During the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest, it can be tough to garner the motivation to head outdoors, especially when it comes to camping. We wait out the bad weather — and like clockwork as the rains concede — we starting digging out our tents, camp stoves and coolers.
Considering our short window for camping out West, why stick to the usual canned beer and craft bottles? This year, switch up your alcohol stash with these essential spirits for bringing cocktails fireside.
Ransom Wines & Spirits WhipperSnapper Oregon Spirit Whiskey | Straight up, on the rocks or at the river’s edge — whiskey is essential for sipping in the wilderness. WhipperSnapper Oregon straight whiskey expresses notes of rye and malt giving depth to cocktails like the Rickey, Mint Julep or whiskey sour. For a whiskey of this caliber, it’s set at a convenient price point.
Dogwood Distilling Union Gin | Fine mid-shelf liquors are perfect for outdoor adventure and Dogwood Distilling’s Union Gin delivers on both fronts. Union gin is a traditional London-style dry gin made from 11 botanicals. It’s not just for outdoor makeshift bartending though; bartenders use the versatility and affordability of this dry gin in handcrafted cocktails throughout Portland and other cities on the West Coast.
Crater Lake Spirits Pepper Vodka | Just because it’s a rugged weekend, doesn’t mean there needs to be rough mornings. Bring along Crater Lake pepper vodka for Bloody Marys to start your day right. Originally formulated just for Bloody Marys, this pepper vodka is made with five sweet and hot peppers in Bend, Oregon.
Scrappy’s Classic Bitters Mini Set | Seattle-based Scrappy’s is available virtually everywhere but nab a Classic Bitters Mini Set (orange, aromatic, celery and Orleans), and you’ll be equipped for campsite cocktails until fall. Dash the celery bitters in a Bloody Mary or combine the aromatic bitters with whiskey for an Old Fashioned that’s sure to impress.
