Open Sesame

the story

This cocktail tells the story of early America, weaving together the flavors and histories that shaped the young nation. Early colonists distilled rye whiskey as a staple spirit in the 18th century, while smoked maple syrup pays homage to the resourcefulness of settlers using local maple trees for sugar during harsh winters. These ingredients reflect the determination of early Americans to build a life from the land’s natural abundance. Ginger, was one of the first exotic spices brought to the American colonies through early global trade routes, and toasted sesame oil, introduced by enslaved Africans who brought sesame seeds ("benne"), symbolizes the resilience and cultural contributions of African Americans to American cuisine and agriculture.

This interesting blend of flavors is completed with a touch of lemon for an added zing. This cocktail is our representation of the struggles and rich cultural blend that define the early American experience.

the producers

Hudson Distillery - New York

Hudson Distillery, founded in 2003, holds a significant place in the revival of craft distilling in the United States. Located in the picturesque Hudson Valley of New York, the distillery began its journey at Tuthilltown Gristmill, a historic 18th-century landmark that once ground local grains. Ralph Erenzo, a former rock climber and entrepreneur, and his business partner, Brian Lee, transformed the property into a distillery, reigniting the region’s legacy of spirit production.

At the time of its founding, small-batch distilleries were nearly nonexistent in New York due to restrictive laws. Erenzo played a pivotal role in changing this. His advocacy led to the passing of New York's Farm Distillery Act in 2007, which reduced barriers for small distillers, encouraging the growth of the craft spirits industry in the state. This legislation not only helped Hudson Distillery but also spurred a nationwide craft distilling movement.

Tippleman’s - South Carolina

The Tippleman’s brand is rooted in Charleston, South Carolina, where Joe and MariElena Raya, the team behind Bittermilk, honed their craft and built their reputation for creating sophisticated cocktail mixers. Tippleman’s was conceived as a way to explore a broader range of flavors and techniques, offering a line of products that cater to both professional bartenders and home mixologists looking to elevate their drinks.

Tippleman’s mixers focus on unique processes and premium ingredients, such as slow-steeping, caramelizing, and barrel-aging. Each product is designed to bring depth and complexity to cocktails, showcasing the Rayas’ dedication to craftsmanship and their deep understanding of flavor.

Greenbar Distillery - California

Greenbar Distillery, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is a trailblazer in the craft spirits industry, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and bold flavors. Founded in 2004 by husband-and-wife team Melkon Khosrovian and Litty Mathew, Greenbar began as a passion project aimed at crafting delicious, high-quality spirits that would inspire people to rethink their drinking experiences.

Greenbar became one of the first craft distilleries in the U.S., sparking renewed interest in artisanal spirits. From the beginning, Greenbar was guided by a bold vision: to make spirits that are both flavorful and environmentally responsible. It became the first distillery in the world to offer carbon-negative spirits by offsetting its footprint through sustainable practices, including tree planting, eco-friendly packaging, and organic ingredients. For every bottle sold, Greenbar plants a tree, a program that has resulted in the planting of over 1 million trees to date.