The Craft of Cocktails in Eau Claire

Craft of Cocktails is sponsored by:

Woodman's Markets
2855 Woodman Drive
Altoona

THE SHANTY SWITCH UP: Valley Burger Team Debuts Seasonal Pop-Up Series

folks can get in on a new small plates and cocktails lineup, festivities as part of the month-long Shanty Switch Up series

Let me be real with you: It’s time to switch it up. Your go-to date night venue and favorite weekend watering hole will be there for you in a few weeks – the Shanty Switch Up won’t be. Since 2022, Valley Burger’s (1004 Menomonie St., Eau Claire) signature smash burgers, finger-lickin’ hand-cut fries and orange stools have marked the interior of the historic building it calls home. For a very limited time, though ...

From Coupes To Rocks, A Glassware Guide For The Chippewa Valley Drinker

a roundup of timeless cocktails and the stories behind each of the vessels which elevate the sipping experience

It seems in the Chippewa Valley – and likely worldwide – nearly everyone has a favorite drink they order the moment they step up to a bar. There is something truly special about being served your favorite drink in an elegant, perhaps even handcrafted glass...

STAFF NOTE: A Tribute To The Unsung Storytellers; Our Servers, Bartenders and Service Workers

in honor of this issue's cocktail-focused special section

I still remember the drink of choice that, undoubtedly, changed my life (and yes, I do have a flare for the dramatics). Although it was not here in the Chippewa Valley, I will often reminisce on my time spent in New York City...

MORE THAN A POUR: Chippewa Valley Bourbon Society Builds A New Kind Of Community

with every new sip and in person event, the organization has grown to include thousands of members around the region

Like a lot of great Midwest ideas, the idea for Chippewa Valley Bourbon Society started in a familiar place for many, a tree stand. The night before the big hunt, while sharing a pour of bourbon with a friend, Curt Anderson was discussing...

THIRSTY? Here Are the Valley’s Favorite Cocktails and Cocktail Bars

here’s what our readers picked in the most recent Best of the Valley poll

Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe (1444 Front Porch Pl., Altoona) became a fast favorite in the area thanks to its chic-yet-casual atmosphere, tentative waiters and bartenders, and – of course – the top-tier ...

BUCKY-MADE BOOZE: Wisconsin Liquors to Stock Your Bar Cart

for your holiday cocktails, pre-game hangouts, Packers watch parties, and whatever else you may want it for

You’ve heard it before, and you’ll certainly keep hearing it – especially from us at Volume One: Shop local. Heck, you can even drink local, and put your money back into Wisconsin thanks to the plethora of breweries and distilleries that make the Bucky state their home. This list includes 45th Parallel Spirits, Trumie's, Central Standard, Kurvball BBQ Whiskey ...

MORE THAN A GREAT BURGER: Valley Burger Shakes Up Cocktail Game

folks in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls shouldn’t sleep on this eatery’s sips

Valley Burger Co. made quite the splash in the local foodie scene when it opened up shop off of Menomonie Street in Eau Claire back in 2022: its double-patty burgers and seasoning-doused hand-cut fries the undeniable stars of its compact menu. Perhaps the understated star, though, is its cocktail menu. With its new Chippewa Falls location set to open Nov. 22 ...

Three Beloved Holiday Cocktails and How to Make Them

share a cup of cheer with these Wisconsin winter favorites

The holidays are a great time of year to try out a new drink (or two!) while celebrating with family and friends. We asked our own family and friends about their favorite Christmastime cocktails and compiled this list of yuletide concoctions. Some are old favorites ...