We’re Horsin’ Around
If you’ve glanced at our cocktail menu and wondered what exactly Alligator Shoes is or who Bug might be — you’re in the right place.
Elizabeth’s lifelong love — and Starr’s newfound adoration — of horses runs deep, and it spills over into our drinks. Many of our featured cocktails are named after horses who’ve left their mark on our lives: the first one Elizabeth ever owned, a rescue she helped rehab, or a four-legged goofball who’d rather drink your beer than win a ribbon.
This page is our tribute to them — and to Stall 13, a nonprofit that gives horses like these a second chance after the finish line.
Mint Juliet
Juliet was Elizabeth’s first horse — a striking bay thoroughbred she bought at 16. Juliet once raced under the name Mint Juliet, so it felt only right to honor her with a playful twist on the mint julep.
When You Buy a Bug a Boulevardier
Bug came to Elizabeth unsure and green — never raced, barely handled, but full of potential. Elizabeth connected with Bug through her work with Finger Lakes Finest, a nonprofit that helps horses finished with racing find their new homes. With some time and patience she built up her confidence and ultimately moved on to a forever home with a horse-crazy teenager.
This drink is a tribute to reinvention, quiet grit, and second chances.
Alligator Shoes
Meet Colden, also known as Can’tweallgetalong. A bit of a mama’s boy with a mouthy streak, he earned his nickname for his occasionally snappy attitude — hence, “Alligator.” This cocktail has a bite to match his sass.
Mor Valor
Some horses earn ribbons. Others earn a place in your heart. Mor Valor—known lovingly as Marshall (race name Mor Valor) or Marshmallow—wasn’t winning races, but he sure won us over. At the end of a long season and out of options, he needed a lifeline. With $500 and a trailer hitched by Saturday, he came home… and never looked back. Named for the first ADK high peak Starr ever climbed, Marshall, he is now a steadfast soul in the herd: gentle, grateful, and full of quiet courage. This cocktail is a tribute to listening to your gut—even when you swore you were done bringing horses home.
Valiant Man
James (racing name Valiant Man) is all heart. Think giant chocolate lab with hooves. He prefers the simple things: grass, sunshine, and a cold beer. His drink is exactly that — a PBR and a shot of American whiskey. It’s uncomplicated and beloved. Like James.
Stall 13
This cocktail — and this cause — are close to our hearts. Stall 13 is a nonprofit based in the Finger Lakes dedicated to helping thoroughbreds at the end of their racing careers, especially those who are injured, overlooked, or hard to place. They step in when others can’t, offering these horses a safe landing and a shot at a second life.
A portion of the proceeds from this drink goes directly to support their work, because we believe that the stories worth telling don’t end at the finish line.
Want to learn more or support them directly? Visit stall13.org.
