Muskrat Distilling's Winter Spritz

Bottoms Up

By Anna Faller | Feb. 15, 2025

Old-school mixology meets Michigan flair at Muskrat Distilling in Boyne City. Opened in 2022, this small distillery is slinging a menu of pre-Prohibition-inspired cocktails, all featuring their line of craft spirits like the masterful Aperitivo, made with 10 botanicals, including grapefruit peel, earthy gentian root, and a touch of demerara sugar. This ruby liqueur is its own appe-teaser, but also serves as a bittersweet component for the effervescent Winter Spritz ($12). This seasonal take on the classic (a dry aperitif with sparkling wine and ice) layers cranberry juice and toasty Cava over an Aperitivo base. Topped off with an ice cube studded with cinnamon, cranberry, and star anise, it’s the perfect balance of bubbles and bite to ward off the last of the winter doldrums. Belly up to the bar at 121 Water St. in Boyne City. themuskrat.com