One Margarita to Go, Please!

IN MICHIGAN, TAKEAWAY COCKTAILS ARE NOW LEGAL.

CLAIRE BUTLER, Communications Coordinator

Little Fleet's to-go offerings include seasonal flavors and unique garnishes.

In July of 2020, legislators passed Bill No. 938, which legalized carry out mixed drinks from restaurants and bars. With the hospitality industry hit hard by the COVID-19 health crisis and its restrictions, this created a new possibility for profit.

Many businesses across the state pivoted to include to-go alcoholic beverages to their menu.

Jess Heller of The Little Fleet in Traverse City says that the added possibilities are a great addition to their usual offerings. “It offers people who don't feel comfortable to come inside, to still have a delicious cocktail at home,” says Heller. “We can continue being creative and keep our services going throughout the regulations and closures.”

In order to meet the legal requirements, carryout cocktails must be less than a gallon in size, resealable, and clearly marked as containing alcohol and intended for those 21 years of age or older. For best results, businesses have to consider their unique container and how the cocktail will transform from bar to home. The Little Fleet offers a personal touch with their to-go bottle sporting a label designed by their owner, Allison Jonas. Additionally, they include drink-specific garnishes, like salt and lime, or even dehydrated pineapple, so you can shake your cocktail at home and garnish as you would at the bar.

What is the best way to enjoy your to-go cocktail at home? “Grab a rocks glass, fill it with ice, and that will give you a perspective of what your drink is'' says Rob Cleveland, the Managing Director at Ann Arbor Distilling Co. Like many to-go beverages, their canned cocktails contain the equivalent of two drinks, perfect for you and another person in your household, so using ice and proper glassware is important. Ann Arbor Distilling Co.’s cocktails range from classic Moscow Mules and Whiskey Sours, to sponsored cocktails which contribute to social missions in the community, such as the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

With constant adaptations to COVID restrictions, restaurants and bars continue to show creativity and dedication to their craft. However you are enjoying your Michigan crafted cocktail, we have 2020 to thank for allowing us to bring it home.