Move over Bourbon Street. This year, you can stroll through downtown Petaluma to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Petaluma Craft Cocktail Week is returning from Feb. 27 through March 9. Lorraine Barber, co-owner of Barber Lee Spirits, is back at it organizing the second installment, following a successful launch in November 2024.
Ten local businesses are taking part, each shaking up its take on the daiquiri, a classic Mardi Gras cocktail.
“We wanted to have a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras and bring a little bit of the Big Easy festivities to Petaluma,” said Barber. “The first round [of Petaluma Craft Cocktail Week] was really well received. People had a fun time exploring the craft bar scene in Petaluma.”
With feedback from last year’s cocktail week providing guidance, festivities this time around will run a day longer, giving savvy sippers a little extra time to come out and raise a glass.
In addition to Barber Lee Spirits, Brixx Pizzeria, Kapu, Luma Bar & Eatery, Seared, The Shuckery, The Block Petaluma and Torches took part in the inaugural Petaluma Craft Cocktail week. Hank’s and Brewsters Beer Garden are new additions for the second installment.
“It seemed like a really cool community building event,” said Cappy Sorentino, bar manager at Brewsters Beer Garden. “We are hoping to see people interested in cocktails, and further expand cocktail culture in Sonoma County.”
Brewsters’ daiquiri addition to Petaluma Craft Cocktail Week is called the Timeout. The drink is a blend of three rums — Mount Gay Eclipse, Planteray Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple and Smith & Cross — along with Tempus Fugit Spirits Crème de Banane, coconut milk, lime and organic cane sugar.
Along with highlighting all of the participating businesses, Petaluma Craft Cocktail Week aims to provide a clear understanding of what customers can expect, regardless of when they visit.
“This time of year is a little slower, so we all do hope to see some more guests, but it also means that we’ll have a little more ability to spend time with everyone,” said Barber. “We hope that everyone takes this opportunity early in the year to shake off the cold, wet weather and build community.”
Revelers that make it to three of the 10 participating businesses can claim a commemorative sticker at Barber Lee Spirits.
All of the participating businesses are located in downtown Petaluma, so it’s easy to walk from one location to another. Rideshares, LumaGo (Petaluma’s free, on-demand rideshare service) and designated drivers are highly encouraged.
Drink prices will vary by location.
Expect more craft cocktail weeks to come in 2025, each highlighting a different drink. And check out @petaluma_cocktail_society on Instagram for the latest updates regarding Petaluma Craft Cocktail Week.