Pack your bags and get on board! West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority’s (WVTAA) award-winning beverage competition, CoolCraft Summer, is returning for its third year starting June 28 through September 2 with drinks themed to over 20 countries.
Throughout West Volusia County, 22 local coffee shops, tea purveyors, breweries, and mixologists have crafted cool international beverages for the third annual CoolCraft Summer Beverage Competition.
Each participating location was tasked with creating a featured beverage based on the event’s theme, “World Tour.” Drinks are inspired by various popular destinations such as Germany, Brazil, Japan, Vietnam, and more. All summer long, travelers will be able to try each drink and vote for their favorite at coolcrafttrail.com/summer.
The CoolCraft Summer World Tour will commence with a free-to-attend kickoff event on June 28 at 6 pm, starting at Sidecar Bar in DeLand, FL. Guests will make their way to each participating location with the help of a “boarding pass,” valid only for that evening, to collect stamps. Those who fill out their pass will then be entered into a drawing that evening for a suitcase filled with items from many of the stops along the trail.
“It’s CoolCraft Summertime,” said Georgia Turner, Executive Director of WVTAA, “and this year, it’s going to be a blast! We are so excited to feature so many local businesses and talented individuals as they create some spectacular drinks.”
Last summer, visitors and residents flocked to participating CoolCrafter locations for “Flamingo” inspired beverages thanks to the help of a mischievous flamingo mascot named Dougie, and even more are expected this summer. Guests are encouraged to try each location’s drink and then vote for which they like best at coolcrafttrail.com/summer.
This summer’s worldly concoctions include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic Beverages
Wander Bar Cocktail Lounge – Japan – The “Yoro District” cocktail blends Peak Whisky, mango and red-chili syrup, muddled mint, and a seaweed salt rim, capturing the vibrant flavors of Gyokusendo.
Central 28 Beer Company – Germany – “Underduck Lager” is a crisp, clean brew with notes of fresh baked bread and refreshing hops, embodying the spirit of Bavaria.
Table Restaurant – Italy – The “Raspberry Limoncello Splash” combines raspberry vodka, zesty limoncello, and tart cranberry juice, perfect for imagining the Amalfi Coast.
Blue Springs Brewing – Mexico – “Pancho Chela” is a light Mexican lager with a crisp and refreshing taste, perfect for envisioning the vibrant streets of Mexico City.
The Elusive Grape – Spain – “Sangria Rosé di Valencia” combines sparkling rosé with black currant and elderberry syrup, perfect for the lively Las Fallas festival.
Frederick’s Wine Room – Philippines – The “Bayou” blends pandan and coconut milk with sparkling vodka water and Moscato, evoking the tropical landscapes of the Philippines.
DeLand Cocktail Company – Chile – “Rucapillán” combines egg white, pineapple gum, lemon, and rum, topped with Chilean red wine and candied strawberry dust, capturing the Andes’ landscapes.
The Lounge at The Artisan Downtown – Cuba – The “Traditional Mojito” features Bacardi Rum, lime, fresh mint, and soda water, perfect for the rhythm of Havana’s lively streets.
Amour Du Vin – Australia – “Rose’ Down Under” combines raspberries, Sparkling Rose’, gin, and lemon juice, capturing the spirit of an Australian summer.
Hyderhead Brewery – Scotland – “Hyder Black and Tan” made with Puffin Porter, offers a rich blend evoking the rugged landscapes of Scotland.
City Wine and Cigar – France – “Sunset Sail” blends lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, and strawberries, perfect for a serene evening on the French Riviera.
Persimmon Hollow – Belgium – “Belgian Blonde” is an aromatic beer with clove, vanilla, and coriander, perfect for strolling along the canals of Bruges.
Nest – Portugal – “Nest’s Red Sangria” is a sweet, refreshing drink served in a special orange cup, perfect for the vibrant streets of Lisbon.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Berryville – Barbados – “Berryville’s Blue Barbados” features blue raspberry syrup, lime juice, and cream of coconut, transporting you to Barbados’ pristine beaches.
Desert Sage Lifestyle Wellness – Jamaica – “One Love Mocktail” made from sorrel petals, lemongrass, stevia leaves, and guayusa, captures the vibrant rhythms of Jamaica.
Whit’s Frozen Custard DeLand – Maldives – “Beach Wave Shake” with coconut ice cream and pineapple sorbet, evokes the serene vibes of the Maldives.
Parvathys Kitchen – India – “Mango Lassi” made with mango, yogurt, and milk, evokes the bustling markets of Mumbai or the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Centro Tea Co. – Brazil – “Mango Mojito Spritz” with mango and lime juice, topped with Organic Mango Merrymint Black Tea, captures the energy of Rio’s Carnival.
Sidecar Market – Vietnam – “Sunrise in Saigon” is Sidecar Market’s take on a vegan coffee with cold brew, coconut cream, and orange blossom water, transporting you to Saigon’s vibrant morning markets.
Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co. – Ethiopia – “Mango-Mama-Punch” pairs Ethiopian mango with Guji region coffee, topped with mango soda, offering a bright taste of Ethiopia.
Trilogy Kitchen – Colombia – The “Caldas Cocktail” blends Colombian coffee with limeade and coconut aromatics, inspired by Limonada de Coco.
Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things – Fiji – “Fiji Piña Colada Milkshake” with coconut ice cream and pineapple sorbet, captures the serene vibes of Fiji’s crystal-clear waters.
For the complete list of CoolCraft Summer entries, and to start planning your summer, visit coolcrafttrail.com/summer.
Last summer’s CoolCraft Voters’ Choice winners were the “Flamingo Sunshine” from Central 28 Beer Company in the alcoholic category and Whit’s Frozen Custard DeLand won the non-alcoholic category with its “Whit’s DeLand Sunrise.” The Flamingo Magazine Choice Winners were Wander Bar Cocktail Lounge for their “One Leg to Stand On” and Centro Tea Co. & Plant Based Kitchen with their non-alcoholic “French Flamingo.”
About CoolCraft
The CoolCraft Beverage Trail by WVTAA is a guide to the best breweries, wineries, pubs, and other craft beverage producers within West Volusia County. Visitors can follow the trail year-round or during specialty events, CoolCraft Summer and CoolCraft Christmas.
About West Volusia County
Conveniently located between Orlando and Daytona Beach, West Volusia County, Florida offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy parks, pristine natural beauty, historical homes like Stetson Mansion, a vibrant downtown, and award-winning restaurants within 14 distinct communities. Visitors can also enjoy Downtown DeLand – voted America’s BEST Mainstreet – and its many delectable restaurants, or for a bit more adventure, head out on the St. Johns River or explore the Blue Spring State Park. These are just a few of the many natural, cultural and historical area attractions you will find when visiting West Volusia County.