Scents, especially when pleasant, can trigger a certain state of mind, and even memories. Certain aromas can make you feel energized, relaxed, flirtatious, giddy, and confident, along with a host of other emotions. What better way to experience the wonderful world of luxurious perfumes than to taste the aromas through Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, perfectly prepared by four of the top mixologists in the country? Perfumology was a fabulous event held at Andaz in NYC, hosted by Carol Maa, CLO at OfLeisure. She is a highly trained expert in the perfume and fragrance industry and for this event, chose four of the world’s most luxurious perfumes to highlight the aromatic versatility of Solerno. The event was held in a gorgeous suite overlooking the city on a beautiful night with the city and lights as the backdrop. As the sun descended between the buildings and the bright lights came on, New York transformed into a city full of life, excitement, and charisma. Sipping perfume-inspired cocktails on a terrace of a suite at the Andaz was stunning.
The event featured four of the top bartenders in the U.S., led by Jackie Patterson, the Solerno Ambassador, and was charged with creating a specialty cocktail highlighting the perfume chosen for them, each with a very different scent and quality.
Each bartender crafted a cocktail with Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, in an effort to highlight the unique and distinct aromatic elements of Solerno. This wonderful, versatile liqueur is made exclusively on the island of Sicily, Italy. Created by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie, also the creator of Hendricks’s Gin, this base spirit is great in cocktails and/or as an Italian aperitif. Solerno consists of essential blood orange oil and Italian lemons to make a quality base spirit, which is then slightly sweetened with natural sugar at the production facility. This spirit is bright with aromas of blood orange, lemon, and some berry notes that follow through to a smooth dry sensation on the palate.
Solerno was celebrating the beauty of the “scent” to show the significance of scent in the production of this blood orange liqueur; harnessing the finest, freshest, aromatic sun-ripened Sicilian blood oranges for their spirit.
The four bartenders, Jackie Patterson, Charlotte Voisey (William Grant & Sons Portfolio Ambassador), Jennifer Colliau (San Francisco), and Anu Apte (Seattle), took guests on a journey through the scent that inspired their cocktail. Attendees learned about the ingredients chosen for these creative concoctions and were in awe at the versatility of Solerno as a base spirit. This multisensory experience was complimented with a divine spread of floral-infused pastries, olives, and fruit accompanied by tender duck breast, homemade butters, and gourmet cheeses.
Jackie, the Solerno Brand Ambassador, was the first table as guests entered and were greeted with a fresh scent and a sparkling inspired cocktail. Her creation was uplifting, fresh, and perfect to start the evening. Charlotte’s cocktail was a crowd favorite, which included other ingredients such as Glenfiddich, Lillet Rouge, grapefruit juice, egg whites, and orange bitters. This drink was smooth, fruit forward, with just the right balance of orange, berry, and alcohol. Jennifer’s concoction was a wonderful mix that was creamy, dreamy, and refreshing. Anu had the stronger, earthy scented perfume and her cocktail reflected this characteristic with hints of cinnamon and nature.
Scents can be very enticing and can enhance the creativity lurking inside of everyone. As we learned from these craft bartenders, the scent is just as important as the ingredients you put into the drink. You wouldn’t eat something that smelled offensive, wear a perfume that didn’t entice you, and or try a cocktail that wasn’t appealing. Here’s a great challenge, try some Solerno cocktails inspired by your favorite scent at home and see what you can come up with!
