The Flavorful Potential of Sumac

NOTE: This article is a primer on sumac anticipating the release of our newest experiential release, Sumacello—a sumac flavored limoncello—in either late December 2024 or early January 2025. If you wish to be updated on this spirit’s release, please sign up on our website.

The deep red berries of staghorn sumac, clustered atop gangly shrubs, may go unnoticed in the untamed corners of a midwestern ditch or forest edge. Yet, for those who look closer—and perhaps taste—sumac reveals a tart, citrusy brightness that tastes almost otherworldly. As one of the culinary world’s best-kept secrets, sumac is a testament to the richness of foraging: a plant that is both humble and transformative.

In the realm of spirits, where tradition meets reinvention, sumac presents an exciting opportunity. Its unique flavor profile—reminiscent of lemons, with a subtle herbal edge—has long been celebrated in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, but its potential as a distilled ingredient remains largely untapped. At Ida Graves Distillery, we’ve spent the past year experimenting with this extraordinary berry, learning how it can shape a liqueur that is at once wild and attractive for the traditional palate.

The Magic of Sumac

Sumac’s history is as rich and varied as its flavor. Indigenous communities in North America have long used sumac for culinary and medicinal purposes, brewing its berries into tangy teas and using them as a natural remedy for ailments. In the culinary traditions of the Levant, dried and ground sumac is a staple, prized for its ability to add acidity and depth to dishes like fattoush and spices like za’atar. The sumac bush itself, with its vibrant clusters of berries, seems to embody abundance, thriving in diverse climates and terrains.

It's the sumac's flavor that makes it compelling. Brightly acidic and softer than lemon, it carries a subtle astringency and fruitiness. It’s a versatile ingredient that can stand alone as a seasoning, elevate a marinade, or as we’ve found, infuse a spirit with flavor that is both surprising and familiar.

Foraging for Sumac: A Wild Harvest

Foraging sumac is an exercise in mindfulness. The best berries are harvested in late summer and early fall, when their flavor is at its peak. Their deep red color, almost velvety to the touch, is a clear indicator of ripeness. Sumac often thrives on the edges of forests or in open fields, its resilience a quiet reminder of nature’s adaptability. At Ida Graves, hundreds of plants hug a small hill on the back of our property that we have named, fittingly, sumac hill.

Foragers should also exercise caution: while staghorn sumac and smooth sumac are perfectly edible and delicious, other plants like poison sumac can be harmful. Additionally, the rare individual may be highly allergic to the edible sumacs. 

Sumac in Spirits: The Ida Graves Approach

While sumac has long been used in teas and infusions, its journey into the world of distilled spirits is just beginning. At Ida Graves Distillery, we see its potential not just as an ingredient, but as the heart of a spirit that redefines what a limoncello can and should be. The result is Sumacello, a bold, tart liqueur that takes inspiration from limoncello while staying firmly rooted to Minnesota.

The transformation of sumac into Sumacello begins with the berries. Gathered and sifted by hand, they are steeped in neutral spirits with lemon peel to extract their vivid color and tangy essence. This process is meticulous, requiring careful attention to balance acidity and flavor intensity. The infusion is then sweetened with organic cane sugar and a touch of Minnesota honey, which compounds the spice and herbal notes while preserving the sumac’s natural brightness.

Sumacello’s flavor is unlike anything else on the market. Its tart, citrus-forward profile evokes the familiar zestiness of lemon, but its herbal undertones and slight spice set it apart. As a result, it is incredibly versatile. It shines in cocktails, where its boldness complements both sweet and savory flavors. Beyond cocktails, Sumacello is an invitation to experiment. Drizzle it over ice cream for a tangy dessert, mix it into baking recipes for a citrus twist, or enjoy it neat as a refreshing digestif. Its versatility ensures that it will appeal to adventurous drinkers, curious home bartenders, and innovative chefs alike.

A Spirit Rooted in Discovery

As more distillers and chefs turn to foraging for inspiration, sumac is poised to become a defining flavor of adventurous cuisine and spirits. At Ida Graves, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, using Sumacello to showcase the possibilities of wild ingredients.

Whether you are savoring Sumacello in a cocktail or appreciating its bold simplicity on its own, this liqueur offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and rediscover the art of flavor. With every bottle, we invite you to taste the wild and join us in celebrating the boundless potential of creativity and craft.

The Purple Fog

A Cocktail for the Season

Nature has a way of inspiring the best in us, especially when it comes to crafting cocktails. Today, we're delighted to introduce the Purple Fog, a drink that marries the simplicity of foraging with the elegance of mixology. Adapted from The One-Bottle Cocktail by Maggie Hoffman, we used wild grape juice instead of concord grapes, giving this cocktail a delicious hue and a simple and clean flavor.

The Purple Fog

Ingredients

• 1 oz wild grape juice

• 1.5 ounces of Ida Graves vodka

• .75 ounces simple syrup

• .5 ounce fresh lime juice

• Bay leaf or lime peel for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the grape juice, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Give it a hearty shake.

3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coup glass.

4. Garnish with a bay leaf or lime peel.

Spring Into Aquavit: Scandinavia's Favorite Spirit

After a long and cold winter, spring is finally here. What better way to celebrate the season than with a refreshing cocktail made with aquavit. This Scandinavian spirit is gaining popularity around the world, and for good reason. Its unique flavor profile, with hints of caraway, dill, and other herbs and spices, is perfect for light and refreshing cocktails for sipping on warm spring days.

Aquavit is traditionally served neat, chilled, and in shot glasses, but it’s also a versatile base for cocktails. Try out this recipe for a refreshing and easy-to-make aquavit cocktail that's perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.

Ida Graves Aquavit Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz aquavit

• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 3 oz club soda

• Lemon slice or mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.

2. Add aquavit, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to the glass.

3. Stir well.

4. Top with club soda.

5. Garnish with a lemon slice or a mint sprig, or both.

Cheers!

Our aquavit is also a great spirit to pair with food. Its herbal and citrus notes complement fish and seafood particularly well, so try it with some grilled salmon or shrimp for a delicious springtime meal.

To find our aquavit in stores near you, check out our website www.idagraves.com.

Cheers to new beginnings and fresh flavors!

Follow Up: Where to Find Birch Syrup

Photo from Alaska Wild Harvest wbesite.

Because few companies sell it, we thought we'd give you a few suggestions, as well as a substitute for birch syrup and a new tropical cocktail recipe (but not from birch syrup).

Where to Buy Birch Syrup

Can't find birch syrup at your local store? Not many people can. The easiest place to look for it is online. Amazon has it. But, more importantly, so do specialty retailers like Alaska Birch Syrup Company, Georgia Mountain Maples (Vermont), and Muddy Trails (Minnesota). However, please read the reviews before you buy.

Can't Wait for Birch Syrup? Here's a Substitute

If you're having trouble finding birch syrup, we've got a backup plan. Try this mix: two parts maple syrup to one part balsamic vinegar. It's a close match to birch syrup's unique and funky flavor. This tip comes from the Forager Chef, Alan Bergo.

Photo by Alexandra Tran

Norwegian Paralysis

The Norwegian Paralysis is a delicious cocktail featuring Ida Graves Aquavit, an organic spirit with a bright caraway and dill flavor profile. Here's the recipe for the Norwegian Paralysis cocktail, adapted from The Educated Barfly:

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Ida Graves Aquavit

• 1.5 oz Orange juice

• 1.5 oz Pineapple juice

• .5 oz Lemon juice

• .5 oz orgeat

• .5 oz simple syrup

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

• Mint or dried tropical fruit for garnish.

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the ingredient in a shaker with ice (preferably pebbled ice).

2. Shake the mixture well, for about 10-15 seconds, until it's chilled and well combined.

3. Pour the cocktail (with ice) into a chilled beer glass or Collins glass.

4. Top with more ice if necessary and garnish with a mint sprig or dried pineapple.

5. Enjoy your Norwegian Paralysis!

The Norwegian Paralysis cocktail is a balanced and refreshing drink, showcasing the unique flavor of aquavit alongside the sweetness of orgeat, the tartness of pineapple juice, and the fruitiness of the combined ingredients. The Angostura bitters add depth and complexity to the drink, making it a delightful option for any occasion.

Cheers!

That's it for now. Enjoy making your tropical cocktail, and happy birch syrup hunting!

The Enchantment of Birch Syrup

Minnesota, a land of striking natural beauty, boasts an array of natural resources, such as its verdant boreal forests. While most people are well-acquainted with maple syrup, a hidden treasure from the sap of birch trees still waits to be discovered by most—birch syrup.

A Rhapsody of Flavor: Birch Syrup's Unique Profile

Birch syrup is a rare and versatile ingredient, cherished for centuries across the northern hemisphere, from Russia and Scandinavia to Canada and the Midwest. Although the world has long celebrated maple syrup, birch syrup remains a lesser-known delight that offers a symphony of flavors, from an earthy undertone to a caramel-like sweetness, and even a bit of funk.

Minnesota's Brief and Enchanting Harvest Season

In late March to early April, the birch tree sap begins its annual flow, presenting a fleeting opportunity for harvest. As temperatures rise and the snow recedes, the trees awaken and their lifeblood courses beneath their papery bark, signaling the perfect moment for tapping. The sap is collected and meticulously boiled down to produce birch syrup, which requires a significant amount of sap compared to maple syrup due to its higher water content. In total, it takes about 100 gallons of birch sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. The resulting syrup boasts a deep amber hue and an intricate flavor profile, mingling sweetness with earthy undertones, a touch of tang, some funk, and a caramel-like finish.

Birch Syrup's Culinary Potential

As a versatile ingredient, birch syrup finds its way into a variety of dishes. Dare to drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream as an alternative to maple syrup, or use it to concoct glazes and marinades for meats such as salmon, pork, and chicken. Birch syrup can also lend a molasses-like sweetness to baked goods like cookies and cakes, or provide a flavorful twist in dressings and sauces.

In recent years, birch syrup has found a home in the world of mixology. Mostly used with bourbon, it also pairs well with gin. Two such creations listed below are the Birch Gin Fizz, a chocolately milkshake-like cocktail, and the Birch Blossom, a refreshing and subtly sweet cocktail with floral notes.

Birch Gin Fizz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/4 oz birch syrup

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1/2 oz heavy cream

• 1 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 egg white (or 1 oz pasteurized liquid egg white)

• 4 oz club soda

• Ice

• Lime wheel and fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker without ice, combine the gin, birch syrup, simple syrup, heavy cream, lemon juice, and egg white. Perform a "dry shake" (shaking without ice) for about 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.

2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into a chilled highball or Collins glass.

4. Top off the glass with club soda.

5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint.

Birch Blossom

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/4 oz birch syrup

• 1/4 oz simple syrup

• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)

• 1/2 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• Ice

• Lemon twist and edible flowers for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, birch syrup, simple syrup, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice.

2. Shake the mixture well, for about 10-15 seconds, until it's chilled and well combined.

3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist and edible flowers, such as violets or nasturtiums.

The Birch Blossom offers a delightful combination of gin, birch syrup, and elderflower liqueur, resulting in a refreshing and subtly sweet cocktail with floral notes. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness to balance out the flavors.

Cheers!

Birch syrup, a true hidden treasure within Minnesota's forests, offers a dynamic taste that complements both sweet and savory dishes, as well as cocktails. If you're seeking a special ingredient to elevate your cocktail ventures, birch syrup might be the answer. And when you're ready to unwind, mix up a Birch Gin Fizz or Birch Blossom cocktail to savor the sublime interplay of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors.

Holiday Cookies Flavored with Your Favorite Spirit

Make your next holiday gathering a little more exciting with these sugar cookie recipes made from Ida Graves Gin and Aquavit.

Ida Graves Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter at room temperature

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 egg at room temperature

• 1 1/2 cup flour

• 2 Tbsp Ida Graves Gin or Aquavit

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

OPTIONAL for Gin cookie:

• 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary

Directions

1. Cream together butter and sugar (about 2 minutes).

2. Add in the egg and gin, and mix until combined.

3. Add in flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. If you're using rosemary in your gin cookie, add 1 tsp of finely chopped rosemary.

4. Mix until dough firms. Remove from bowl and form into a round disk, cover in saran wrap/plastic bag, and chill for 2 hours.

5. Remove dough from the fridge and preheat oven to 350. Place a disk of dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll until about 1 cm thick.

6. Using your favorite holiday cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on parchment paper.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges just start to brown.

8. While your cookies are baking, prepare your icing (directions below).

9. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Dip the front of the cookies in your bowl of icing, adding sprinkles for a finishing touch.

10. Enjoy in good company.

Boozy Icing

Ingredients

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 Tbsp milk

• 2-3 Tbsp Ida Graves Gin or Aquavit

• 4 tsp light corn syrup

Directions

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk, Ida Graves Gin or Ida Graves Aquavit, and light corn syrup together. I recommend adding your spirit of choice slowly, adjusting to your taste preference. I prefer a strong flavor so lean closer to 3 to 4 Tbsp of spirit.

2. Test consistency. When you lift your spoon, it should be ribonny, dropping back into the bowl after 3 to 4 seconds.

Enjoy!

These sugar cookies are a subtle balance of savory and sweet. A spin on a holiday classic, they highlight the refined herbal notes of Ida Graves Gin and Aquavit.

I truly can't decide which one is my favorite! The good news is that this recipe is for a small batch, leaving room for you to try both in one afternoon of baking. Cheers!

Fall Cocktail Recipe Guide Just for You!

Hi!

Wondering how to use our spirits? Attached is our fall cocktail recipe booklet for you to enjoy. This guide contains all the recipes you need to level up your cocktail game while connecting with friends and family.

Fall always stirs up our love for gathering and connecting with those who bring presence and meaning to our lives. We want to honor the gatherings happening in your life by sharing this recipe guide with you.

Ida Graves Fall Cocktail Recipe Books

Cheers!