This summer, the cocktail menus at Trio and Local Restaurant & Bar are going to the dogs—literally. Thanks to an idea from Trio employee Eden Morris, both establishments are shaking things up with a playful and heartwarming twist: cocktails named after employee pets.
A Toast to Our Furry Friends
Morris’s idea quickly gained traction among staff members at both locations. Historically, the cocktail naming process has evolved from crowdsourced suggestions without a specific theme to movie-inspired names. This year marks the first time that the names of beloved pets have adorned the cocktail menus.
Meet the Pets Behind the Cocktails
Shylah – The Spicy Shylah
Shylah, a spirited 13-year-old red heeler, was rescued from the Boulder Humane Society as a puppy. Her owner, Josh Hirschmann says, “While she’s an old girl nowadays, she still packs plenty of spunk and spice. She’s been an amazing adventure dog all her life, loves giving people kisses, and running out the door and barking in the morning to let the world know she’s here.” Given her boundless energy and love of adventure, Shylah’s vibrant personality shines through in the Spicy Shylah cocktail, available at Local. This fiery drink features spicy tequila, lime juice, peach puree and hibiscus syrup – perfectly capturing Shylah’s zest for life.
Birdie – The Jungle Birdie
Birdie, a shepherd mix with a fluffy tail and a calm demeanor, inspired the Jungle Birdie at Trio. Her owner Kelly Little, a dedicated server, floor manager and marketing manager, adopted Birdie from the Animal Adoption Center two years ago. She tells us, “Her mother was rescued by the program Dog Is My Copilot from Laredo, Texas while she was pregnant with Birdie’s litter. As the small plane was in flight on its way back to Jackson, Birdie’s mom gave birth to a litter of mile high puppies! Our girl is the happiest, sweetest, softest pup. She prances like a pony, hops like a deer and snuggles like a teddy bear.” The Jungle Birdie cocktail, named in her honor, combines flavors that reflect her gentle yet spirited nature—Lunazul reposado tequila, Vida mezcal, Aperol, lemon juice and pineapple.
Mochi – Mochi’s Mojo
Mochi, a playful 3-year-old golden doodle, loves pup cups, playing frisbee and making his daily rounds of the neighborhood. “He thinks he is the neighborhood watch,” jokes his owner, Xiomara Mezak, adding, “He is our little angel that goes everywhere with us and completes our family.” Mochi’s boundless happiness and affectionate nature are mirrored in Mochi’s Mojo, a refreshing cocktail made with Jackson Hole Still Works Great Grey gin, ginger, lemon and honey blackberry syrup. This drink is as lively and sweet as Mochi himself.
Fannie – The Fannie Pack
Fannie, a 2-year-old supermutt with a love for adventure, inspired the Fannie Pack cocktail. Her mix of pitbull, husky and German shepherd traits make her an excellent mountain companion to her owner, Rose Wenck. A sister to Birdie, Fannie was also born mid-flight to Jackson en route to the Animal Adoption Center via Dog is My Copilot. Wenck shares about Fannie, “she’s the best mountain buddy, doing all things adventures by my side. She loves being on the water, jumping through sagebrush, playing ball with herself, pouncing like a cat and playing with friends.” Fannie’s cocktail includes Titos vodka, Chambord, coco lopez, lemon, banana syrup and tiki bitters, creating a blend that’s as eclectic and spirited as she is.
In addition to the fun and creativity of the pet-themed cocktails, Tito’s is generously donating $500 a month to the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson in honor of having a featured cocktail on Local’s summer cocktail list. This collaboration not only celebrates the pets of Trio and Local, but also makes each sip of these summer drinks even more meaningful.
