Blog Posts
Northcentral Wisconsin
Dodge, Waupaca, Shawano, and Marathon Counties
On October 9, WiscoMaryMJ and WiscoMaryChristin got up very early for a 17-hour Bloody Adventure around Wisconsin.
Our first stop was Theresa, WI. This picturesque little community boasts the home of Widmer’s Cheese Cellars (214 W. Henni St.). The charming Swiss chalet-type building was bursting with cheese goodness when we walked in the door. The history of the place was on the walls, and coolers and a deli case held cheese, sausage, and more cheese.
We had a front-row view of the large cheesemaking vats as the workers went about their craft. It was fascinating to watch. We sampled the various types of cheeses, purchased our favorites, then continued on our way.
Our next destination was The Evanswood Village Shops to stop into The Wild Grape Wine Company (N1567 US-10, Weyauwega), a liquor store with an eclectic selection of spirits. We were on the hunt for Referent’s Horseradish Vodka (made in New Holland, WI with Wisconsin horseradish), but unfortunately, it was sold out. We did pick out a selection of Bloody Mary mixes, Moonshine brand Dill Pickles, Pickleback, and vodka.
On the road and a short drive to Weyauwega Star Dairy (109 N. Mill St.). We browsed the selection of cheeses, meats, and liquor, and picked up more Bloody Mary mix, cheese, and meat. Tours were not available, so we were a little disappointed.
After a very full morning, we were READY for a Bloody Mary! We chose to stay in Weyauwega, and found Haufschildt’s Brew Haus (111 E. Main St.). We ordered Bloody Marys, which were made with Major Peters’ Bloody Mary Mix, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, and celery salt, and topped with green olives, dill pickle, pickled cocktail onion, and a pickled Brussels sprout. We both had Old Style as our chaser. We decided lunch was in order, too, and had the comfort food staple – Grilled cheese with bacon and pub fries. Everything hit the spot, the bartender was amusing, and the patrons even more amusing. It was a perfect break before our drive to the next spot in Wittenberg.
After a drive through the pretty countryside and farming communities, we knew we were getting close to Nueske’s (1390 E. Grand Ave.) when we began seeing the Nueske’s old fashioned panel trucks parked on the side of the road.
Walking into Nueske’s smoke-scented shop was pure heaven. A long deli case full of smoked meats of every kind greeted us on our right, and coolers and freezer cases lined the walls and the aisles. Shelves stacked with candy, Big Buck Bloody Mary Mix, Nan’s Bloody Mary Mix, soda, BBQ and hot sauces, and maple syrup were also present. We had a terrific meeting with the store manager, who was extremely passionate about both Nueske’s and, happily, Bloody Marys! We got some great samples of sausage sticks and Landjaeger from him, and we bought the aforementioned Bloody Mary mixes, as well as several types of smoked meat.
Then it was time to leave, and head for our last destination in Wausau. We found Timekeeper Distillery (720 Grant St.) in the late afternoon. It’s housed in a repurposed train station that was built in 1901. Years of work went into it, and it shows.
We had a great meeting with Dan and Kimm Webber, the owners and distillers. They are passionate about their product and also about Wisconsin and Wisconsin products. We chose to stop here for two reasons – because we heard about their small, hand-crafted vodka, and because of their signature Bloody Mary – The Black and Bloody Umami Bloody Mary.
We took a tour of the distillery and learned about Timekeeper’s attention to detail and their passion for creating these fine spirits. The collection consists of Vodka, Gin, and Rye Whiskey.
The Black and Bloody Umami Bloody Mary was the brainchild of Dan and his across-the-street restaurant neighbor, Chef Joe Thomas. Chef Joe owns Black Umami Garlic Company, and after tasting his Black Umami Garlic Burger, Dan decided Black Umami Garlic would be the perfect addition to his hand-crafted Bloody Mary. And he was right. Black Umami Garlic adds richness, smokiness, and depth to an already fresh and fantastic Bloody Mary. Timekeeper Distillery Bloody Marys are made with vodka or botanical gin and topped with a pickle, marinated cocktail onion, and a cheese curd. Each Bloody Mary takes a few minutes to make, and they are $10 each.
After that fantastic Bloody Mary, WiscoMaryChristin, always the nerd, opted for a second craft cocktail called the Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde, which was gin-based and changed color. It was topped with a Pac-Man shaped lemon wedge. WiscoMaryMJ had a custom-made bourbon-based cocktail stirred by bartender Jameson. They shared a flatbread pizza, as well.
Then it was time to head back home. It was a long, fun-filled Bloody Adventure!
We can’t wait to do it again.
Waukesha, Jefferson, and Rock Counties
This past weekend (9/7 & 9/8), WiscoMary went on a Bloody Adventure! to the far reaches of Waukesha County and into Jefferson County.
We had previously been to Kuhtz General Store and Saloon (W335 N6939 Stone Bank Rd., Oconomowoc), and we made the trip again this past Saturday not just because they serve a solid Bloody, but for their weekend food special – the oh-so-Wisconsin Cannibal Sandwich! This is also known as Raw Beef and Onions on Rye.
WiscoMary Christin paired it with potato chips, a dill pickle, and a Bloody Maria. It was also offered with a slice of Pepperjack Cheese, which was a new ingredient to us, and WiscoMary MJ tried it this way and pronounced it very good.
One of the things we love about this location is the friendliness of the small town of Stone Bank. We had only been there once before, but upon arrival, everyone greeted us warmly and welcomed us back.
Another reason to return was the option to upgrade to a “top shelf” pour for our Bloody Marys for either .50 cents or a dollar. On the last visit, WiscoMary MJ had anchovy-stuffed olives, and on the second visit, regular olives, so if you love anchovies, make sure to request them.
Here is the video of our Bloodies being made by Savannah.
After that, we decided to head for the next-closest county and wound up driving to Jefferson County. We stopped in the town of Lake Mills, at Sportsman’s Pub on the Park (129 N. Main St.) in Lake Mills, WI to take a break, stretch our legs, and maybe find a Bloody.
The place was jammed, and we managed to get some information from the definitely-in-the-weeds bartender about their Bloodies. They make their own mix, it comes with just a dill pickle and no chaser. “No fancy-schmancy stuff”, is how she put it. Their Sunday Special is $3 Bloodies all day.
Seeing how busy they were, we opted to skip partaking in their Bloody, but we did ask a couple at a nearby table how they liked them. They said it was a decent, simple Bloody, and then gave us a tip that put us back on the road and heading towards Janesville, to Newville (Edgerton), right on the Rock River.
Anchor (718 WI-59) was a welcoming place, with light-wood everything, 2 stories, lots of windows overlooking the Rock River, outdoor seating, a boat launch, the Badger game on TV, and best of all – a wide variety of exotic Bloodies!
We were too late (it was after 1 pm) to get the “Meat Lover’s” (Hamburger Slider, Bacon-wrapped Hot Dog, Chicken Tender, Chicken Wing, Summer Sausage and Cheese skewer $15, Sat/Sun only until 1 pm), and WiscoMary Christin was disappointed, but made the best of it by opting for the “Grilled Cheese” (An entire Grilled Cheese Sandwich cut into wedges, with the option to add Ham or Turkey, and a choice of Cheddar or Swiss $12). It was the perfect late lunch. The mix was homemade, and in our opinion a little sweet, but still very good. Sacramento was offered as an alternative.
WiscoMary MJ opted for the “Anchors Weekend” (Celery, Sweet Pickle, Lime, Lemon, Green Olive, Hard Boiled Egg, Summer Sausage and Cheese skewer, and a choice of Hamburger Slider or Chicken Wing $9).
WiscoMary MJ upgraded her Bloody with Absolut Citron and doctored it with extra Worcestershire Sauce, and WiscoMary Christin upgraded with Patron Blanco Tequila. There were no chasers included. The bartender offered to sell us a beer of our choice separately, but we declined. The Bloody was enough!
The other Bloody Marys were the “Heart Attack Sampler” (Deep Fried: Chicken Tender, Wing, Jalapeno Popper, Mushroom, Onion Ring, Cheese Curd, and a Mozzarella Stick $14), the “Anchors Weekday” (Celery, Sweet Pickle, Lime, Lemon, Olive, Hard Boiled Egg, and Summer Sausage and Cheese skewer $8), and the “Plain Jane” (a single Celery stick $7).
After watching the Badger ass-kicking of the Chippewas, we made the trek back home, fully satisfied with the day.
On Sunday, the power went out at WiscoMary HQ, and when it came on again, WiscoMary MJ celebrated with a Bloody Mary of her own creation.
Below is a Michelada with Sacramento Bloody Mary Mix, Summer Shanty, and Tajin seasoning plus a little diablo sauce for spice.
All in all, a great Bloody Adventure!
Check back again soon for the next one – Cheers!
#itsabloodyadventure #wiscomary #bloodymary
Until now there was not a comprehensive directory website of where to find Bloody Marys in our great state of Wisconsin. As marketers and influencers, and on one of our team’s recent research findings, we discovered that Wisconsin is #1 for the search term “Bloody Mary.” Imagine that!
In the land of cheese and beer, we get very artistic with our food and drink. There are so many garnish toppings and unlimited ways to pickle items from our forests and farm to top off our favorite drink. We have seen everything crowning these masterpieces from Twinkies to Ho Ho’s
Oh and the events claiming “The Best”, The Most Creative”, and The Most Original” can be found In the cities of Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse, and Appleton. There are sure to be more in your area too. People come from neighboring states to join in the festivities and make a day or a weekend of it.
We will shout out to our nearest competitor and neighbor, Minnesota. Proximity is key since we share similar weather, lakes, and terrain. It is such a short reach to share the same interests. Rumor has it that Wisconsin has more lakes than Minnesota. But does it really matter if you are clinking glasses?
Wisconsin has a drinking culture. We revolve around Packer and Badger games at bars, restaurants, and in cabins and backyards any chance we can take. Creating events around these beauties is now a thing. So why not build a source where everyone can go to search for new venues to visit and enjoy these lovely cocktails?
Creating a Bloody Mary work of art is part of the lure of this beautiful red drink. Join us as we travel, and visit unique out-of-the-way holes in the walls and elegant Bloody Mary bars.
Because #itsabloodyadventure!
Read More »- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3