It’s exhausting to beat the indulgence of unwinding with a cocktail at dwelling, however even probably the most gifted of beginner mixologists can have a tough time recreating restaurant-worthy craft concoctions. A pre-bottled cocktail solves all these points, whether or not you’re a talented at-home bartender or a drinks novice. On September 1, followers of Matsuhisa’s well-known cocktail, the Gardener, will be capable of sip the concoction at their leisure through Gardenista—a first-of-its-kind bottled cocktail model, based by a crew of hospitality and spirit consultants.
Gardenista will initially debut in Colorado, Illinois and Tennessee, with a bigger launch to observe, bringing its herbaceous and barely spicy taste profile to cocktail lovers nationwide. “The Gardener was created roughly 10 years in the past as a product of the countless pursuit of innovation delivered by contemporary, high-quality elements and creative flavors that Matsuhisa is thought for,” Jason Merz, Gardenista’s director of market, tells Observer. From the Kardashians to Leonardo DiCaprio, A-listers from all sectors of showbiz have been recognized to go to Matsuhisa and check out the Gardener.
“Impressed by that magic, we knew we needed to seize the essence of this cocktail and share it with cocktail lovers all over the place. That’s how Gardenista got here to be,” Gardenista founder Kevin Berg tells Observer. “It’s our approach of bottling that unforgettable expertise—a novel, ready-to-enjoy cocktail that actually stands out.”
Comprised of a definite mix of inexperienced herbs, contemporary lime juice and jalapeño, Gardenista follows the Gardener’s identical recipe and makes use of clear, easy elements with daring flavors to set the usual for craft cocktails. “In a sea of sameness, Gardenista stands tall,” Merz says. “It options the best backyard flavors, together with inexperienced herbs and ginger, mixed with contemporary lime juice and a kick of candy warmth from natural cane sweetener and jalapeño pepper.” Gardenista is meant to be versatile in its serving choices; whether or not you favor it shaken, on the rocks or served in a spritz, this handy cocktail is right for any event.
Gardnesita is made by hand and is on the market in three totally different spirits choices: vodka, tequila and bourbon. Every liquor brings a distinct contact to the recipe, with vodka yielding a crisp end, tequila pairing completely with the zesty lime and bourbon offering a tangy twist and heat undertone. Relying on the spirit, this 15 p.c ABV beverage varies between 95 to 150 energy per serving. “Gardenista selected vodka, tequila and bourbon as a result of they’re probably the most extensively loved spirits in America, making them probably the most approachable choices for introducing this new cocktail to a broader viewers,” Merz explains.
Whether or not you’re seeking to give your favourite Aspenite the proper reward or just wish to spruce up your bar cart, the smooth bottle provides a good looking pop of inexperienced to any area. “Each element of Gardenista was fastidiously thought-about to completely signify such a thoughtfully crafted cocktail,” says Merz. “The customized bottle was designed with luxurious and class in thoughts, mirroring the distinctive character of the cocktail itself.” The clear bottle permits the emerald inexperienced liquid to shine by the glass, whereas the white linen label pays homage to Aspen with a silhouette of the city’s iconic mountain vary.
Although the Gardener is on the menu at most Matsuhisa eating places, Aspen was the perfect location for it to flourish due to its mountainous backdrop, crisp air and grounding ambiance. “Aspen is a spot the place nature and authenticity will not be simply celebrated, however revered. Town’s adventurous spirit and complicated crowd discovered a pure reference to the distinctive and daring flavors of the Gardener,” Merz says.
Whereas Chef Nobu himself is just not concerned with the launch of Gardenista, Matsuhisa’s affect is ever-present, making certain the product stays true to the inspiration and flavors of the Gardener. Having undergone 9 months of product improvement and 48 totally different iterations, Gardenista stays deeply related to its origins, capturing the essence of the unique cocktail whereas increasing its attain with a complete new viewers and in a model new format.
Whether or not you’re internet hosting an at-home ceremonial dinner or craving a visit to Matsuhisa Aspen minus the airfare, Gardenista is altering the best way we do mixology. Merely open the bottle, pour a glass and luxuriate in flavors of ginger, cilantro and thyme in each sip as you imbibe with ease from the consolation of your individual area. “When folks ask, ‘What’s that inexperienced drink?’ it’s greater than only a query,” explains Berg. “It’s an invite to affix us on this journey. Gardenista is about celebrating life, irrespective of the place or who you’re.”
