Trattoria Stella’s Kick Your Knees Up

Bottoms Up

By Anna Faller | July 15, 2023

“Treat yourself” takes on all new meaning when your pre-dinner drink gives back to the community. Enter: the Kick Your Knees Up ($15) cocktail at Trattoria Stella in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. A longtime staple of their curated beverage menu, this summer sipper starts with Michigan gin—lately, it’s Mammoth’s gorgeously floral version—shaken with house lime cordial and thyme-infused water. To finish, it’s served in a coupe glass and arrives ice cold with a fresh sprig of thyme and a splash of Northwoods Soda’s hand-crafted tonic. As an added bonus, a dollar from each pour is donated to Norte Youth Programs, a local nonprofit that supports healthy kids through cycling. (You can also contribute minus the booze with the Spoke of Genius mocktail!) Enjoy a cocktail with a cause at 830 Cottageview Dr. in Traverse City. stellatc.com