Several Greenville bars are showing support for women with a little help from a North Carolina-based distillery.
Conniption Gin launched “Raising a Glass to Closing the Gap” in March, a national campaign to recognize the efforts made by women in hospitality. The campaign was launched during Women’s History Month and runs until October.
For every participating cocktail sold, Conniption is donating $1 to the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Programs.
Downtown restaurants Scoundrel and O-Ku are contributing cocktails of their own.
The choice to use Conniption gin goes beyond the cause.
“I liked how the American Dry was just more on the refreshing, floral side for a gin, which is good for spring (and) summertime,” said Lauren Painter, manager and lead bartender at Scoundrel.
The La Belle uses Conniption’s American Dry gin. Botanical notes waft through the air as its shaken and poured into its glass. The cocktail plays off the American Dry’s base botanicals of Indian coriander and cardamom, using house-made cardamom syrup, lemon, Champagne and orange blossom water.
Painter designed the cocktail after a meal at Chai Pani in Asheville, North Carolina.
Conniption may be most well-known for its Kinship gin, recognized by its shade of rich purple.
O-ku employs the Kinship for the Purple Lotus, a fruit-forward libation that incorporates fresh lemon juice, bitters and St-Germain liqueur.
The drink is foamed but does not use traditional egg whites. Instead, it uses Fee Brothers Fee Foam, an eggless alternative.
Lead bartender John “JO” Odumakinde expressed his admiration for the campaign and its inclusive efforts, as well as the versatility of Kinship.
The cause is close to the heart for the distillery. Its co-founder, Melissa Katrincic, was the first American female distiller inducted into The Gin Guild.
“The distilling industry has long been male dominated, so breaking through these barriers and being recognized for our contributions is both a personal and professional triumph,” Katrincic said. “It’s important to me to serve as a role model for other women in the industry and to embrace my passion, dedication, and innovation to the gin industry overall.”
Other participating bars include The Anchorage, Hall’s Chophouse, and The Rabbit Hole.
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