In-Store Demos & Tastings

In preparation for our SodaStream Demo on Saturday, we're gathering all our favorite flavors from INNA and Raft to make some delicious sparkling water.

But these go waaaay back. Here's what we learned!

Shrub is essentially a fruit-vinegar-sugar syrup used in pre-industrial times as fresh fruit was scarce. It's related to punch, and the word stems from both sherbet and "to drink" in Arabic. Made popular as a medicinal cordial in the 15th century, it went on to infamy with 17th century smugglers using it to mask the taste of alcohol fouled by sea water.

Now that's not really a modern problem, but lately these complex flavors are making a huge comeback. Are we all setting up home bars? It seems so!

Shrubs and bitters (which is neutral alcohol infused with herbs, spices, fruits, roots, tree bark, and other botanicals) add much needed depth to our cocktails. Bitters were first patented in the 18th century as medical tinctures. But nowadays we know it as.... well, an Old Fashioned cannot be an Old Fashioned without aromatic bitters.

Creating personalized flavor profiles, whipping up interesting cocktails for guests, or just adding a bit of deliciousness to your soda water - that's what INNA and Raft are all about.

We can't wait to taste test our favorites with you all. We hope you can join us on Saturday, 12-4pm at Toque Blanche!