Rooted in History: Soldier City Spirits & The Legacy of St. Cloud, FL

Every bottle of Soldier City Spirits tells the story of where it all began: St. Cloud, Florida. Tucked away just southeast of Orlando, this lakeside town is known for grit, tradition, and a quiet kind of pride. It’s an old town with modern charm, and it’s growing every year. Keep reading to discover the legacy of St. Cloud, FL and how it inspired our company’s name.

Where Our Name Comes From

Our name, Soldier City Spirits, is a tribute to St. Cloud.

The city was founded as a retirement community for Union Army veterans after the Civil War. In 1909, the Seminole Land & Investment Company purchased 35,000 acres to establish a colony for members of the “Grand Army of the Republic,” a fraternal organization of Union veterans. 

The town quickly became known as “The Friendly Soldier City,” or Soldier City for short. You’ll still find street names like Pennsylvania Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue – quiet nods to the hometowns of the men who settled here after serving their country.

Soldier City Spirits was born out of a similar spirit of service and strength. We craft our cocktails with that legacy in mind: hard work, no shortcuts, and respect for those who came before us.

Old Town Charm in a Growing City

St. Cloud isn’t your stereotypical Florida town. There’s no theme park, no beach boardwalk. What it does have is history and a whole lot of heart. 

Despite its growth in recent years, the soul of the city is preserved in its lakes, parks, and historic downtown. The city's Lakefront Park provides recreational activities along East Lake Tohopekaliga, including walking trails, playgrounds, and a marina. Thanks to revitalization efforts, the downtown area is quaint and active, featuring historic buildings and community events. 

You can still see the bones of the original settlement in Old Town: brick storefronts, preserved homes, and public buildings that date back over a century. The St. Cloud Heritage Museum, housed in the former Veterans Memorial Library, offers a look at the city’s founding and evolution – from a haven for soldiers to a thriving Central Florida community.

Whether you’re sipping on Truitt’s Old-Fashioned at a backyard cookout or picking up a bottle for a lakeside picnic, you’re drinking something inspired by the rich history and modern charm of St. Cloud.

Something for Everyone

While St. Cloud keeps things simple, it doesn’t skimp on fun. You’re just a short drive from airboat tours, fishing on East Lake Toho, and a growing lineup of community festivals – from food truck nights to Fourth of July celebrations.

St. Cloud hosts a vibrant lineup of annual events that bring the community together year-round. Highlights include Spring Fling and Paint the Cloud Green. Fall brings the Trail of Terror and Fall Fest, while winter features the beloved Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Rockin’ the Cloud on New Year’s Eve.

If you want a change of pace, Orlando, Universal, and Disney are only 40 minutes away. But wherever you end up in Central Florida, consider stopping by one of our retailers for an Old-Fashioned as smooth and bold as St. Cloud:

• 1881 Bar and Restaurant in Kissimmee

• Breeze Kissimmee in Kissimmee

• Bronson Liquors in Kissimmee

• Bronson Liquors in Winter Garden

• PioPio Restaurant in Orlando

• Kenny's Liquor in New Smyrna Beach

• Casey’s Liquor in Yulee

• Primo Liquors & Fine Wine Sunrise in Ft. Lauderdale

Pre-Made Old-Fashioned in St. Cloud, FL

Truitt’s pre-made Old-Fashioned combines quality with convenience. With a bottle of Truitt’s, you get the perfect cocktail every single time. Made with 5-year bourbon and natural ingredients, it’s the best pre-made Old-Fashioned on the market. And if you live near Orlando, FL, it’s local to you. Sign up for our newsletter today to stay in the loop on all things Solider City Spirits, including discounts, events, swag, new releases, and more.