Mad River Distillers Celebrates 50 Daiquiri Recipes

Vermont distillery showcases creative cocktail creations using their own rum infusions and local ingredients.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:57am

A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a daiquiri glass filled with a bright red cocktail, conceptually representing the creative cocktail program at Mad River Distillers.Mad River Distillers' creative cocktail program celebrates the versatility of rum with 50 unique daiquiri recipes showcasing local Vermont ingredients and flavors.Burlington Today

Mad River Distillers in Burlington, Vermont is celebrating its 50th anniversary by sharing 10 unique daiquiri recipes that incorporate the distillery's own rum infusions and local Vermont ingredients. From watermelon-infused Rum 44 to hibiscus-steeped First Run Rum, the recipes highlight the versatility of rum and the creative spirit of the distillery's cocktail program.

Why it matters

As craft cocktail culture continues to thrive, small distilleries like Mad River are finding innovative ways to showcase their products and connect with local consumers. By developing signature cocktail recipes, Mad River is able to highlight the quality and flavor profiles of their rums while also celebrating their 50-year history as a Vermont institution.

The details

The 10 daiquiri recipes from Mad River Distillers feature a range of rum infusions, from watermelon and hibiscus to vanilla and pineapple. Each recipe incorporates fresh citrus, homemade syrups, and other local ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. Some, like the Vena Daiquiri and Strawberry Rhubarb Daiquiri, require a bit more prep work with the rum infusions, while others like the Ghia Daiquiri and PX Pineapple Daiquiri come together more quickly.

  • Mad River Distillers opened in the summer of 1975.
  • The distillery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The players

Mad River Distillers

A craft distillery in Burlington, Vermont that produces a variety of rums, whiskeys, and other spirits.

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What’s next

Mad River Distillers plans to continue expanding its cocktail program and sharing new recipes with customers at its Burlington tasting room.

The takeaway

Mad River Distillers' commitment to innovation and community-focused values has allowed the Vermont distillery to thrive for 50 years, even as the state's beverage landscape has evolved. Their creative daiquiri recipes showcase the versatility of their rum products and the distillery's passion for crafting unique cocktail experiences.