Grab your pith helmet and pack your sense of adventure—CoolCraft Summer is back and wilder than ever! From now through September 1, the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority (WVTAA) invites visitors and locals alike to sip their way through the fourth annual CoolCraft Summer Beverage Competition, themed this year as a Summer Safari.
Discover Animal-Inspired Beverages from Local Favorites
Across West Volusia, 22 of the area’s favorite coffee shops, breweries, tea houses, and cocktail lounges have each created a custom beverage inspired by a different animal. Whether you prefer it WILD (alcoholic) or MILD (alcohol-free), each drink captures the character and spirit of its animal muse—from elegant swans to bold gorillas.
A few wild highlights include Church Monkey, a playful blend of chocolate peanut butter porter with banana and a cocoa-rimmed glass from Chapel Tap; Peacock, a colorful citrus and coconut rum cocktail from DeLand Cocktail Company; and Sahara Sunset, a bold, fruity lion-inspired drink from Table Restaurant. Those choosing the mild route might enjoy Among My Swan, a creamy earl grey and blackberry tea from Trilogy Coffee, or Pink Elephant, a turmeric-ginger lemonade elixir handcrafted by Desert Sage Lifestyle Wellness.
Sip and Vote for Your Summer Safari Favorites
Adventurers are encouraged to taste their way through these creative concoctions and vote for their favorites online at CoolCraftTrail.com. Each vote helps crown the top beverages in both the alcoholic and
non-alcoholic categories.
Relax and Recharge with Exclusive CoolCation Deals
Need to cool off or wind down after a day on the trail? Book a CoolCation with one of the trail’s hotel partners. Downtown options like the DeLand Hotel and Holiday Inn Express & Suites – DeLand South, as well as riverside resorts like Hontoon Landing Resort, are offering special rates for CoolCraft travelers. Book using the links on the CoolCraft site to receive a CoolCraft Summer Safari goodie bag at check-in, packed with local treats, drink tokens, and more.
Join CoolCraft Summer 2025
Now in its fourth year, CoolCraft Summer has become a seasonal staple in West Volusia, drawing thousands of participants eager to explore the region through flavor and fun. Don’t miss your chance to sip, vote, and safari your way through summer! Plan your route and learn more at CoolCraftTrail.com/summer.
