Some thought the owners of one of Michigan’s newest craft distilleries were a little nuts to be opening a business on an abandoned farm near the Benzie/Manistee County line. But this winter, Iron Fish Distillery’s proximity to Crystal Mountain (named the #2 ski resort in the US and Canada!) and the “Big M” cross-country ski trails has made it a go-to spot for skiers who love a local joint with some authentic best-kept-secret cred.

Iron Fish Distillery thompsonvilleWe asked Iron Fish to share a killer après-ski cocktail recipe: their rum hits the spot!

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe:

  • 1 tablespoon softened, unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • Pinch of allspice, ground cloves & nutmeg
  • 2 ounces Iron Fish Michigan White Rum
  • 2–3 ounces boiling water
  • Cinnamon stick to garnish

Add butter, brown sugar and a pinch of allspice, ground cloves and nutmeg to a mug. Pour in rum, followed by boiling water. Stir well. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Then pour one for a friend and enjoy!


While we’re on the topic of winter cocktails … shake those shivers with these cocktail recipes (we’ll definitely be trying the gingerbread martini before the snow melts)! 

And check out this how-to video to learn how to make “the smoke stack.” It’s an epic whiskey cocktail guaranteed to warm you to the bones.


More Craft Cocktail Inspiration