New Waunakee Mocktail Mingle event planned

A new event in Waunakee is meant to get people out and into some of the local businesses to sip drinks and win prizes.

As of Tuesday, 16 businesses had committed to host stops in the Mocktail Mingle, organized by the Waunakee Chamber of Commerce. They’re now coming up with their unique mocktail recipes.

“Each place will have their own mocktail and will give out recipe cards,” said Ellen Schaaf, chamber director. Stores are encouraged to have specials or fun giveaways, as well.

Non-alcoholic drinks like a Molar Mule Mocktail or aGlitter Sangria Mocktail will be served, and participants who visit all of the businesses will be eligible for a drawing with prizes from those shops.

Schaaf said mocktails are growing in popularity, and one business owner suggested the Chamber host such an event. Mocktail bars are springing up, while other restaurants offer mocktail menus. Baraboo had its first mocktail event, Schaaf said.

“It wasn’t in our annual event planning, but it worked out,” Schaaf said, adding the idea received positive reception from the local businesses.

“From the Chamber’s standpoint, we do a lot of events that include alcohol,” she said, noting this offered an opportunity to host an event where all ages would be welcome to join in.

It also is an opportunity for local residents to get together and to meet some of the shop owners in town.

The Mocktail Mingle is set for Aug. 22 from 6 — 9 p.m. So far, the following businesses are participating:

Pageberry Mercantile, Edward Jones — Guy Stratton, Waunakee Family Dentistry, Orange Shoe Personal Fitness, Evie and Co Boutique, Lundy’s Ice Cream, Waunakee Furniture ETC, Kee-Kee Boutique, The Club, Paradise Plus, Associated Bank, LSM Chiropractic, Junky Janko Market, Hearth + Manna Wellness Collective, Imaginary Tea and the Chamber.

The Chamber office at the Waunakee Depot will be a stop where minglers can pick up their lanyards to add stickers to from the participating businesses.

Tickets to the event can be purchased on the Chamber website at https://www.waunakeechamber.com or by calling the Chamber office at (608) 849-5977.