Good Liquid wants to ‘push the envelope’ with cocktails at Lakewood Ranch distillery
Good Liquid Distilling Company, a small-batch craft distillery with a cocktail lounge, recently opened in Waterside Place, a Lakewood Ranch dining and entertainment district south of University Parkway.
The new business at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Suite 102, is a sister company of Good Liquid Brewing Company, which owners Mike and Sandra Krail opened in 2021.
At the time the Krails opened their brewery and restaurant, they announced plans to open distilleries to make spirits, such as rum, vodka, gin, agave spirits, bourbon, orange liqueur and rye whiskey.
Both businesses are in Waterside Place but on two different streets around the corner from each other. The brewery is at 1570 Lakefront Drive.
The company touts quality ingredients, expert technique and artisan craftsmanship to create handcrafted spirits “that will leave you wanting more.”
Providing the technique and handcrafting is master distiller Clara Robbins, who has a background in chemical engineering and learned the distilling art in Kentucky.
The menu includes old fashions, made from a variety of spirits, syrups, bitters and enhancements, and crushes (grapefruit, watermelon, white peach, orange, strawberry and mango), all of which include vodka and orange liqueur.
Also on the menu are a variety of cocktails and classics, like margaritas, whiskey sours, martinis and more.
Good Liquid Distilling Company says that if you don’t see what you want, ask one of their bartenders.
Since its soft opening on Sept. 15, the crushes have been popular with guests, as have cocktails such as Garden Cafe (rum, orange liqueur, simple syrup, oat milk and whipped coffee with a spritz of rosewater), said general manager Rachel Price.
Another standout is the Ramble On cocktail, which includes rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice and blackberry sage syrup, Price said.
Also popular are the watermelon-flavored drinks, she said.
All of the syrups are made in-house and juices are squeezed on the premises.
“We want to make sure the entire experience is elevated with exceptional service and exceptional cocktails along with a friendly greeting,” Price said.
Adds Brian Griffin, director of operations: “We want to push the envelope with our cocktails. You will find flavor combinations and techniques you cannot get nearby. Our showstopper is the DB Cooper, a vodka martini featuring caviar and gold flakes.”
Good Liquid Distilling Company has seating for 120, including at the bar, in the lounge and on two patios. The business is a treat for the eyes with barrel staves suspended from the ceiling, and “Ginger,” the gleaming still visible through glass behind the bar.
Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Days and hours are expected to change as Good Liquid builds volume, Price said.
The company also plans to add small bites to the menu.
A second Good Liquid Brewing Company is planned at Parrish in Creekside Commons shopping center.
For more information about Good Liquid Distilling Company and Good Liquid Distilling, visit https://www.goodliquid.com/.
