Yes, we live in Wine Country, but sometimes you just want a cocktail. If you’re not sure where to go when you’re craving something boozy, Petaluma’s got you covered.
Lorraine Barber, co-owner of Barber Lee Spirits, is organizing the first ever Petaluma Craft Cocktail Week, taking place Nov. 8 – 17. Ten local businesses will join in on the fun and mix up their take on a classic cocktail.
“The craft cocktail scene in town has really evolved over the last few years and there are so many great places that are doing cool things,” said Barber. “I really wanted to shine a spotlight on everyone, for both locals and visitors to explore all the great spots we have in town.”
The weeklong event will focus on the Whiskey Sour cocktail. Expect everything from traditional recipes to innovative twists.
“[The Whiskey Sour] has such a rich and luxurious texture and you can really take it in so many directions that it seemed like a great cocktail to start cocktail week off with,” Barber said.
In addition to Barber Lee Spirits, savvy sippers are encouraged to visit other local participating businesses. They include Brixx Pizzeria, Easy Rider, Kapu, Luma Bar & Eatery, Seared, The Shuckery, The Big Easy, The Block Petaluma and Torches.
“Petaluma has long been a hidden gem for culinary enthusiasts, and I am excited that we are elevating our town’s reputation with a focus on craft cocktails,” said Jazmine Lalicker, owner of Luma Bar & Eatery and Shuckery.
Drink prices will vary from one location to the next. Cocktail enthusiasts committed to being thorough can pick up a stamp card at any of the participating locations. Anyone who makes it to all 10 participating businesses by the end of the week will have a commemorative sticker waiting for them at Barber Lee Spirits.
“I’ve been wanting to do a collaborative project for a while with the other spots in town,” said Barber. “This, I hope, will help introduce people to some places that they weren’t familiar with previously and showcase some of the cool craft cocktail work that everyone is doing that might be under the radar right now.”
The idea is to hold more craft cocktail weeks in the future. Depending on how November shakes out, a Christmas craft cocktail week is a possibility.
“We’re really just at the beginning of this idea, and I know that it will evolve with time,” said Barber.
Since all of the participating businesses are in downtown Petaluma, it’s easy to walk from one location to another. Rideshares, LumaGo (Petaluma’s free, on-demand rideshare service) and designated drivers are all highly encouraged. Check out @petaluma_cocktail_society on Instagram for the latest updates.