David Cohen, the founder of Manifest Distillery and a self-described “gin-head,” wanted to get his gin recipe just right, so he experimented with more than 30 botanicals and compounded them in multiple ways in his distillery before discovering the perfect blend.

The mix master’s final product is a New World style gin that features six botanicals, including juniper, dried orange and lemon peel. “The flavor profile highlights the fact that we celebrate warmer weather nine months out of the year here in Florida,” says Cohen. “We created a really bright, crisp, refreshing and aromatic gin.”

Cohen’s childhood passion for the food and beverage industry started brewing under the influence of his grandfather, who ran hotels and catering businesses in addition to a water bottling facility. As an adult, Cohen waited tables to support his career as a documentary filmmaker in Los Angeles,
but he became obsessed with the idea of starting Manifest Distillery about three years ago. Now a reality the Jacksonville-based distillery sells a non-GMO potato vodka and (soon) an organic rye whiskey. manifestdistillery.com

Gin Rossa

Serves 1

• 1 1/2 oz. Manifest gin
• 6 oz. of San Pellegrino blood orange soda
• rosemary sprig for garnish

PREPARATION: Add  Manifest gin to a cup with ice, top with San Pellegrino blood orange soda and gently stir. Add garnish—a rosemary sprig looks and tastes great.