Social Lubricant


the story

This cocktail was crafted to represent influences on the early American South. Many cultural traditions resulted from French, Caribbean, and Spanish colonial influence on the early American South, particularly states like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Louisiana.

Early settlers in Kentucky and Tennessee quickly began distilling their own spirits; bourbon, the quintessential American whiskey, was born here. New Orleans, a city shaped by the meeting of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, was known for its historic coffeehouses where ideas were exchanged, cultures blended, and the vibrancy of Creole traditions flourished. It was also known for rum, and lots of it. And before Mexican independence in 1821, much of what is now the American South was under Spanish rule, which extended Mexico's influence northward. Spanish policies and cultural practices left a mark on Louisiana's governance, architecture, and cuisine. We’ve represented these influence through the use of Mexican chocolate in this cocktail.

the producers

High West Distillery - Utah

High West Distillery, located in the mountains of Park City, Utah, is a pioneer of the modern American craft whiskey movement. Founded in 2006 by David and Jane Perkins, High West combines the adventurous spirit of the Old West with a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. David a former biochemist, drew inspiration to start the distillery after visiting a distillery in Kentucky and noticing parallels between fermentation science and his professional background. Passionate about reviving the legacy of Western distilling, Perkins and his wife Jane chose Utah, a state with a rich yet complicated whiskey history. Despite Utah’s reputation as a state with strict liquor laws, it was also the site of one of the first distilleries west of the Mississippi in the 1870s.

High West began with humble roots, operating out of a historic livery stable and garage. The Perkins family worked tirelessly to craft distinctive whiskeys, blending tradition with bold innovation. Early on, High West embraced the practice of blending sourced whiskeys with their own creations, elevating the art of whiskey blending and setting a new standard for transparency in the industry.

St. George Spirits - California

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.

Hella Cocktail Co. - New York

Hella Cocktail Co., founded in 2011, is a New York City-based company born out of a shared passion for crafting exceptional cocktails and celebrating bold, vibrant flavors. What started as a small project among three friends—Toby Maloney, Eddie Simeon, and Jomaree Pinkard—quickly grew into a mission-driven brand that seeks to make premium cocktail ingredients accessible to everyone, from professional bartenders to home enthusiasts.

The company’s journey began with a humble batch of homemade bitters, inspired by a deep appreciation for mixology and a desire to create a product that reflected their diverse tastes and backgrounds. Their first offering, aromatic bitters, was an instant hit at local farmers' markets, setting the foundation for Hella Cocktail Co.’s commitment to quality, flavor, and inclusivity.