October 2019 - 2ozMag.com

In late October 2019, Tropical Distillers presented its first spirit, J.D. Haden’s mango liqueur. The Florida-based company introduced its newest product as a first-of-its-kind mango liqueur made from all-natural, homegrown mangoes, free of preservatives and artificial colors. This exquisite representation of Florida’s tropical identity is crafted and bottled in Jacksonville, FL.

According to Buzzy Sklar, Tropical Distillers CEO, mangoes are fast becoming a favorite ingredient on specialty cocktail menus. J.F. Haden’s Mango Liqueur resulted when Sklar and COO Andrew Siegel, who has over 20 years’ experience in the beverage industry, were brainstorming a fresh, high-quality mix for exceptionally flavorful cocktails.

The new liqueur relies on a selective batching process to achieve optimal flavor and lends itself easily to any base alcohol. Mixologists and bartenders will now have the option to replace traditional spirits with J.F. Haden’s Mango Liqueur when creating delicious margaritas, mojitos, and many more popular cocktails.

The company proudly launched the first 3,000 bottles per assembly at the beginning of November 2019, for a suggested retail price of $29.99 per bottle. It’ll soon be available in fine dining establishments, bars, hotels and at select retailers throughout the Sunshine State.

The Urbanism Summit held a “Consuming Earth” panel discussion on October 12^th at the Center for Subtropical Affairs, in Little Haiti. Panelists offered their insights into how today’s culture of consumerism is depleting the planet’s natural resources, with a view towards influencing more sustainable behavior.

The program moderator was Founder/CEO of the Urbanism Summit, Andrew Quarrie, who spoke with an impressive roster of panelists such as the Co-founder of Admari Tea, Adrienne Etkin Nascimento, the Executive Producer of Miami Onsight, Pangea Kali Virga, and the Founder of the Culinary Alchemist, Rodrigo “Drigo” Richardson.

Attendees were also treated to various sensory delights. The moonlit evening cast a perfect spell for trying out Chef Drigo’s mouthwatering dishes, the Gung Fu tea supplied by Amari and exquisite craft cocktails wrought by master tea blender, Nascimento, in collaboration with Gem & Bolt, Bacardi’s Havana Club, and St. Germain. Including winning Cocktail of TMC, Miami Masala. The space was beautifully done up with rugs and pillows and the pleasing music played by DJ Kumi of WDNA 88.9FM took this night to another level, closing its doors around 11 pm.