A well-stocked bar makes for one happy Madisonian.
While you may have the usual drink making tools on hand, these seven local products + ingredients will elevate your cocktail making game next time you reach for the jigger and shaker.
🥃 Mixers
Bitter Lemon Tonic Water
Where to get it: Woodman’s Market, Willy Street Co-op
How to use it: This bright European-style mixer is perfect for summer mocktails like a Bittie Arnie (think: an Arnold Palmer with a bitter flavor profile) or a non-alcoholic lemon spritzer.
Basil Shrub
Where to get it: Dark Horse Art Bar, Old Sugar Distillery
How to use it: Siren Shrub Co. recommends using this “sophisticated mixer” for vodka + gin-based cocktails and even on caprese salad.
How do you take your old fashioned, with brandy or whiskey? | Photo by @cateredcocktails608
🥃 Syrups, bitters + more
Lime Cordial Simple Syrup
Where to get it: The Quince & Apple Company
How to use it: Sweeten your margarita with small batch, all-natural syrup — then collect them all, including rhubarb hops + cucumber mint.
Madischino Cherries
Where to get it: Old Sugar Distillery
How to use it: Use sweet Door County cherries to top off classic cocktails like a Manhattan, whiskey sour, or the regional favorite brandy old fashioned
.
Bittercube Orange Bitters
Where to get it: Online via Bittercube
How to use it: Bitters help to align the flavors of a cocktail or mocktail, much like salt does for food. Try this: Add a few dashes of the bitters to a wheat beer to enhance its flavor profile.
🥃 Barware
Frank Lloyd Wright Coonley Playhouse Glasses
Where to get it: Orange Tree Imports
How to use it: Pay homage to the city’s most famous architect + add some flair to your bar setup with this series of cocktail glasses inspired by Wright’s works.
Karben4 Shaker Pint
Where to get it: Online via Karben4
How to use it: 608 likes its cocktails shaken, not stirred. This 16-ounce shaker is a simple, effective way to get things shaking behind your at-home bar.
Now that your bar is stocked, let’s kick back for some easy sipping.