Country: Fiji 

ABV:  80 proof/40% 

Brand: Maison Ferrand 

Spirits Type: Rum 

Taste: Wood, Candied Fruit, Molasses 

Price Category: $$ 

Kaniché Fiji Islands (often known as the Double Aged 4-Year or XO) is a lush, distinctly sweet, and tropical rum. Produced by Maison Ferrand, it is known for its incredible smoothness, rich vanilla and coconut flavors, and an inviting, fruit-forward profile that finishes exceptionally warm. 

Country: Italy 

ABV:  40 proof/20% 

Brand: Apertivo Brand 

Spirits Type: Amaro/Aperitif & Vermouth 

Taste:  Balanced, Candied Citrus Peel, Spicy, Floral, Herbal Bittersweet 

Price Category: $$ 

Bergamont and Sicilian citron peel essential oils are released via a cold press method called "sfumatura".  They are then macerated with a number of other essential oils, floral herbs and spices and blended with a neutral Italian spirit.  It is filtered and then fortified with unrefined sugar and water.  This process results is a delicious blend of complex flavors that makes this spirit almost a wild card of flavors when mixing with other spirits.  Floral, herbal, sweet and bitter, and this spirit has a pleasant and citrusy lingering flavor due to the use of essential oils.

Country: Italy 

ABV:  56 proof/28% 

Brand: Giori Distillati Trentini & Chatham Imports 

Spirits Type: Liqueurs/Cordials/Schnapps 

Taste: Citrus, Baked Goods, Raisin, Herbal 

Price Category: $$ 

Faretti Biscotti Liqueur is a highly acclaimed, Northern Italian dessert spirit that authentically captures the flavor of fresh almond biscotti. Priced around $28–$40 for a 750ml bottle, it offers a beautifully layered profile of nutty almond, bright citrus, and subtle fennel, making it a delicious after-dinner sipper or coffee addition. 

An emulsified syrup of honey, vanilla and butter for a rich, thick and creamy flavor and texture.  Fashioned for a lot of Tiki-style cocktails, emulsifications such as these allow for rich-flavored cocktails poured over shaved ice.  

To Make Vanilla Butter Mix: 

1 oz (30 mL) Honey  

1 oz (30 mL) Warm Vanilla Rich Simple Syrup  

1 oz (30 mL) Butter  

Bar spoon Vanilla  

In a mixer or blender, combine 1 part honey and 1 part warm vanilla simple syrup.  Gradually add 1 part cold butter until it is emulsified, then continue to blend while pouring in vanilla extract.  Store in a squeeze bottle in the refrigerator.  Allow to come to room temperature for ease of use. 

Used for thousands of years in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine.  Date Molasses (Date Honey, Date Syrup, Debes) is sited in many ancient texts including the Old Testament of the Bible.  Made from 100% dates, date molasses is a balanced mix of glucose and fructose sugars and has a lower glycemic index than sugar and honey.  It is dark brown in color, lightly scented of dried fruit, and tastes like very sweet fruit. 

5-6% acidity 

Less acidic than lime juice, lemon juice will add enough acidity to brighten flavors without overpowering when balanced with sweetness.   Usually our preference when needing acid to emulsify with egg white,  aquafaba or cream. 

Salt/Saline is a great flavor booster.  It can balance sweetness and bitterness, smoothing out a cocktail.  It can also enhance citrus flavor and acidity without the need for more acid. 

A pinch of salt can be added to the cocktail, but for consistency, saline is easy to make and allows more control.  

To Make It:  

2 oz (60mL) Distilled or Purified Water 

1 Tbsp (15g) Fine Sea Salt 

Combine in a jar and shake vigorously.  Once salt is dissolved, pour into a dropper bottle.