. If you’re in doubt or need a bit of help with the build, don’t hesitate to call in a DIY-ing friend or family member, or hire an expert.

No matter how you do it, this project will give you a real sense of pride every time you concoct your signature cocktail. You can purchase a pre-built bar cabinet at your local or online furniture store, but for those who want to truly DIY, here are a few important details you’ll need to consider.

Bar dimensions

Bar height. Your bar should be 42 inches high with an overhang of at least 8 inches.

Bar width. The average bar top is between 16 and 20 inches wide, but you can always make yours wider if you have the room or narrower if you don’t.

Barstool height. Standard barstools are typically 30-inches tall, but it’s best to look for stools after you build the bar to ensure a proper fit.

Materials

Wood. Use high quality lumber and plywood for the frame and top of your bar. Connect the frame using standard wood screws.

Bar top. Here’s where you can get super creative. You have endless choices for the finished top of your bar, including wood, stone, tile, and stainless steel. You can also:

●      Build a shallow frame, fill it with anything imaginable — pennies, poker chips, poppies — and encase it in clear resin.

●      Pour a concrete top. You can embed it with broken glass, dye or etch it, or polish it to a high shine — or all of the above.

●      Construct a top from reclaimed barnwood, an old bowling alley floor, or a vintage formica countertop.

Bar molding. Depending on the construction and style, molding can make a bar look finished and attractive. Your best bet is pre-cut molding, which you can stain or paint.

Bar front. Like the bar top, the front of the bar can be just about anything — try galvanized steel for a modern, industrial look; tin ceiling tiles for a vintage vibe; fabric for a warm, cozy feel; or DIY-stained glass made with plexiglass panels and stained-glass paints and lit from behind.

Tools

Before you start building, make sure you have all the tools and fasteners you’ll need. That list may include the following:

●      Miter saw, table saw, circular saw, and/or jigsaw.

●      Drill and wood or metal screws.

●      Nail gun and nails.

●      Hammer and finishing nails.

●      Level, tape measure, pencil, and T-square or carpenter square.

●      Hand sander and sanding paper.

●      Adhesive and caulk gun.

Don’t forget the must-have safety gear!

●      Gloves for hauling wood and heavy things.

●      Protective eyewear for using power tools.

●      Ear plugs for using loud saws.

●      A first-aid kit, just in case.

Bar essentials

Now that your custom home bar is complete, it’s time to stock it with the essentials to make it functional.

Bar furniture. Purchase some padded bar stools for you and your guests — the ones with a back are the most comfortable. Stools with a footrest are even better. Swivel bar stools make it easy for people to rotate and enjoy great conversations. If you need extra storage, a separate bar cabinet is another great addition to your bar area. And if your bar area is large, populate it with loungy furniture.

The right lighting. You don’t want your bar area lit by overhead fluorescent lights, no sir. Give your bar area a moodier vibe with lamps, pendant lights, or even color-changing LED string lights.

Music. Set the right mood, and keep the party going with music. Whether you prefer an old-school record player or want to pair your phone to your wireless speaker, get it all set up before your first shindig. 

Glassware. Stock your bar with a variety of glassware, such as beer steins and pint glasses for your favorite brews, low-ball and highball glasses for spirits, and shot glasses for shooters. If you can trust yourself and your guests with stemmed drinkware, hang your wine and champagne glasses upside down from the bar if you can. If you doubt, they’d still be upright by the end of the night, opt for stemless, egg-shaped glasses for the wine and bubbly.

Mixology Tools. To properly make cocktails, you’ll need a few essential mixing tools. Stock your bar with a mixing glass, shaker, jigger, and a Hawthorne strainer. A hand juicer is great for cocktails that include fresh citrus, while a nice vegetable peeler is great for garnishes. Don’t forget the bottle opener and wine bottle opener. Throw in an ice bucket if you want to avoid trips from the bar to the fridge and back.

Spirits: Keep things fresh and exciting by stocking your bar with a variety of spirits, including a good bottle of rum, vodka, tequila, brandy, Scotch, gin, and bourbon and your favorite mixers. If you’re on a budget, start with a couple of your favorite liquors, and grow your bar from the basics as time goes on.

Storage

Make sure that your home bar has the proper storage to hold and protect your tools, bottles, and drinkware. Store your spirits in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Too much light can affect the flavor of your drinks and cause them to taste watered down.

Store your mixing tools in a drawer behind the bar or in a big pitcher or vase on top of the bar. Store your glassware on shelves behind or under the bar, and keep your beverage napkins, stirrers, and straws in a caddy on top of the bar.

Take your home bar to another level with an under-bar fridge, ice maker, wine cooler, sink, or beer tap setup.

Entertainment in your new bar space

Mingling and sipping drinks is always fun, but adding a few classic forms of entertainment will make your bar more exciting, a place where everyone can gather, celebrate, and enjoy. Here are tips for entertainment you can include at your bar so that it’s always a great time, whether you’re reveling in a corner of the living room or have the entire basement for your play space.

Classic games like dominos, chess, checkers, and playing cards are always welcome at a bar. Board games make for great bonding times and loads of fun with friends.

A karaoke machine makes you the star of the show. Make it even more fun with some colorful flashing lights, a disco ball, and a wireless sound system.

Add a dartboard, foosball table, or pool table to your bar area for hours of fun.

A jukebox is a fun and unique addition to any bar area.

A flat-screen TV behind the bar is icing on the cake if you’re a big sports fan or enjoy watching movies while sipping a cocktail at the bar.

The devil is in the details

Dress up your bar with some accessories, like an oversized mirror, a fun painted mural, or a beautiful tile backsplash. Hang a few framed movie posters, sports memorabilia, or rock ‘n’ roll poster art to make your bar unique to you. Put a large chalkboard on the wall where your friends and family can have fun doodling and getting creative as they sip and mingle. When it comes to the small (but mighty) details, the sky's the limit, so remember to have fun and make sure that your custom home bar is a place where people will have hours of fun together — and always remember the good times they had.

Whether it’s a huge custom bar in your sprawling basement or a charming small corner of your den, creating a bar at home is an extremely rewarding experience. Look online for inspiration, and plan your bar out thoroughly before you begin building. With a little creativity, you can add some unique finishing touches that will make your home bar burst with personality. Throw in some entertainment, and you’ll be content to spend time at the bar without ever having to leave the house.

Originally Posted in Porch.com

Halloween - America’s Greatest Holiday

OK, that might be a stretch as I also love Thanksgiving for the amazing food and because I was born on that day. There are many holidays that are worth celebrating, but for me, and dare I say many people of all ages, Halloween is a day I look forward to as soon as the leaves start changing and the first frost hits. I’m also not saying I loved Halloween just from ages 2-11, I’m saying this has been my holiday for as long as I can remember.  I actually question if I grew out my afro just so I had a ready-made costume - 70’s disco guy never gets old. 

Of course, my reason for loving it has changed over the years.  When I was really young it was all about the candy score.  The more the better. My goal was to struggle to carry my candy home because the bag was too heavy.  I was always partial to M&M’s and Twix but would settle for less.  I was never thrilled with the peanut butter cups, but those were always an easy trade. 

As I got older, it was still about the candy but hanging out with my friends became the real joy.  Having the freedom to wander the streets after dark laughing and goofing around was always a treat.  We weren’t much of a “trick” group, but that’s not to say it didn’t happen. 

In college the transition continued, and it became more about the amazingly fun parties and the ability to let the alter ego come out without consequence.  We have all done it, using this treasured American holiday as an excuse to behave in a way that would not have been in our normal daily routine.  I wish I was comfortable enough to act like I did on Halloween, every day, there is a real sense of freedom in it.  I know I’m not alone in thinking that.  Lowering your inhibitions is liberating at times, as long as you don’t take it too far. 

The joy surrounding Halloween continued to evolve once I had kids.  Not only do they give me a valid excuse to still dress up, but watching them enjoy Halloween and knowing that they will journey down a similar path brings a certain level of satisfaction and affirmation that I am doing my job as a parent.  Of course, this year our world is quite different, and October 31st will not look the same.  The kids will hang with just a few of their closest friends and I will be with a few of mine, sitting back and telling stories of Halloweens past and enjoying a few Crafthouse Cocktails.  Cheers to that and cheers to Halloween as we know it in 2021.

-Matt Lindner

How a Crafthouse Cocktail is Born

People often ask how we choose which cocktails make the cut to become a Crafthouse Cocktail. 

I suppose most big brands hire marketing firms, conduct focus groups (I’ve been on those panels many times...they never listen to us anyway) and look at piles of data for which flavors are trending. We weren’t trying to create a new brand simply for the sake of making it. We kept hearing our guests express the desire for great quality cocktails when they weren’t at our bars and decided to do something about it. Our method has always been decidedly less fussy (and a lot more fun). 

The first few cocktails we launched with in 2013 were based solely on our experience behind the bar, seeing what our guests were excited about and most importantly, were drinks we loved. That data the marketing firms were collecting and making assumptions about was being created in real time with every cocktail we served at the bar. We didn’t have to guess, we could see what people enjoyed in the moment. In hindsight, it’s become clear over the years that we as bartenders and you as our guests jointly create those “trends” that marketing companies eventually clamor to catch up to. Take that Amazon analytics! That’s the power of a room full of folks enjoying a drink.

The first cocktails we launched were the Moscow Mule, Southside and Paloma. The Gold Rush followed shortly behind that original trio. I looked at that the same way I may start to plan a cocktail menu for a bar. There were a variety of base spirits represented, unique flavor profiles to each: spicy ginger in the Mule, bright refreshing mint in the Southside, pleasantly bitter grapefruit in the Paloma and warming spices and complexity in the Gold Rush.

Depending on your experiences, some of those drinks may not be familiar to you. Nine years ago when we decided the Moscow Mule would be one of our core drinks, not many people were talking about that forgotten classic. We all know what’s happened to that over the past decade, as you wade through a sea of copper mugs and ginger beer options.

A few of the others are still a bit obscure. We’re ok with that and are always excited to introduce people to their next favorite cocktail. It’s one of the true honors behind the bar, spending time with a guest and finding the perfect drink for the time and occasion.

We often call the Southside our “gateway” gin drink. If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “I don’t even like gin but I love this cocktail!”.....I’d have at least several dollars. This is one of those resurrected classics, pulled from obscurity and reborn in craft cocktail bars in the early 2000s. It is still a bartender’s favorite and often used to reacquaint guests with the juniper driven spirit. Turns out, most people don’t have a problem with gin….it was how the gin was presented to them as neophyte imbibers. I’d guess cheap, syrupy tonic water is to blame for more gin-bashing than anything else...closely followed by Martinis that were destroyed with long expired vermouth. It’s just about preparing the flavors in the right way- that’s where a bartender’s experience comes in.

Each of our cocktails serves a specific role. When I design a menu, I want to make sure that if a group walks in and picks up the menu, I’ll have something for everyone. Same deal if you walk into a shop and see our lineup. That was most recently rounded out with a cocktail I’ve wanted to do for a long time, our new Rum Old Fashioned. (That’s not to short change the Pineapple Daiquiri or Mezcal Margarita…..two of my desert island drinks to be sure.)

We were missing that spirit forward sipper for our drinkers who enjoyed whiskey on the rocks, a Manhattan or the like. Like the rest of the lineup, we wanted to nail the flavor profile while still digging into our bartender know-how. An Old Fashioned would have been fine….but we don’t like to phone it in. There’s certainly an entire post to be shared around this cocktail -- we’ll have to pour ourselves a cocktail and do that in the near future.

Really, each one of our Crafthouse Cocktails has a reason for being. A great drink is the perfect balance of art, science and entertainment. How do the flavors balance? What nuance do we want to tweak? Do the punch of the spirit, acidity of the citrus and roundness of the sweetener all exist in harmony? Is this a cocktail that I can clink glasses in a group of friends and laugh until my face hurts? All very important questions to answer….

The experimenting and taste testing never ends, fortunately. We have some fun things in the near future and many other ideas simmering on the back burner. What cocktails would you love to see on the menu? What are your favorites to make at home? What would you like to hear about? I look forward to you taste testing soon and sharing your expert imbiber opinions! Until then, cheers!

- Charles Joly

The Cadillac Deville, My Grandma And How I Escaped Locked Down During A Pandemic

I have always had a love for anything with wheels on it.

In my early 20s I only owned a motorcycle and I drove it year round in Chicago, somewhat “Mad Max” style. As a young bar-back, I was living pretty simply - the bike had a charging issue and I’d have to carry an extra battery with me to make sure I could get home. I had to wear huge goggles in the winter and wrap myself in scarves to battle the cold.

After winning the NBC “On the Rocks” reality tv competition, I bought myself a small gift of an old Cadillac 1964 Deville — the last year of the iconic tail fins for that car. There’s a pic of my grandmother, who raised my sister and I, in the passenger seat, she was 99 or 100 in that photo. The next time I saw her, she presented me with a red toy car to match the Cadillac.

In a typical year I’m constantly on the road. I am either traveling to speak, educating audiences on spirits or guest bartending at big events like the recent Emmy Awards. In recent years, the Cadillac has spent more time in the garage than on the road. But, like everyone else, I’ve had an unplanned summer at home. In order to stay socially distant and safe, it’s been a treat to toss the pup in the car, drop the top and go for a ride and escape along the beautiful lakefront. The winding neighborhoods north of Chicago are a great place to cruise and even do a Ferris Bueller tour. A favorite local drive at night is to head downtown, ride Lake Shore Drive and twist through Lower Wacker, a la Blues Brothers…I guess you can say, I’m also a fan of movies with cars as key characters that take place in Chicago. ;)

- Charles Joly