Aphlora’s Story: From Vision to Creation
After 16 years in the hospitality industry, the dream of launching a unique bar concept led us on an unexpected journey. Initially, our vision was to open a craft cocktail bar in South Florida, dedicated to innovative techniques and immersive experiences. We scouted locations and brainstormed concepts, but fate intervened during a visit to a distillery in Fort Lauderdale. A conversation with the manager about contract distillations sparked a new idea: What if, instead of building out a single venue, we focused on crafting a versatile liqueur—a botanical modifier that could elevate cocktails everywhere?
Our expertise from nearly two decades in the cocktail world gave us insight into what patrons crave: something approachable, yet sophisticated. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Florida, we set out to create a liqueur that would embody the state’s natural beauty. Our initial muse was Coreopsis tinctoria, the Florida state wildflower. For over a year, we perfected a formula blending complementary botanicals, only to face an unexpected hurdle: Coreopsis wasn’t FDA-approved. Navigating complex regulatory paths and building a comprehensive scientific dossier, we realized approval could take years—or might never come.
Undeterred, we pivoted. Staying true to our vision of a Florida-inspired floral liqueur, we discovered Passiflora incarnata—the Passionflower. Native to our region and rich in character, it became the new heart of our creation. We sourced premium, organic passionflowers and reimagined our botanical blend to complement its delicate, tropical notes. Drawing on our knowledge of distillation science, from capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to fine-tuning time and temperature, we refined the formula over another year of dedicated experimentation.
Finding the right production partner was the final challenge. After setbacks with local distilleries, we connected with Big Cypress Distillery in Miami. Their passion for the craft and deep technical expertise expanded our own. Together, we overcame the complexities of scaling from small-batch experiments to full-scale production, ensuring the liqueur’s integrity remained intact.
Today, Aphlora Passionflower Liqueur stands as a testament to resilience, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. More than just a product, it’s the culmination of years of dedication and a deep-rooted love for Florida’s natural bounty—ready to redefine the liqueur experience for cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.