J. Rieger launches cocktail trail with over 3 dozen businesses
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Are you thirsty? I'm thirsty. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Bars and restaurants from across the metro are part of a large-scale cocktail tour meant to showcase KC businesses and flavors during the World Cup.
The big picture: The Raise a Cup Cocktail Trail is an interactive way for visitors to get their hands on drinks and prizes, and a way for J. Rieger & Co. to get its booze in front of the masses.
How it works: Participants can access the trail through the company's website.
- After creating an account, take a picture of your drink to earn 10 points per location.
- One check-in will get you a shot glass, three gets you a rocks glass, five a hat and 10 a distillery tour.
What they're saying: J. Rieger's director of marketing, Sarah James, tells Axios the distillery is investing heavily in "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kansas City."
- She says she wants visitors and locals alike to go experience the metro's vibrant food and drink scene, adding: "Kansas City has really great restaurants outside of just barbecue."
Zoom in: James says each location can participate in their own way, pointing to Westport Cafe, Hemma Hemma and Fern Bar as early participants.
- Fern Bar will keep its current City of Fountains cocktail menu through the summer.
- Hemma Hemma serves a Filthy Martini with J. Rieger spirits and both pickle and olive juice.
- Westport Cafe is still coming up with its menu.
Zoom out: As of Thursday, 37 local businesses were participating, some with several locations. A few last-minute additions are expected.
- There's even a spot in Lawrence: Merchants Pub & Plate.
State of play: J. Rieger is betting on the World Cup in other ways, too. It's the main spirits sponsor at Union Station during the tournament, featuring a cocktail bar and a tasting booth.
- And the company is partnering with the Cezanne art space at 2016 Main St. to host a pop-up featuring London-based artist Diana Al Shammari, aka the Football Gal.
If you go: The cocktail trail runs through the duration of the World Cup.