Going Legit: The Next Chapter for Wildcrafted Cocktails
# Going Legit: The Next Chapter for Wildcrafted Cocktails
For years, I've wandered meadows, forests, high desert trails, and forgotten corners of the landscape searching for the flavors that make Central Oregon unique. What began as a personal passion for wildcrafting, herbalism, and crafting memorable drinks has slowly grown into something much larger.
Today, I'm excited to share that Spellbound Mercantile's Wildcraft Bartending program is taking its next big step forward.
We're going legit.
While the spirit of what I do won't change, this milestone represents an important evolution.
Wildcrafted cocktails have always been about more than alcohol. They're about place. They're about seasonality. They're about transforming responsibly harvested local plants, flowers, berries, herbs, and roots into drinks that tell a story. Every menu is inspired by the landscape around us and the traditions of gathering, preserving, and celebrating nature's abundance.
Becoming licensed means I can bring those experiences to weddings, private events, retreats, festivals, and community gatherings with greater confidence and capability. It also means clients can trust that every aspect of service is being built on a foundation of professionalism, safety, and compliance.
The paperwork is underway, and licenses with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and the City of Bend are currently in process. Once finalized, this will allow me to bring wildcrafted cocktail experiences to events with the professionalism, accountability, and legal framework that clients deserve.
As these approvals move through the process, I'll continue developing new seasonal recipes, expanding my wildcrafted ingredient library, and designing immersive cocktail experiences that connect people to the land in meaningful ways.
To everyone who has encouraged this dream, booked an event, shared a recipe, offered a plant identification tip, or simply raised a glass with me—thank you. Your support is what made this next step possible.
The wild magic remains exactly the same.
Now it just comes with paperwork.
Stay tuned for updates as licensing is finalized and official launch dates are announced.
Until then, keep your eyes on the trails, your baskets ready, and your glasses full of wonder.
Cheers,
Jen
