Mammoth Distilling’s Torch Lake Drive

Bottoms Up

By Craig Manning | Aug. 5, 2023

Somehow, this writer didn’t know there was a Mammoth Distilling outpost in Bay Harbor. (Shame on me, but it was a happy surprise!) It was the perfect type of happy hour—not too hot and not too cold—to sit outside on the patio and people watch with a drink in hand, and opting for the summery Torch Lake Drive ($12) was the right choice. Mammoth rum (distilled from 100 percent black strap molasses) mixes with lime juice, simple syrup, Northwoods soda water, and the distillery’s iconic Cherry Bounce. This NoMi liqueur is made from local tart cherries, augmented with a subtle hint of whiskey, and sweetened with a cherry reduction from Brownwood Farms. There may be fewer cherries on the tree these days, but there was plenty in the glass. Find it at Mammoth Distilling locations in Bay Harbor, Bellaire, Central Lake, Traverse City, and Adrian. mammothdistilling.com