Milwaukee's one and only spirits -- and no, I don't mean the Halloweeny kind -- festival kicks off this Sunday at Horny Goat Hideaway and runs through Sept. 27. At the kick off event -- which is my first recommendation -- you can eat your way through artisan sausages and tailgate "ish" food from restaurants such as Maxie's, Morel and Trocadero as well as cocktails from Blue Jacket, Bryant and Goodkind.
The good folks over at Alcoholmanac, Bittercube Bitters and MKEfoodies -- who put on the yearly event -- have not skimped on a delicious and drinkable kick-off event and events held throughout the week to celebrate the "craft cocktail." Don't fret, you'll be able to catch the Packers vs. Lions while attending.
The calendar for the week is jam-packed with events to attend and enjoy -- what a challenge to pick and choose! But, alas, a girl must do what she has to do, so here are my other three to attend:
2. The Heart of Mexico @ Cempazuchi Comida Brava
I'm a lover of all things tequila. So, this dinner of 5 courses paired with a cocktail - one Sotol, two Tequila, two Mezcal - caught my eye right away. I'm not a huge fan of Mezcal, so this could possibly make me into one. There's a bonus: an assortment of regional Mexican cuisine and street food will be served -- and Cempazuchi has never let me down.
3. ÆppelTreow Winery & Distillery 4-course Dinner @ Blue Jacket
ÆppelTreow Winery is a small distillery from Burlington and they focus on the long lost forgotten cider heritage. This pairing of Blue Jacket, one of my top restaurants in the city, for 5 cocktails with 4 courses is a sure win for me! Not only do I get to indulge in trying ÆppelTreow -- I get to eat Blue Jacket's amazing food too.
4. St. George Cocktail Dinner @ Locavore at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Locavore is the newest restaurant at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and has been on my "must-try" list since they opened. For Milwaukee Cocktail Week they've partnered up with St. George Spirits on a four-course dinner that had me at salivating at first glance. Cocoa crusted braised pork shoulder and a Coffee Manhattan? Sold.
Carolynn Buser is one of Milwaukee's loudest and most adamant cheerleaders (don't dare try to disagree). She's the primary voice behind much of OnMilwaukee's social media and content direction, and apologizes in advance if she can be too sarcastic at times.
What else? She's a wine lover, closet trashy novel reader, beauty supplies addict and devourer of cheese (shocker for a Wisconsin born and bred girl, right?). She's also a bit of a foodie, which is a word most of you hate, we know. She works as hard as she plays - and that includes in the gym! So, you've probably seen her at one of the area's newest restaurant openings (and yes, she will share her opinions good or bad) or enjoying a cold one at a local pub.
All in all, Carolynn's a believer in positive thinking and will do her best to smack down your negative ones while writing about her city, her loves, quests and more.
