Nordiculously Good

 Translating  from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning “water of life” Aquavit was, in its earliest days, believed to have healing powers the likes of warding off disease and old age. This liqueur has a LONG history-like 1300s long. By the 15th century it was thought to cure alcoholism(?). And today it’s known to be a useful aid in digestion.

Aquavit wears many different hats depending on which region  you are tasting from. The Swedish variant is usually distilled from grain and has heavier anise and fennel flavour, while Norwegian Aquavit is made from potatoes and dons  cuminy, citrus peely notes. Danish Aquavit also usually uses grain as the base, but tends to profile dill, coriander and caraway. 

Just as they vary in style and flavour, depending where you are, the traditions around the way you enjoy Aquavit are also vastly different. Scandinavians take their aquavit straight up, like a chilled shot, with the exception of Copenhagen in the winter, where it will usually be served with coffee. In Norway, Aquavit is usually sipped slowly to enjoy and experience its barrel-aging.

Aquavit has made its way into US bars and has the versatility all bartenders love to play with. Experience it in a Negroni riff or spritz. Of course there’s always the option to enjoy it like a Viking, just don’t forget the eye contact. Skaal!

For the Love of Pimm’s!

You’ve probably seen it on a menu, bleary eyed and barely clinging to life at a NOLA bachelorette party the morning after. We’re talking Pimm’s and it was introduced to England in the mid 19th century when James Pimm, who owned an oyster bar in London, released a tipple called "No. 1 Cup," which he claimed was a tonic to aid digestion. His cocktail, which showcased this gin-based liqueur, was dubbed "Pimm's Cup," and rang of all things quininey, herbaceous and fruity.  By 1851, Pimm began large-scale production on his drink. Since its original creation and evolution into other cup blends, the drink has traveled across Britain, crossed into other European countries and been exported across the world.  For reasons unknown, at some point in the 20th century New Orleans took a cue from London and adopted the Pimm’s Cup as a low ABV favorite. Combining Pimm’s with lemonade and 7-Up, the drink is served in a highball glass and garnished with cucumber, strawberrys, mint, rosemary… basically whatever is in your fridge that you were planning on turning into a salad. Subtly sweet, tangy, and refreshing, it’s the kind of guilty pleasure anyone can enjoy on a hot summer night.

New Orleans 2021 Saint Patrick’s Day in NOLA

We were so, so so, sososo sad when we had to cancel our 2020 Halloween Pilot trip to New Orleans. But the only thing that matters more to us than everyone having a good time, is everyone’s well being.

So we went ahead and postponed.

We have done a ton of research and decided to reschedule our pilot to New Orleans for 2021. We have researched insurance policies and read really long and boring fine print on airplane refund policies.

We will be traveling to New Orleans March 12th-19th, 2021.

Our 7 day, 6 night excursion will be 100% refundable in the case of a national pandemic, natural disaster, or end of the world scenario.

You will get your money back if the world stops again. Which hopefully it won’t because this is going to be A LOT OF FUN.

The trip will cost $1,300. That will include flight from New York to MSY, travelers insurance, accommodations, daily seminars, stocked house fridge, and transportation to and from the airport in New Orleans.

We have a payment plan in place for those who sign up from June-August 2020. Your payments will be equally distributed until the March, 2021. Deadline for sign up will be November 30, 2020. All payments for those signing up after August 30, 2020 will be due by December 30, 2020.

To sign up, click here!

We are excited. In these really hard times, we look forward to having something to look forward to. Please contact us via email if you any questions!

Nonna Said “Non toccare!”

Amaro Averna. The love we have built for you started in our Nonna’s liquor cabinet, but your history goes all the way back to 19th century Sicily, and likely was in the works for some time before that. Much like another beloved spirit, Chartreuse, Averna was assembled from a secret recipe given to the Benedictine monks of Abbazia Di Santo Spirito. In 1868 the recipe was gifted by the monk Frá Girolamo to a textile merchant named Salvatore Averna as a gift. Salvatore Averna was very active in the local community, and the gift was that of gratitude for everything he had done. 

He started out making it for his guests, and eventually the recipe was passed down to his son, Francesco, who spread the word at fairs in Italy and then beyond. 

In 1895 King Umberto I gave the gift of the golden brooch with the Savoy House emblem to Francesco. In 1912 Vittorio Emmanuele III gave Averna the right to print the royal coat of arms. Inscripted upon it: “Royal Household Patent.”

Between both world wars, Anna Marie Averna (Francesco’s Wifey) along with her children beat the pavement in order to continue expanding the brand, and eventually hitting American soil. 1958 marks the incorporation of Fratelli Averna S.p.a.

Fast forward 36 years, in 2014 Gruppo Campari bought out Fratelli Averna, which strengthened its worldwide presence.

So what does it taste like? The mediteranian herbs provide a beautiful sweet and bitter contrast. Anyone with an affinity for liquorice will be an automatic candidate for fandom of Averna. The amari also embodies notes of juniper berries, sage, rosemary, and orange.