Ep 111 - From Cocktails to CranFest: A Northern Wisconsin Journey

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Ever wonder if those ready-to-drink cocktails are actually worth your time? This episode takes you on a journey through five different canned cocktails that might change how you stock your cooler this summer.

Mike (fighting through a springtime bug) and Suzy start by revisiting their experience at Between the Bluffs beer festival, highlighting their discovery of Meaningful Brewing—a 100% gluten-free beer line from O'so Brewing that impressed even their celiac-affected friend. After sharing stories about their Kentucky Derby gathering (complete with mint julep bourbon) and the fascinating lineage of this year's winner, they dive into the main event.

The cocktail showdown features three offerings from Leinenkugel's partnership with Central Standard Craft Distillery—Cherry Vodka Lemonade, Brandy Old-Fashioned, and Bourbon Old-Fashioned—alongside Crown Royal's Peach Whiskey Lemonade and Welch's Vodka Cranberry. What unfolds is a surprisingly definitive ranking with the Brandy Old-Fashioned emerging as the clear champion, capturing the unique Wisconsin supper club experience in aluminum form.

Between sips, Mike and Susie share fascinating glimpses into Wisconsin drinking culture, from the state's distinctive approach to Old-Fashioned's (with brandy and a splash of soda—heresy elsewhere) to legendary supper clubs like the Monkey's Roost, where the bartender has crafted tens of thousands of perfect cocktails over 40 years. They even detour into Wisconsin's cranberry country and the explosive growth of Warren's Cranberry Festival from 30 vendors to over 3,000.

Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for convenient alternatives to beer this summer, this episode offers practical insights, honest assessments, and a generous pour of Northwoods charm. Which canned cocktail will become your go-to? There's only one way to find out.

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