Staying in doesn't mean you can't still enjoy some local beverages handcrafted in the Stevens Point Area! The region, known for the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective, is full of craft beverage makers that are perfect to sip while we all stay in. Read on to learn who is offering curbside pick-ups and discover a few recipes to up your homebound beverage game! 

Local Makers

Grab your favorite glass and get ready to sip the delicious goods from the local businesses behind the craft beverage movement in the Stevens Point Area. While some of the breweries, wineries, and distilleries have closed their tasting rooms and stopped offering tours for the meantime, here are the ways to enjoy the fruits of their labor from the comfort of your home. 
 

Point Brewery

Point Brewery has certainly seen its way through more than a few trying times. This brewery has been rolling out the barrel since 1857, providing beer for troops during the Civil War, and even surviving Prohibition. Today, they've shifted their operations to offer in-store shopping and curbside pick-up for all your favorite brews and merchandise. You can also check out apparel at their online store.

 
Central Waters

Central Waters may have closed its taproom where beer and people came together, but they haven't stopped serving up the beers brewed from their facility in Amherst. You can check out the tap list on their website, or call them directly at 715-824-BREW, during the hours for carry-out and they will share a beer and a smile from afar. Or, grab a seat on their patio (complete with fire pits) no matter the season. 

 
O'so Brewing

O'so Brewing is slinging beers for a limited audience in-house, but they continue to serve up curbside options for beer enthusiasts. Simply call ahead to 715-254-2163 and they'll walk you through the process. Menus and current hours are updated regularly on their website and Facebook. 

 
Sunset Point Winery

Sunset Point Winery is open for tastings, by the glass, and bottle sales. Total capacity and seating is limited, and masks are a must while exploring the space (they can be removed once you are seating and sipping). Live entertainment has returned on Saturday nights, with a divider between the performer and the crowd. Open daily at noon, you grab items to-go or have them shipped to 38 states. 

 
McZ's Brew Pub

McZ's Brew Pub is still serving its delicious pizza and beer but has now added kombucha to its list of offerings for carry-out. They'll be open for limited hours for pick-up and growler fills in Downtown Rosholt.

 
District 1 Brewing

District 1 Brewing offers plenty of space to spread out and social distance. While this spot is normally a great beer hall (+pinball) to hang out with friends, it is still worth visiting for a beer in-house or grab a growler to-go. 

 
Great Northern Distilling

Great Northern has closed their Mixology Bar, but you can still order pre-made bottled cocktails at home in-person or online, from Old Fashioned to Sazerac. While they aren't currently offering tours, watch a video and check out recipes straight from their mixologists of how to craft the perfect cocktail drinks at home!

 
Perfect Pairings

Check out these delicious ideas, to create a great hand-crafted drink at home, with these local favorites. 

Rusty's Backwater Saloon

On any normal day, Rusty's doesn't serve up their iconic Bloody Mary anywhere but their hidden spot along the Wisconsin River. However, due to the current situation, you can pick up a gallon of what is known as one of the best bloody mary's in Wisconsin - complete with the option to add in the fixings on the side! Now, Rusty still won't tell you what makes up his secret recipe, but here's what to do with the goods, once you get them home.


Rusty's Bloody Mary
1 clove of garlic
1 slice of lemon 
Hearty dash of Celery salt (+ extra for the rim of the glass)
Garnishes: Pickle spear, pickled mushroom, stuffed green olive, banana pepper, pepperoncini, beef stick, and cheese whip (or string cheese)
Rusty's Bloody Mary mix
1-2 oz. Vodka (optional)
 

Take the lemon slice and rub along the rim of the glass (a chilled glass mug with a handle is closest to the original, although a pint glass works, too). Sprinkle celery salt in a shallow dish, then place the rim of the glass to collect the salt. Crush garlic and add to glass. Add ice to the glass and squeeze the lemon in. Add vodka of your choice (roughly 1-2 ounces based on your preference). Pour bloody mary mix over the top, leaving roughly 1 inch at the top, to account for add-ins. Stir (or shake) to mix well with ice. Add desired garnishes. Serve with a beer chaser (bonus points if it is in a jelly jar). 

 

Siren Shrub

Normally, you'll find Siren Shrub on the drink menu around town. Instead make your own cocktail at home featuring this locally-made sipping vinegar. It's the perfect option to add to craft cocktails (or mocktails) or use to elevate a dish. 

Siren Shrub Tip: add a spoonful of jam to your Siren drink. 


Jamming Drink with Siren Shrub
1oz Siren Shrub
1oz lemon juice
+ a spoonful of JAM.
 

Shake it up with ice. Strain into a glass and top with seltzer.  

Find more information on ordering (for delivery) and recipes here.

 

Tapped Maple Syrup

This popular maple syrup is the perfect addition to Wisconsin's classic Old Fashioned. But, don't stop there. It is also a great sweetener in coffee including the maple-spiked coffee at the Mission Coffeehouse or the Maple Latte at Ruby Coffee, where you can order it to-go. If you'd prefer, you can order directly from their website to ensure a sweet supply of your own to use for baking, grilling, or drinks. 


Maple Limeade (inspired by theKitchn.com)
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/3 cup Tapped Maple Syrup
Pinch of kosher salt
3 1/2 cups water

Combine lime juice, maple syrup, and salt in a pitcher. Stir to combine. Add water and stir. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice.
 

Can't get enough local flavor? Assemble at-home cocktails, with all the fixings, available from Chef's Kitchen. Find local Food available through Agora Local Makers Market, venture to the social distancing farmers market, or go straight to the source using the Central Rivers Farmshed's Farm Fresh Atlas. 
 

Want more?

Keep the fun going by taking a virtual tour of the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective on this two-day trip. Then start planning your happy hour outside the house in the Stevens Point Area (when the time comes), with our guide to the top spots. Until then, be sure to tag @StevensPointArea or use #StevensPointArea on Instagram to tell us your favorite local flavors!