Mixology Spirit: Kurt Delaney
From the shoreline spirit of Groton—where Outer Light Brewing Company sits alongside one of the nation’s most active military communities—Kurt Delaney brings a thoughtful, inventive approach to cocktail craftsmanship. Inspired by late-night creativity and a deep appreciation for those who serve, Kurt’s work behind the bar reflects the brewery’s commitment to giving back and creating a welcoming place for all. His featured cocktail, Welcome To The Lighthouse, blends bright fruit, herbal depth, and the crisp character of Litchfield Distillery Gin—a refreshing, well-earned reward worthy of the community Outer Light proudly serves.
Batchers: Hi Kurt. Welcome to Mixology Spirit. For our followers who aren’t familiar with the brewery, please take a moment to share what Outer Light is all about.
Kurt: Outer Light is a craft brewery in Groton that’s really all about the community. We opened in 2015 and have worked hard to become a local staple where everyone feels welcome. We pride ourselves on having a diverse beer selection, so there’s always something on tap for every kind of palate. The taproom itself has a really laid-back vibe, and one of the coolest parts is that you can actually watch the brewing process through massive windows—we affectionately call it “the fishbowl.” At the end of the day, we’re just passionate about making high-quality, innovative beer and finding ways to give back to the town that supports us.
Batchers: The brewery prides itself on building community and supporting the military and first responders. Can you share a few examples of how you do this?
Kurt: We’re big on being a community hub, so we’ve put a lot of work into partnering with commissioning committees for new submarines, creating special beers for christenings and commissionings. We also host crew parties during those weekends, where they can bring their families and enjoy the event. As for the community, we host a free BBQ once a month, cooking hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and giving it away for free. We also host numerous fundraisers throughout the year for local organizations.
Batchers: So, for someone who is so busy, how do you find time to create new cocktail recipes? Do you have a particular process?
Kurt: Honestly, most of it starts late at night when I can’t sleep. My mind just starts racing—what if I paired this liquor with this syrup and that fruit? I’ll usually jot all my ideas down so I don’t forget them, then pull them up the next day. I’ll wait until I have some of our staff and regulars around, and then I start experimenting with different drinks. From there, it’s just making tweaks until we hit it and it’s ready for the menu.
Batchers: Got a good story about a really hard night behind the bar?
Kurt: Oh man, I’ll never forget this one night. We had no idea there was this massive diving workshop in town, and apparently someone decided to add us to their official itinerary. The first guy walks through the door and asks, “Hey, are you by yourself tonight?” I said yeah, and he just looked at me and said, “Well, you’ve got over 100 people right behind me.” The next couple of hours were honestly just a total blur. By the time the last person left and I finally got to closing, I just stood there looking at the empty taproom, trying to wrap my head around how I even made it through that shift.
Batchers: When you’re not working at Outer Light, what do you like to do for fun?
Kurt: When I’m not at Outer Light, I’m usually spending time with my girlfriend. We love traveling all over New England, finding those “hidden gem” spots to eat and drink. If I’m not doing that, I’m usually out on the golf course or just keeping it low-key and hanging out with friends.
Batchers: What is your favorite Litchfield Distillery spirit to build cocktails with (and why)?
Kurt: I honestly have two favorites. First is the Rye Whiskey—it’s got that perfect balance of smooth and bite, which makes it a great base for any whiskey cocktail. The other has to be the Gin. We’ve paired so many different flavors with it at the taproom, and every time, it just tastes great. It’s one of those spirits that makes my job a lot easier when I’m experimenting with new recipes.
Batchers: What does The Spirit of Hard Work® mean to you?
Kurt: To me, it’s really about the hustle behind the scenes that no one sees. It’s those late nights when I’m staring at my notes app trying to nail a new recipe or coming up with an event idea and working through the logistics. It’s about showing up for the community—whether we’re firing up the grill for a free BBQ or brewing something special to honor the crews on the base. At the end of the day, it’s that pride you feel looking at a packed taproom, knowing you put in the work to make it a place people actually want to be.
Welcome To The Lighthouse is a vibrant, fruit-forward cocktail layered with subtle herbal notes and a refreshing citrus finish. Fresh strawberries and sage create an aromatic foundation, while rhubarb syrup and strawberry liqueur add a touch of sweetness and complexity. Anchored by the clean, versatile profile of our award-winning Litchfield Distillery Gin, this cocktail is as approachable as it is refined—an ideal pour for warm evenings, fun gatherings with friends, or anytime you’re looking to mix something memorable.
Ingredients:
- 2.0 oz Litchfield Distillery Gin
- ¾ oz Rhubarb Syrup
- 1/2 oz Strawberry Liqueur
- Fresh Juice from half a Lemon
- 3 Strawberries
- Sage Leaf
Method: Muddle the 3 Strawberries and the sage in shaker. Add ice, Gin, Rhubarb Syrup and Strawberry Liqueur. Squeeze half of a lemon into shaker. Shake until chilled. Fill rocks glass with ice and strain into glass. Garnish with a piece of sage and sliced strawberry.
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To learn more about Outer Light Brewing Company, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook or Instagram. The brewery is located at 266 Bridge Street in Groton, CT. To contact, please call (475) 201-9972 or email info@outerlightbrewing.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.
©2026 Litchfield Distillery. Photography & Editing Credits: Tony Vengrove
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