Next time you cozy up to a cocktail at the end of a long day or the start of a wonderful weekend, try filling it with one of the delicious spirits crafted right here in Idaho. From potato vodka to whiskey and even moonshine, Idaho distillers are creating spirits to soothe your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Check out some of the spirits that may soon spice up your glass and earn a spot on your shelf as the new favorite.
44° North is all about a flavorful fruit palette. The vodka, made in Ketchum, comes in a variety of flavors, but hands down, the Mountain Huckleberry is a game changer. If it’s your first adventure with this spirit, try out this recipe for Huckleberry Lemonade. Your summers may never be the same.
8 Feathers recently broke into the world of whiskeys, bourbons and moonshines (single barrel corn whiskey). If you’re not sure which of 8 Feathers offerings you’d like to bring home, visit the Boise tasting room to help narrow down your decision. But we warn you, it may not be as easy as you think. You can also experiment with drinks like the Whiskitini or Snake River Cider to find which 8 Feathers spirit fits your fancy.
Seven Devils, created by the Koenig Distillery and Winery in Caldwell, is the first whiskey made in Idaho using spring-fed water from the Seven Devils mountain range. Koenig also serves up vodka and five different kinds of fruit brandy, including apricot and pear.
Bardenay made its mark as the first restaurant distillery in the nation. With three locations across Idaho (Boise, Eagle and Coeur d’Alene) you’re bound to sip a spirit you’ll fall in love with. Bardenay distills three options: vodka, gin and rum and the drink choices that pair with these unique creations are equally as exciting. When you stop in the Boise location for a drink, make sure to check out the cool distilling equipment, which was featured on the History Channel’s TV show “Modern Marvels”, and enjoy a drink like the Huckleberry Lemon Drop with Bardenay Vodka or the Ginger Rum Cocktail served with Bardenay Ginger Rum. You can take home full bottles of your favorite Bardenay spirit by visiting a local Idaho liquor store.
You may find just what you’re looking for with Idaho Whiskey or Idaho Moonshine produced by Idaho Bourbon Distillers in Boise. To experience these spirits, take a tour and sip a sample in the tasting room. Once you get home, try your hand at making an Idaho Peach or a Sunny Day with the Idaho Moonshine. Tasting room hours run Thursday through so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
The Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs can satisfy your thirst with a little potato vodka and whiskey. Take a tour of the distillery and then check out the tasting room to do a little sampling. A popular way to enjoy Grand Teton Vodka is over ice with just a twist of lemon or lime.
No matter “your drink”, there’s an Idaho spirit bound to take it the next level. So what are you waiting for? Put a little adventure in your cup and see what Idaho spirits are all about.
We encourage everyone to drink responsibly and find a safe ride home be it in a cab, an app inspired ride, a DD service, or your best friend’s passenger seat.
Feature photo credit: Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery
Published on December 29, 2015
