Boozy Bites & Badge-Worthy Pairings: Girl Scout Cookies & Makers Trail Beverages

This Girl Scout cookie season, we're ditching the predictable and embracing the unexpected with pairings from Southwest Michigan's Makers Trail. Think beyond the classic glass of milk and discover how the diverse flavors of craft beer, wine, and spirits can elevate your cookie experience. From citrusy beers complementing refreshing Thin Mints to crisp ciders enhancing Trefoils' rich buttery notes, prepare for a delicious adventure that supports local makers and satisfies your sweet tooth.

Try These Tantalizing Combinations

During Girl Scout cookie season from late January to early March, pick up bottles of these beverage suggestions along the Makers Trail and get your cookies at these locations. Then enjoy them together when you return to your overnight lodgings or home. Hosting a pairing party is the perfect excuse to bring friends together. 

1. Adventurefuls®

These indulgent, brownie cookies topped with caramel-flavored cream and a hint of sea salt pair beautifully with:

• Wine: Lemon Creek Winery Silver Beach Sauterne: The sauterne has flavors of honeyed pear and a hint of spice, making the cookie a sweet complement.
• Cocktail: Journeyman Distillery Blood Pressure: This cocktail features a smoked bourbon, simple syrup, allspice dram, and Journeyman’s house bitters. The notes from the bitters and the allspice provide a warm, comforting combination with this cookie.
• Beer: The Livery Brew’s Love Pump Imperial Stout: The rich, dark roast flavors of the stout complement the caramel and chocolate notes in the cookie.
• Mocktail: A Wild Josephine from Iron Shoe Distillery: Made with blackberry, jalapeno, ginger beer, and lime: This mocktail offers a refreshing, slightly tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookie.

2. Thin Mints®

This favorite crisp cookie is dipped in a refreshing mint chocolate coating. Enjoy how its flavor pops with these beverages: 

• Wine: St. Julian Winery BR Mountain Road Rose: With a light-bodied rose blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the wine will stand up well to the mint-heavy flavor. 
• Cocktail: Journeyman Distillery Bourbon Vanilla Adult Malted Milkshake: With the cookie’s mint-forward flavor and crispy wafer texture, the vanilla notes of the bourbon and the ice cream add creaminess for a perfect combination. 
• Beer: Silver Harbor Brewery Wit: The citrusy, cranberry forward notes in Silver Harbor’s take on the Witbier complement the mint, while the light body doesn't overpower the cookie.
• Mocktail: Hill District Aperitif Spritz: A  refreshing cocktail will pair best with the minty cookies and the aperitif spritz features bittersweet aperitif, orange curacao, agave nectar, bitters, and tonic (all non-alcoholic, of course). 

3. Caramel DeLites® or Samoas®

This flavor-packed crisp cookie is covered with sweet coconut, creamy caramel, and chocolate stripes. A pure delight when paired with these Makers Trail choices:

• Wine: Chill Hill Semi-Sweet Riesling: The semi-sweetness of the wine balances the caramel and coconut flavors in the cookie.
• Cocktail: Iron Shoe Distillery Banana Pudding Martini: The classic coconut/caramel flavor of the cookie balances well with the banana flavoring in this cocktail featuring vodka, bourbon creme, cookie butter, and banana puree. 
• Beer: Day Starter by Sister Lakes Brewing: Like a nice cup of coffee with a delicious dessert, the brown ale adds warmth to the coconut flavor, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Mocktail: Journeyman NA Maple Buck: With some sweetness and spice, the Maple Buck will stand up against the delicious coconut of the cookie. 

4. Tagalongs® or Peanut Butter Patties®

This crisp cookie layers two favorite flavor combinations — a peanut butter center and a smooth chocolate coating. The savory/sweet mix is elevated with these drinks: 

• Wine: Domaine Berrien Cabernet France Ice Wine: The Cabernet Franc Ice Wine is full-bodied but has a sweetness and richness that will complement the cookie’s flavors.
• Cocktail: Marshmallow Coffee Graham Martini at Iron Show Distillery: Have you ever tried a s’more with a peanut butter cup? Then you know how delicious this combination will be. Take a bite and envision yourself at a campfire this summer!
• Beer: River St. Joe Chocolate Rye Porter: This beer shares the rich chocolatey flavor with the cookie, creating a unique and indulgent pairing.
• Mocktail: Bitters and Soda at Hill District: With the sweetness and crunch of the cookie, enjoy the compliment of the orange and aromatic bitters with the lightness of the soda. 

Don’t Miss This Cookie Pairing Event & Kits 

Ready for a truly unique tasting experience? Join the fun at a Girl Scout Cookie pairing event along the Makers Trail. Let the makers be your guide as they showcase their craft beverages alongside inspired cookie matches, revealing surprising flavor combinations you might have never imagined. It's an opportunity to discover new favorites and celebrate the ingenuity of both Girl Scouts and Southwest Michigan's talented beverage producers (plus pick up a few boxes and bottles at the same time). 

February 1 & 2 |  10th Annual Wine and Girl Scout Cookie Pairing | Lazy Ballerina Winery | 12 p.m. | Reserve Now

This popular annual pairing event has expanded to two days! Discover how four Girl Scout cookie varieties match up wonderfully with four different Lazy Ballerina wines! Reservations are requested so they save you some cookies!

Girl Scout Cookie & Wine Pairing Kits | St. Julian Winery & Tasting Rooms

St. Julian Winery plans in the spring to offer their pairing kits for Girl Scout cookies, wines, and sparkling non-alcoholic juices to create your pairing party. In February, begin checking the St. Julian website or social media pages for updates. 

Plan Your Pairing Tour Now — and Earn Prizes

Ready to start your Girl Scout cookie and Makers Trail tasting adventure?  Before you go, download the Visit Southwest Michigan app, Then, check in at each stop along the Makers Trail by showing the app's Passport. The more wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries you visit between now and April 30th, the more great prizes you can collect! 

Why not have a weekend of fun? Book a hotel room with the amenities and rates you want, explore our towns, and savor the ultimate cookie and beverage experience. Cheers to supporting local makers and Girl Scouts, and indulging in your love for both!

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