Pies are pies, right? Not according to Sara Hayden!  Using a little liquor and her mother’s pie crust recipe, Sara’s Tipsy Pies are far from ordinary. Whisky, wine and beer are common ingredients in all of your favorite pies crafted by Sara; however, it is not just the local alcohol that makes these pies unique.

In March of 2014, Sara began the “Pie with a Purpose” campaign to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. Partnering with a local brewery, Sara donates the proceeds from her two “give-back pies”, salted caramel apple and maple bacon apple, that are both made with beer from Minneapolis-based Finnegans. The campaign has already been able to donate $2,575 to the association—it’s close to Sara’s heart because her daughter Madi is living with Down Syndrome.   

“Everyone said it would be hard, and no doubt, there are extra worries and concerns with raising a child with special needs. But more than anything, having a child with Down Syndrome has been a joy, because having children is a joy,” shared Sara. “Madi’s diagnosis provided me with new perspectives, ways to love, and a deeper appreciation for the little things.”

This mom of five young children never expected herself to be where she is today, having her products featured in 60 stores and presenting her products in various events and festivals to promote her tipsy pies to hungry customers. With her tenacious attitude to carry on the dying art of making pies, Sara’s Tipsy Pies has successfully been in business for the past six years.

This will be the third consecutive year that Sara’s Tipsy Pies has been presenting at the Feast! Local Foods Marketplace event in Rochester, Minn. They have had tremendous success from the first two showings, making them continue to come back for more!

“The main reason that we go back every year is for the connections with other vendors,” Sara informed. They also enjoy being able to network with people during the festival as well.

Sara’s Tipsy Pies also offers a variety of other services including providing yummy desserts for weddings, corporate catering and other special events. Learn more about Sara’s story and her products at sarastipsypies.com.