Originally published on WZZM13 News, June 24, 2024
Grand Valley State University has partnered with a local distiller to make a GVSU branded canned cocktail.
ALLENDALE, Mich. — In 2023, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law legalizing the sale of alcohol at college athletic events in the state.
Since that bill was signed, colleges across Michigan have applied for liquor licenses and have even began sales. Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has even partnered with a local distiller to make a GVSU branded canned cocktail.
Lake + Valley Lemonade, distilled by Long Road Distillers, is the latest installment of the GVSU Lake + Valley lifestyle line. Long Road Distillers is owned by GVSU alumni and opened in May of 2015.
“As Laker Alumni, Kyle and I are thrilled beyond belief to have an opportunity to partner with GVSU in the creation of Lake + Valley Lemonade,” said Long Road Owner and Co-Founder Jon O’Conner. “The amazing educational opportunities and experiences GVSU provided to us both were instrumental in giving us the confidence to start our own distillery. To now be able to partner with the university in the creation of a world class Ready to Drink canned cocktail they can call their own is something we are so unbelievably proud of!”
Starting Monday, June 24 the canned cocktail will be available for purchase throughout the state of Michigan as they plan to sell it in stores, bars and restaurants.
In fall, when the football season kicks off, Laker fans will be able to purchase and enjoy Lake + Valley Lemonade at Lubbers Stadium and the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The 12 oz cans will feature the “GV” athletics trademark and color. The cocktail itself will have flavors of lemon and blueberry with a hint of basil.
“It felt blue, Grand Valley Laker Blue. It felt right going with the blueberry lemonade. It would be a light, refreshing, crisp drink that would be great for the Michigan summers,” said Joshua Borger, Director of Marketing and Fan Development.
The cocktail features Long Road distillers original vodka and contains five percent alcohol with 110 calories. The director of marketing at GVSU said students and the community are excited about the new drink.
“Students seem pretty excited. I’ve seen a few comments that say they can’t wait to try this at football games. It’s really awesome that people can’t wait to get back to Grand Rapids so that they can try it,” said Borger.
“We are humbled to partner with a GVSU Alumni owned business that is anchored in our West Michigan community. Jon and Kyle’s commitment to quality, service, and excellence aligns with GVSU Athletics value of championship excellence. This new partnership with Lake + Valley Lemonade has truly combined two hard working championship brands to create a product that will be enjoyed by Long Road fans and Laker Nation alike,” said Deputy Director of GVSU Athletics, Doug Lipinski.
“With distribution across the state, we are excited to extend the GVSU brand to new areas. No matter if it is a hot Michigan summer day at the lake or a beautiful fall night tailgating at Lubbers Stadium, Lake + Valley Lemonade is perfect. We look forward to the growth of this partnership.” Lipinski added.
