The world isn’t exactly a cheerful place these days. But the folks at Central Standard Craft Distillery are aiming to change that, while spreading a bit of end-of-summer cheer.
Beginning today, co-founders Evan Hughes and Pat McQuillan are kicking off a new initiative they’re calling "random acts of cocktail kindness," which is guaranteed to put a smile on at least a few faces in the State of Wisconsin.
"We’re looking to surprise folks across the state with anonymous deliveries of our award-winning Door County Cherry Vodka and all the trimmings to make the perfect end-of-summer cocktail," says McQuillan. "Envision answering your front door and finding only a basket of vodka, cocktail mixers, lemons and a bucket of ice. That’s a delivery we think all of us could use right about now."
Lift their spirit… with local spirits
The chances are good that you know at least one person (if not a few) who could use a boost of joy. And, if you do (and that person is also over 21, appreciates vodka and is a resident of Wisconsin), it’s time to head over to the Central Standard website and nominate them for a random act of cocktail kindness.
All you need to do is log on, share the name of the person who deserves a free drink as well as a brief explanation of why they should be a recipient. Submissions can also be filed by email at cocktailkindness@thecentralstandard.com.
If luck is in their favor, they could be among the lucky recipients who will receive a package of Door County Cherry Vodka-infused joy in the weeks preceding the official end of summer on Sept. 22.
"In these odd times, Pat and I just wanted to do something special to help bring a smile to some people’s faces before the leaves start to fall," notes Hughes. "The days are already starting to feel shorter and honestly we could also use a free drink right about now."
Central Standard's Door County Cherry vodka, which is infused with Montmorency cherry juice from Door County cherry farms and mellowed with Wisconsin honey, is also available to order online for pick-up at the distillery.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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