KOVAL Distillery Cracks Open a New Chapter with Canned Cocktails

Ravenswood’s favorite distillery is shaking things up again… only now, they’ve done all the shaking for you!

KOVAL Distillery, a local pioneer of grain-to-bottle spirits, just launched its first line of ready-to-drink cocktails. The debut includes two sparkling classics with a KOVAL twist:

  • Cranberry Spritz – a bright, juicy refresher made with KOVAL’s celebrated Cranberry Gin Liqueur
  • Bourbon Highball – an effervescent mix featuring KOVAL Bourbon with just the right balance of citrus and spice

Both come in sleek, stylish packaging- but you could have guessed that without the picture. After all, this is KOVAL we’re talking about. At 7.5% ABV, these cocktails are designed for easy drinking and all occasions. Think picnics in Winnemac Park, backyard barbecues, or something simple to crack open on the loading dock after work.

Innovation on Malt Row

Since opening in 2008, KOVAL has built a reputation for making spirits that are both refined and approachable. Their latest release fits that tradition perfectly- as KOVAL president and founder, Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, explains:

“Since day one, our mission has been to make high-quality, organic spirits approachable for every occasion. With our new RTD line, we’re bringing that same ethos to cocktails. Delicious, well-crafted drinks that highlight our spirits while being incredibly convenient and fun to share.”

It is the kind of customer-friendly move that screams “Malt Row” – a nickname the stretch of Ravenswood Ave that’s home to Chicago’s densest concentration of craft beverage producers. The community has a reputation for being forward thinking, incredibly hospitable, and incredibly skilled at creating memorable drinking experiences. KOVAL helped set the stage for Malt Row more than a decade ago, and this new line of canned cocktails keeps the tradition of neighborhood innovation alive and fizzing.

Where to Find Them

Right now, you can only pick these up at the KOVAL Tasting Room Store (4241 N Ravenswood Ave). That means Ravenswood neighbors are the first to sip this new chapter in KOVAL’s story! Distribution is coming soon, so expect to see cans popping up on shelves across Chicago in the months ahead.

Looking for the perfect excuse to swing by? We have a couple:

  • Ravenswood ArtWalk (Sept. 13–14) – KOVAL was a must-visit stop on this annual “Tour of Arts & Industry” before the big announcement. Now, what choice do you really have? More Info
  • Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29) – Take the a free ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley and visit the Tasting Room to stock up on gifts and reward yourself with a four-pack or two. More Info

Supporting Malt Row businesses like KOVAL is good for your home bar and for keeping our local makers thriving. It’s also good for soothing lower back pain, relieving itchy mosquito bites, and elevating boring work meetings.

Cheers to Ravenswood

This release is about more than cocktails in a can. It is about how our community continues to grow, adapt, and celebrate craft. Whether you are a die-hard whiskey fan, a spritz devotee, or someone who just wants a no-fuss good time, KOVAL’s new line offers a little taste of Ravenswood in every sip.

Grab a can, raise a toast, and celebrate another reason why Malt Row is Chicago’s most flavorful destinations. Cheers!


Gene Wagendorf III

Executive Director, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce | View Bio

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