Central Standard Craft Distillery and Leinenkugel’s Launch New Ready-to-Drink Cocktails: Cherry Vodka Lemonade and Bourbon Old Fashioned

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (June 25, 2024) — Commanding attention in the canned cocktail scene this summer is Wisconsin’s lead brewing innovator Leinenkugel’s, and award-winning Milwaukee-based Central Standard Craft Distillery. Building off the momentum of the newly released canned Brandy Old Fashioned, the two announce exciting new additions to their line of ready-to-drink cocktails, Cherry Vodka Lemonade and Bourbon Old Fashioned.

“Crafting these RTDs has allowed us to flex our creative muscles, thinking deeper about what cocktail lovers want next. We’re all on the move these days, even more so in the summer. From festivals to fairways, these products offer a premium option for on-the-go enjoyment without compromising quality or taste. Even better, we’re making it happen right here in Milwaukee with the iconic Leinenkugel’s,” said Pat McQuillan, co-founder of Central Standard Craft Distillery.

The two distinctive canned cocktails are inspired by Leinenkugel’s and Central Standard’s most popular flavors. The Cherry Vodka Lemonade RTD boasts flavors of lemon from Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, cherry from Central Standard’s Door County Cherry Vodka and finishes off with a kiss of raw Wisconsin honey. The Bourbon Old Fashioned RTD, a staple at Wisconsin bars and supper clubs, is crafted with Central Standard’s double-barreled, award-winning Red Cabin Bourbon, combined with flavors from Leinenkugel’s best-selling brews, like cherry, cranberry and orange.

Due to the overwhelming success of their first release in February, Central Standard Craft Distillery and Leinenkugel’s worked to expand their line of RTDs into Minnesota. This expansion marks a significant milestone, signaling a new era of growth and excitement as they extend the RTD rollout beyond Wisconsin state lines.

“We saw excitement pouring in from all over Wisconsin when we launched the line of ready-to-drink cocktails, and requests to expand our products to additional states,” said Jim Kanter, chief commercial officer at Central Standard Craft Distillery, “Summer is the perfect time to take these products beyond Wisconsin. We’re excited to share a taste of local Milwaukee craftsmanship with fellow midwesterners beyond our home state.”

These canned beverages make Midwest summers even more enjoyable with just the crack of a can. The RTD’s make the perfect on-the-go cocktail for tailgates, lake days, barbecues, golf outings and any outdoor occasion where a canned beverage can be enjoyed responsibly.

“At Leinenkugel’s, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in brewing,” said Tony Bugher, president of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. “This collaboration continues that tradition within another category, bringing exceptional, ready-to-drink cocktails to market that we believe will resonate with cocktail lovers past state lines.”

Available now, all three RTD cocktails have an ABV of 8% and are sold in four-packs of 12-oz. cans. The canned cocktails are sold exclusively in Wisconsin and Minnesota, widely distributed across major retail and independent liquor stores. They will also be available at local venues, bars, restaurants and supper clubs across Wisconsin. To learn more about where to find Central Standard products, check out their product locator.

To stay up to date on all Central Standard products, events and happenings, visit thecentralstandard.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about Leinenkugel’s, visit leinie.com or follow along on Instagram.

About Central Standard Distillery
Central Standard Craft Distillery, a small batch, craft distillery in Milwaukee and the fastest-growing top-10 Wisconsin-based distiller, handcrafts award-winning bourbon, whiskey, vodka and gin from locally sourced ingredients, including cherries grown in Door County and honey harvested in Germantown. Founded in 2014, Central Standard spirits have won 40 medals across multiple craft distilling categories. Learn more at thecentralstandard.com, or by following them on social at instagram.com/thecentralstandard/ or facebook.com/thecentralstandard.

About Molson Coors Beverage Company
For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has brewed beverages that unite people for all life’s moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, Madrí Excepcional and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Vizzy Hard Seltzer, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Simply Spiked Lemonade, ZOA Energy, Blue Run Spirits, Creemore Springs and more, Molson Coors produces some of the most beloved and iconic brands in the beverage industry. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle with energy drinks, bottled spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, cider and more. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com.

*You must be 21 or older and a fan of great craft cocktails to enjoy our spirits. Please drink responsibly

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.