Hum Botanical Spirit

Inspired by the islands of the French Caribbean and the great amaros of Italy, celebrated mixologists Adam Seger and Joe McCanta have created an entirely new type of spirit — hum. hum botanical spirit is made by soaking four different botanicals — hibiscus, ginger, cardamom and kaffir lime — in a Martinique-inspired rum. After the botanicals are soaked in the rum until the flavor and balance is just right, Seger bottles the finished product without filtration, in order to retain the rich flavors and nutrients of the botanicals.

"I went with the adage of what grows together, goes together," says Seger, who used to be the chief mixologist at Nacional 27. "I made a list of all the different botanicals that grew on Martinique and experimented for months before settling on the recipe for hum."The fair trade hibiscus, which is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, gives hum its unique and seductive crimson color. The organic ginger (which is conveniently an aid to hangovers) adds a peppery kick, which is balanced by the notes of cardamom, while the kaffir lime provides brightness and finesse.

The result in an entirely new type of spirit that is incredibly versatile and in a category of its own. While hum is technically a liqueur, it's bottled at 70 proof and is strong enough to stand on its own. It can also be mixed with a wedge of lime, tonic water or soft drinks in order to create unique cocktails.

hum botanical spirit should be a staple in every bar — its applications are only limited by your imagination. Pick up a bottle and start experimenting today!