If you’re looking for a delicious artisanal beverage that you can enjoy at a cookout, sporting event, beach outing, weekend getaway, or any time that calls for rest, relaxation, and fun, look no further than Kristi’s Kraftails, lovingly handmade by local entrepreneur Kristi Dukoff at Hope and Main, and enjoyed by a growing number of folks throughout the Ocean State and beyond.
Dukoff, who gained years of experience as a bar manager in some of the region’s leading restaurants, founded the business in March 2022, and began offering the locally-sourced Kraft mocktails that are low-sugar, refreshing, and balanced. Guests can simply add their favorite liquor, and it becomes “Happy Hour” at a fraction of the price.
“I wanted people to have a fun drink that they could enjoy and feel that they weren’t missing out on something,” said Dukoff, adding that she was inspired to start the business by women who couldn’t consume alcohol due to pregnancy, as well as many individuals who don’t drink, but enjoy a delicious non-alcoholic drink, along with their companions.
She added that the beverages are also vegan and gluten-free.
According to Dukoff, some of the most popular “mocktails” include: Marg My Words, a delicious blend of strawberry, garden basil, lime, pink peppercorn, and agave.
“It’s like a refreshing ‘Margarita,’” she expressed. “It’s my number one best seller.”
Another crowd pleaser is Pure Vida, a passion fruit “Mojito,” a twist on a classic cocktail that features passion fruit, garden mint, lime, and a spritz of orange.
Also popular is Mint to Be, a mint, orange blossom “sour,” made with refreshing fresh mint, orange blossom, and lemon, with a spritz of orange essence.
“That was my first recipe that I wanted to make for my new business,” Dukoff continued. “I have a special place in my heart for that mocktail.”
The energetic businesswoman shares that the delicious beverages are available in take-away bottles, as well as half-gallon and gallon bottles.
“I do a lot of parties and special events,” she added, noting that guests and visitors enjoy stopping at “Maui the Mocktail Kart,” where they also greet Skittles, a lovable smooth-haired Dachshund.
“She is definitely the star of the show,” the proud dog owner shared. “She is the one everyone looks for.”
Dukoff says that she plans to offer the beverages throughout the year, and plans to create special flavors that will include vegan hot chocolate in winter and homemade hot cider in the fall.
“My whole mission is spreading kindness and mocking sunshine,” she quipped. “That’s why I wear tie-dyed and rainbow-colored apparel.
“I pinch myself daily and ask ‘Is this real life?,” she laughed.
Dukoff praises the staff at Hope and Main for their leadership and guidance in developing her emerging business.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere without them,” she shared.
To learn more about this exciting new business, visit www.kristikraftails.com
Swansea, Massachusetts entrepreneurs Ray and Joan Lafleur of Lafleurs Wildflower Honey became beekeepers, 8 years ago, after taking a course through the Bristol County Beekeepers Association, held at Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton.
“I fell in love with it,” the busy man began. “Without bees we are all doomed.”
Today, the couple’s delicious honey is sold throughout Southeastern New England at selected farmer’s markets, and also at a few small retail establishments.
“I like people,” Lafleur continued, adding that he receives much enjoyment from customers who ask questions because they want to learn about bees and how they can improve the environment.
For more information about the beekeepers and their products, visit Lafleurs Wildflower Honey on Facebook.
