SHAKE IT UP. After receiving the highly sought-after, single Class B liquor license up for grabs earlier this spring, The Good Wives have launched a thoughtful cocktail menu.

Last March, three Eau Claire establishments – two restaurants, The Good Wives and Silly Serrano, and a musical festival, Country Jam USA – all applied for the only Combination Class B liquor license available in the city.

Having such a Class B license would allow the holder to serve beer, wine, and cocktails, and it would be far less costly for the business than a so-called reserve license (which will set you back a cool $11,600). With just one license available, and within only its first year of business, The Good Wives restaurant received a warm welcome from the City Council by receiving the coveted license.

The Good Wives (2161 Eastridge Center) is known for its fine-dining style entrees and equally unique, flavorful small plates and salads, while its brunch is also a growing favorite in the area. With an expansive and ever-changing wine menu with a handful of beer options, there was just one question the owners kept hearing.

“There’s a lot of people that (would) come in and keep asking, ‘When are you getting cocktails?’ and 'Hey, when are you getting cocktails?’ ” said Emily Rieck and Ella Wesenberg, who own The Good Wives. While gathering glassware, ingredients, and experimenting while looking ahead for seasonal ideas and flavors, The Good Wives released its first cocktail menu in early June.

Starting off by reimagining some classics, including Old Fashions, Martinis, Aviations, and more, the cocktail menu will change every few weeks – much like the food menu – to reflect seasonal flavors and demand. “(We want to) make people feel like they’re still being taken care of (as our business expands),” Wesenberg said. “Service is still our highest priority.”

The current drink menu features brunch cocktails and dinner cocktails, some of them thoughtfully paired with menu items. Breakfast foodies can enjoy Bloody Marys, a spiced Thai Coffee (my favorite), French 75’s, and more. On the dinner side, Negronis and Caipirinhas, the national drink of Brazil, are ready to spice up your meal right alongside other delicious drink options. So grab a cocktail and relax!

The Caipirinha.

The Negroni.

See The Good Wives’ dinner and drink menu, typically updated on Fridays, on their website or Instagram (@goodgoodwives). Visit The Good Wives yourself at 2161 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire. Open hours are Wednesday-Friday from 5-9pm, Saturday from 9am-2pm (brunch) and 5-9pm, and Sundays from 9am-2pm (brunch).