Winter Dishes & Cocktail Pairings with our Head Distiller 

Winter is here, and so are the hearty, soul-warming dishes at Founding Farmers. The new seasonal menu celebrates the flavors of the colder months, and we didn’t want to stop there. We asked our very own Head Distiller, Bob VanLancker, for his expert take on the best Founding Spirits cocktails to pair with these new winter dishes. The result? Five unforgettable pairings that will elevate your dining experience.

Bob VanLancker, the mastermind behind Founding Spirits, manages the day-to-day operations of our distillery and is instrumental in crafting the award-winning spirits that are used in our Founding Farmers cocktails.  “With our distillery, we are taking small-batch spirit production to the next level,” Bob says. “We craft spirits tailored to our restaurant cocktail program. They work well paired with and are even featured in some of our recipes.”

Ready to discover Bob’s top Founding Spirits cocktail & winter dish pairings? Here’s what he recommends ordering from our everyday Founding Farmers menus:

Beef Burgoo Stew + Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail

This hearty stew is full of earthy, woodsy flavors that pair perfectly with the Maple Bourbon Smash. The cocktail’s subtle sweetness and rich maple notes complement the deep, savory elements of the stew. It’s a match made for cozy evenings around our tables.

Herb Butter-Basted Fresh Catch Entrée + Easy Peasy Cocktail

For something on the lighter side, the fresh flavors of the Easy Peasy cocktail beautifully balance the buttery richness of our fish of the day entrée. You can’t go wrong with this delicious & bright pairing.

Bourbon Cedar Plank Fresh Catch Entrée + Chelsea Manhattan Cocktail

The silky, rich flavors of the Chelsea Manhattan pair effortlessly with the smoky, bourbon-infused notes of the cedar plank fish, both are made with our Founding Spirits Bourbon. This is elegance and indulgence combined in one meal.

Sirloin Chili Stew + Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned Cocktail

Rich, spicy, and robust – the Sirloin Chili Stew calls for a drink that can hold its own. Our house Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned’s oaky depth and smooth profile enhance the bold spices of the chili, creating a harmonious explosion of flavor.

Pork & Lentil Stew + Mojito Daiquiri Cocktail

The tomatillo base of this stew gets a refreshing twist with the Mojito Daiquiri. The cocktail’s minty and citrusy notes cut through the richness of the pork and lentils, creating a perfectly balanced bite and sip.

This winter, treat yourself to these incredible pairings at any Founding Farmers location. Each dish and cocktail is thoughtfully crafted with scratch-made ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re warming up with a bowl of stew or savoring the deliciousness of our fresh catch entrées, Bob’s pairings promise to make your meal truly special.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to taste the season’s best. Reserve your table today and raise a glass to winter at Founding Farmers!