WARRENSBURG, Mo. – University of Central Missouri Athletics announced on Monday, July 13, a new partnership with Benchmark Beverage Company, based in Michigan, with products sold nationwide, for a new UCM-branded Fighting Mules Silver Spur Vodka, celebrating the Mules and Jennies.

Through Benchmark's distilling process, UCM Athletics will help design a new vodka spirit for Mules and Jennies supporters to enjoy. A portion of all sales will benefit UCM student-athletes.

"A primary goal of ours is to find innovative ways to connect UCM Athletics with our loyal fans and help our community thrive," Matt Howdeshell, UCM Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, said. "We are excited to launch this partnership with Benchmark Beverage and introduce our own co-branded vodka that celebrates the rich history and spirit of Central Missouri. There are few institutions nationwide with an officially branded vodka, making this a truly unique offering. We are appreciative of the hard work from our staff, Benchmark Beverage, and the local, regional, and statewide retail partners who will carry this exceptional product, and we are confident that MuleNation will love it!"

The design and production of the UCM-branded vodka are already underway. Crafted as a premium, five-times distilled, gluten-free vodka, the spirit is expected to be available before the start of the 2026–27 UCM athletic season.

"We're proud to partner with the University of Central Missouri on this innovative project to create a spirit that reflects the pride and tradition of MuleNation," Auday Arabo, Founder of Benchmark Beverage Company, said. "At Benchmark, our mission is to raise the bar in the beverage industry, and this partnership is about doing just that—creating a premium product that brings fans together while supporting UCM student-athletes. We look forward to raising a glass with MuleNation for years to come."

Fans can expect more details soon on the launch and availability of the new Fighting Mules Silver Spur Vodka.

With the addition of the new Fighting Mules Silver Spur Vodka, UCM Athletics is excited to continue building momentum after the launch of the Fighting Mules Stable Select and Stable Signature Whiskey last summer. Visit TheCentralStable.com for more information and to order the Stable Select and Stable Signature spirits.

About Benchmark Beverage Company
Founded in 2016, Benchmark Beverage Company is an independent, family-owned, Michigan-based specialist in developing, growing, and marketing brands in the beverage industry. From established spirit brands like Padre Azul tequila and Daon soju to beer brands like Dark Horse and Brew Detroit, to emerging brands such as Great America flavored malt beverage, Benchmark Beverage's growing portfolio offers a wide variety of options for distributors to offer to customers. Benchmark Beverage delivers value to consumers – offering the best product for the price across the entire pricing spectrum in every product segment.

Learn more at www.benchmarkbeverage.com.