Thirsty Thursday: Cookies and…Beer?

It’s time for another Thirsty Thursday, where we put branded drinkware to the test—with a mystery drink, of course! This week, Briar Swigert, Jeff Wickerham, and Kirby Hasseman took on the challenge, sipping on something a little sweet, a little bold, and a whole lot festive.

What did we drink? The Cookie Exchange Milk Stout from Great Lakes Brewing. It was like cookies…and beer!  What did we drink it from? The Ryze 22oz Aluminum Sports Bottle with a Bamboo Lid. Did we like both? Spoiler alert: Thumbs up all around!

🎥 Watch the full episode here:

The Drinkware: Ryze Aluminum Sports Bottle with Bamboo Lid

Every Thirsty Thursday, we test out a piece of branded drinkware, because let’s be real—not all drinkware is created equal. This time, we sipped from the Ryze 22oz Aluminum Sports Bottle, and here’s what we loved about it:

✅ Lightweight & Durable – Made from aluminum, this bottle is sturdy but easy to carry.
✅ Bamboo Lid = Premium Feel – That bamboo top isn’t just for looks—it adds a touch of style and sustainability.
✅ Sleek Design – The shape is comfortable to hold, making it a great option for on-the-go hydration.
✅ Good Branding Space – Plenty of room for a bold, clean logo imprint.

This gets the Thirsty Thursday stamp of approval! If you’re looking for a high-quality, customizable sports bottle, check out the Ryze Aluminum Sports Bottle here:
👉 Ryze 22oz Aluminum Sports Bottle


The Drink: Cookie Exchange Milk Stout by Great Lakes Brewing

Of course, it wouldn’t be Thirsty Thursday without a mystery drink. This time, we cracked open a Cookie Exchange Milk Stout from Great Lakes Brewing.

So what exactly is a Cookie Exchange Stout? Picture this:
🍪 Rich, chocolatey notes
🥛 Creamy, smooth finish
☕ Hints of roasted malt & coffee

This dessert-inspired stout is the kind of drink you want to sip on while sitting by the fire after a holiday party. And in true Thirsty Thursday fashion, we all took a taste and gave it a big thumbs up.

Want to try it for yourself? You can learn more about this seasonal brew from Great Lakes Brewing here:
👉 Cookie Exchange Milk Stout


Final Verdict: A Winning Combo!

When both the drink and the drinkware get high marks, you know it’s a good Thirsty Thursday.

🚰 The Ryze Aluminum Sports Bottle – A solid, stylish, and eco-friendly option for branded drinkware.
🍺 The Cookie Exchange Milk Stout – A rich and flavorful brew that lives up to its name.

Would we drink another round? Absolutely.

At Hasseman Marketing, we are all about fun…and doing marketing BETTER.  If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! We’d love to help you.  Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE!  This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.

Written by: Kirby Hasseman

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications. Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. Kirby has published four books. His most recent is “Fan of Happy.” His book, called "Delivering Marketing Joy" is about doing “promo right” and is perfect for people in the industry and customers. He also wrote “Think Big For Small Business” and “Give Your Way to Success. All are available on Amazon.