COCKTAIL CONNOISSEURS. Locals Alex and Kendall Sukopp created the Confluence Cocktail Club to bring cocktail lovers together and enjoy events. (Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Café pictured)

Chippewa Valley-based mixology bloggers, Alex and Kendall Sukopp of “Sips From Scripts,” have taken their online presence to Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Café with the new group, Confluence Cocktail Club! The Club began hosting events this November and plans to host monthly meetups at Helix (1444 Front Porch Place, Altoona) for cocktail enthusiasts to connect with others who share their passion.

If you consider yourself a beginner in the language of liquor, don't worry: The Sukopps are here to help. “Our goal is to provide some education, bond over great cocktails (whether originals, classics, or anywhere in between), and, above all else, help to connect people who share the hobby or interest with others,” they said. So whether you prefer yours shaken or stirred, on the rocks, or straight up, the Confluence Cocktail Club is here to help with those craft cocktail cravings! The first event, on Nov. 15, focused on apple brandy, while the December gathering will explore Christmas cocktails.

Most of all, we hope this can bring together a community of people who love cocktails. ... We want our events to get people acclimated to craft cocktails in a safe and friendly environment.

The Sukopps were inspired to launch their own club by attending similar meet-ups for wine enthusiasts at 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery in Eau Claire. “We made some great friends through those meet-ups, and we wanted to do something similar for cocktails: combine education with an easygoing social setting where prior experience was not required or expected.”

Though early on in their venture, Alex and Kendall say the community response has been great, with interest in the first four events they’ve announced.

“Most of all, we hope this can bring together a community of people who love cocktails. … We want our events to get people acclimated to craft cocktails in a safe and friendly environment. We’re not out to teach people how to make cocktails at home, but rather to pass on the rich history behind them, how to appreciate and enjoy them, and some of the knowledge that goes into the craft of designing them.”

Don’t miss the Confluence Cocktail Club’s next event at 7pm on Thursday, Dec. 14!

To purchase tickets to events head to the Confluence Cocktail Club’s website or follow them on Facebook for more info. To learn more about Alex and Kendall’s cocktail journey and discover some amazing recipes, check out their blog, Sips From Scripts.