Photo by Nate Laird @Jagerlifeatx

Hey Azure, what inspired you to create this amazing cocktail?

Just as Jägermeister means master hunter, I am the master huntress, always looking for my next killer cocktail. Espresso martinis are super-hot right now in the Queen City (insert eye roll), so I jumped right on the opportunity to use the Jägermeister Cold Brew. I like to make my own cold brew because it’s just too easy and delicious. I thought blueberries would work great, playing off both the herbaceous notes and the coffee in the Jägermeister Cold Brew. Since there is a hint of cocoa in the spirit, I chose to enhance that with black carrot powder. This adds a scarlet color to the rim of the glass and also a hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the drink.  AND IT IS ONLY MADE FROM CARROTS.  And what better fuel to power through the nonstop sports, concerts, theatre, and jazz shows that Charlotte has to offer? 

I always try new places, foods, and adventures for inspiration. My roommate brought his grandma’s homemade blueberry jelly home one day, and I used it when I was in a pinch for a new cocktail. It ended up being a major hit, and I eventually turned it into a syrup, as I used here. The Queen City has a lot to offer me in the sense of community, in that I can call a friend for some maple syrup or hit someone up to grab me some ingredients from the farmer’s market. My drinks are usually an amalgamation of the community around me and the random people and conversations I stumble into within this transient city. I am thirsty for knowledge and eager to learn from my peers.

Charlotte is funny to me sometimes. I love this city and everything that it has to offer. I love inventing new cocktails, and I love when random people stumble into my bar, and I can regale them with the story behind their new favorite drink. And then I make 30 espresso martinis in a night, and I wonder what the hell is going on. I think I need to make something that is more creative. Then I don’t sleep for days, trying to figure out what to make next. But at the end of the day, I’m here for the people and the community. I love espresso martinis, and I don’t care that they are overrated or whatever nonsense the industry has to say. People like their late-night bean water before they hit the jazz clubs and raves, and I will happily be the one to serve them.

What do you love most about your city?

I love Charlotte because I have never found myself sitting at home, pining for something to do. I love the easiness of the city and how much travelers love visiting Charlotte. The community of support here is tremendous, as most people aren’t from around here. I had no family here when I moved, so I had to create my own community. I used to joke that I don’t carry Jeager at the bar because I don’t like the kinds of people it attracts. Usually, that gets a laugh or two. But I spent quite a few nights talking about this cocktail, resulting in strangers walking up to me and asking to try it. I was honestly stunned by the supportive feedback of the community. Because of this, I have changed my views on Jaeger. Now I want to carry Jaeger BECAUSE of the type of people it attracts.

What does hospitality mean to you?

To me, hospitality means that you welcome someone into your life, whether for a moment or a while. You’re not just mindlessly asking how someone’s day is; you’re extending a piece of you to them. Hospitality is how you make someone feel. It’s welcoming someone into your space like you’ve known them for years. You want that person to walk away feeling something from your interaction, not just remembering a funny joke you told them. They will not necessarily remember what you said, but they will always remember how you make them feel.

Grab your tools, and let's make it together!

Video by Nate Laird @Jagerlifeatx