Milwaukee is known for its drinking culture, obviously, but as the years go on, the city’s tastes are expanding. Here’s a roundup of some of the best drinks to be found in the city – non-alcoholic and THC options included.
READ MORE FROM OUR “WHAT TO EAT NOW” FEATURE HERE.
1. Albariño
TOTAL WINE
White wines are in ascent, and this Spanish/Portuguese grape produces crisp, very food-friendly wines. Even better: Good ones don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Take the dry, citrusy Pazo La Moreira Rías Baixas Albariño, $18 at Total Wine.
2. Dirty Martini
BACCHUS AND MASON STREET GRILL
The savory (olive-juiced) cocktail has been around since 1901, reaching various degrees of zenith. Right now is one of those peaks. Bottom-line why: the boom in briny, umami flavor profiles. Try great (balanced) ones at Bacchus and Mason Street Grill.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Nonalcoholic Imbibing
WHOLE FOODS
Upshot: N/A-marketed beverages are no longer devoid of character, sophistication or satisfaction. You can find a spiritless negroni that really tastes like a negroni – such as, say, The Pathfinder, 4-pack, $20 at Whole Foods Market.
4. Tequila
DOWNER WINE & SPIRITS
This agave spirit is so much more than the base of a margarita. It’s proving to be incredibly versatile, approachable and sophisticated enough that connoisseurs are sipping (not shooting!) it neat. One worthy example: Cimarron Blanco, $22 at Downer Wine & Spirits.
5. Cannabis Infusion
RAY’S WINE & SPIRITS
Drinks that trade alcohol for THC, a mood-altering compound found in marijuana, are hot, hot, hot. You can ease into it, with offerings that range from subtle to intense. Beginners can start with a 5-milligram dose like Cann Hi-Boy THC Blood Orange Cardamom, 4-pack, $22 at Ray’s Wine & Spirits.
6. Czech Lagers
RAY’S WINE & SPIRITS
Easy drinking? Check. Range of flavor profiles? Check. Long history? Check. Many breweries are toeing into this rainbow of lagers from pale pilsner to amber to dark, but Wisconsin’s Czech masters are at Working Draft Beer in Madison. See: Tracksuit Riot dark lager, 4-pack, $14 at Ray’s Wine & Spirits.
