Mixology Spirit: Brittany Noeding
We took a short drive down to New Milford to visit Brittany Noeding at The Iron Rail. A cancer survivor and single parent, Brittany is a true embodiment of The Spirit of Hard Work. She crafted a perfect cocktail for the season called Fall Fantasy — made with our Rye Whiskey and fresh apple cider, it’s a delicious sipper to enjoy fireside on a crisp autumn night. We love the atmosphere at The Iron Rail, which feels like a classic New York City bar and restaurant, complete with dark wood accents and a beautiful long bar that’s often filled with locals sharing good food, drinks, and conversation.
Batchers: Hi Brittany, welcome to Mixology Spirit! Please let our audience know what your title and role is at The Iron Rail?
Brittany: Thank you for inviting me! I am the head bartender at The Iron Rail in New Milford, CT.
Batchers: For those in our audience who may not be familiar with The Iron Rail, please take a moment to share what guests can expect when they dine there.
Brittany: The Iron Rail is a modern take on a steak house and cocktail bar. We serve up delicious homemade dishes created by our amazing chefs and we have an extensive cocktail menu that is curated by both the owner and staff.
Batchers: How long have you been bartending? What inspired you to get into the business?
Brittany: I have been in the industry for over 12 years with about 6-7 years being focused on craft cocktails. What started out as just a bussing job in 2013 turned into a career that I am really passionate about. Years ago, I remember watching bartenders shake their creations while customers looked on in awe. I knew that was what I wanted to do.
Batchers: In your opinion, what separates a good cocktail from a great one?
Brittany: I think was separates a good cocktail from a great one is your ability to elevate it. By that I mean, putting your own unique twist on a recipe that really makes it stand out.
Batchers: Got a good story about a really hard night behind the bar?
Brittany: So one night we were really, really slammed. The owner and I were racing to get drinks out and keep up with the tickets. Let me just pause a second to preface that I have a pretty bad nut allergy. So, someone orders a drink with nuts and in my rush, I accidentally smashed the glass with the nuts with another cocktail glass, completely shattering both glasses and spilling the contents all over myself! I had to run to the bathroom, remove my clothes and give myself a bath in the sink. Thankfully, someone was able to loan me some clean clothing and a dose of Benadryl, which allowed me to get back behind the bar and help get through the rush. I eventually got home safely, albeit with a swollen throat and covered in hives, but I survived.
Batchers: When you’re not working at The Iron Rail, what do you like to do for fun?
Brittany: When I’m not behind the bar you might find me belting my lungs out to some mediocre karaoke or playing a round of darts with some friends.
Batchers: What is your favorite Litchfield Distillery spirit to build cocktails with (and why)?
Brittany: I really like working with the Vanilla Bourbon and making espresso martinis — my favorite cocktail! I also love your Blueberry Vodka. It works so well in our yummy, fresh summer cocktails.
Batchers: What does The Spirit of Hard Work® mean to you?
Brittany: The Spirit of Hard Work is instilled in me. I am a cancer survivor and a single parent. I work hard to provide a good life for my child and me. From surviving to thriving, I am proud of how hard I have worked and what I have accomplished.
Brittany’s featured cocktail is called, Fall Fantasy. It’s an absolutely perfect fall cocktail, featuring our Rye Whiskey, fresh apple cider and lemon juice with some honey simple syrup and a couple dashes of bitters. It’s easy to build and can also be made in bulk if you’re hosting a social gathering this fall or holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 2.0 oz Litchfield Distillery Rye Whiskey
- 2.0 oz Fresh Apple Cider
- 1.0 oz Honey Simple Syrup
- .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2-3 Dashes or Aromatic Bitters
- Garnish: Apple Slice
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into coupe glass and garnish with apple slice. Brittany also sprays a little edible glitter on this drink to add to its visual appeal.
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To learn more about The Iron Rail, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook or Instagram. They are located at 10 Railroad Street in New Milford, CT. To contact, please call (860) 799-5606 or email ironrail5606@gmail.com.
About Mixology Spirit:
Mixology Spirit is a Litchfield Distillery blog series dedicated to sharing the stories of creative and passionate mixologists who embody The Spirit Of Hard Work®. Think you got what it takes to be featured? Drop us a line at info@litchfielddistillery.com.
©2025 Litchfield Distillery. Photography & Editing Credits: Tony Vengrove
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