Happy Raptor Distilling, a woman-owned New Orleans-based craft rum distillery, is proud to announce the expansion of its signature line of 504Syrups. The expansion includes the addition of two new varieties of 504Syrups – cucumber mint and lavender lemon peppercorn – as well as the increased availability of continental shipping throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The expansion marks the first significant step forward in the award-winning distillery’s production since Hurricane Ida in 2021.
“When Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana in August 2021, this project and many others went on hold so that we could focus on keeping our doors open,” said Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer Meagen Moreland-Taliancich, “Thanks to our community, we are here to tell the tale and we’re growing. While we can’t legally ship craft spirits in Louisiana, having the bandwidth to expand shipment of our non-alcoholic 504Syrups means sharing a piece of New Orleans and of our story with the world.”
As with all Happy Raptor Distilling products, the complete line of 504Syrups is locally handcrafted in the Crescent City from 100% Louisiana cane sugar and only whole, real ingredients. 504Syrups Cucumber Mint marks the company’s first fundraising product in partnership with Sprout NOLA, a New Orleans-based nonprofit organization that provides established and developing farmers in Louisiana with technical and social support. Inspired by the abundance of Sprout’s community gardens, 100% of the profits of 504Syrups Cucumber Mint will benefit Sprout through the end of 2023.
“Building an equitable food system is joyful community building,” said Sprout Community Food Manager Mina Seck, “The fact that too many families lack access to basic necessities and fresh food is heartbreaking, but the community building and joy we experience in urban agriculture is immeasurable. In New Orleans, food is the heartbeat of our city and growing food is special part of it.”
As the summer heat approaches, Happy Raptor Distilling recommends 504Syrups Cucumber Mint and 504Syrups Lavender Lemon Peppercorn to jazz up a cold lemonade or iced coffee and tea, pour over a sorbet, shake into a cocktail or mocktail, or add a special touch to a baked treat. The new varieties join the popular existing 504Syrups Hibiscus and 504Syrups Praline.
Happy Raptor’s mission is to create premium rum inspired by New Orleans’ culture, community, and the moments that bring us joy. Since 2020, it has donated over $40,000 in direct funds and in-kind goods and services to the New Orleans community, and now partners with over 100 nonprofit organizations every year. For more information on 504Syrups and online ordering, visit 504rum.com or follow @504rum on Facebook and Instagram.