by Carrie Honaker | October 7, 2024
Sip, Savor and Shop Local in Alys Beach
Alys Beach’s 3rd annual Crafted festival invites you to drink hand-crafted cocktails from master mixologists, taste fresh shellfish and browse local artisans' vibrant canvases.

As the fire crackles and a crisp breeze sweeps through Firepit Park in Alys Beach, an invitation to gather and share stories emerges amid the smoke and laughter. Join us for an evening rich in tradition and flavor, where past and present converge over expertly crafted cocktails.
Welcome to Crafted 2024—step through one of three portals to embark on a journey that honors the area’s heritage while embracing the promise of what lies ahead.
Behind the first door awaits a coastal experience filled with oysters and agave spirits. Local aquaculturist John Harley of Serenoa Shellfish and Lou Bank of Sacred Agave delve into the intricacies of oyster and agave cultivation, exploring the unique flavors each reflects. Guests can learn to shuck an oyster, sip lesser-known Mexican spirits and discover how this unexpected pairing creates a perfect match. Following the seminar, Alys Beach Culinary Director Drew Dzejak joins forces with Miles Macquarrie, beverage director at Atlanta’s Kimball House, for a feast featuring sea-inspired dishes that fuse Florida seafood with Mexican mixology.

The second door opens to a taste of La Dolce Vita. Here, explorers immerse themselves in the world of Italian spritzes, crafting cocktails with recipes curated by mixologists Qadeem Hassan of The Essential and Jose Medina of Adios Bar & Salud Taqueria. Caliza’s elegant setting transports guests to the enchanting canals of Venice and the stylish streets of Milan. Under the guidance of Essential’s Chef Victor King and Chef Kristen Hall, attendees will savor the vibrant flavors of the Italian Mediterranean.
If you’re not drawn in by the first two adventures, a lush paradise awaits behind door number three. Celebrating nature’s bounty, A Sip of Paradise founder Keyatta Mincey Parker invites participants to craft zero-food-waste Amaro cocktails using fresh, natural ingredients. Raw & Juicy’s Chef Michael Sichel enhances this theme with dishes curated from local gardens and farms.

Friday’s lineup includes Santa Claus, the Holiday Maker’s Market and Spirited Seminars. First up is Cabinet Creations. Rob Crabtree and Whitney Hobbs from Boat Drinks will guide guests on the finer points of raiding your cabinets for imbibing inspiration. You’ll leave with tips on crafting a delicious cocktail without a run to the store or breaking a sweat. After a short mix and mingle, round two hits the stage where you’ll take a trip around the globe with World in a Glass presented by Ricky Lyn of Singani 63. Journey to the four corners to learn about the culture, ingredients native to each region and flavors found there. Under Lyn’s guidance, craft a cocktail that calls to each destination.
Firkin Fête offers a plethora of options on Friday night. Enter a landscape adorned with twinkling lights, live music and plush seating vignettes surrounded by barbecue pitmasters, butchers and bakers. Delicious bites fill the tables while brewers tap the firkins, a tradition dating back to the 15th century.

On Saturday, make your way to the green for Be the Maker painting workshops with Tallahassee-based artist Laura Patrick—ceramic or canvas, your choice. Another option presents itself through the colorful wine bottle arch: the Spirited Soirée. Along the path, enticing bites and beverages await. Relax in the outdoor lounge area, but save room in your glass for a special pairing featuring Tyler Faust of The Citizen in Alys Beach and Distillery 98.

The finale of Crafted 2024 promises to be unforgettable—introducing Pickleball and Picklebacks to the lineup for the first time. The pickleback shot, a tradition of Irish whiskey followed by pickle juice, originated at the Bushwick Country Club in Brooklyn in 2006. Now, Alys Beach puts its unique spin on this classic, offering spicy pickle juice and tequila or regular pickle juice with Irish whiskey. Whether you’re after brunch bites, eager to sip pickle-inspired cocktails or excited for a heated pickleball tournament, head to Alys Beach’s new pickleball courts at ZUMA Wellness Center. Eight teams will compete, but only one will take home the Golden Pickle Trophy.