Culinary icon Rachael Ray introduces Staple Gin, a new recipe-driven spirit crafted in the heart of New York’s Catskills region by the award-winning team at Do Good Spirits. Do Good Spirits’ commitment to supporting New York agriculture while making a positive impact in the region is the cornerstone of its business, with a portion of the proceeds from Staple Gin sales going to Third Option Foundation.
Guided by a sense of place and appreciation of a good cocktail, Ray conceived of Staple Gin as a botanical ode to New York State. A chance meeting with Do Good Spirits co-founder and fellow local, Brian Facquet, turned into a business plan after the two hit it off and bonded over their shared passion for the region’s natural bounty. Ray brought two decades of experience as one of America’s most well known TV chefs, while Facquet contributed his technical mastery of distilling and deep connection to the community. They came to the realization that much like a delicious meal, a great gin requires a well-balanced and carefully-considered recipe.
“I’ve written thousands of recipes throughout my career, and I wanted to apply the same principles I was using in the kitchen to create a balanced, beautiful gin,” said Ray. “I’m immensely proud of the final product and excited to share it!”
What resulted after many meetings and brainstorming sessions accompanied by good food, friends and drinks, was a beautiful gin distilled with juniper, coriander, orris root, Castelvetrano olives (a nod to Rachael’s love of Tuscany), dried bergamot peel, tarragon and extra virgin olive oil. It’s well-suited for mixing into gin cocktails like the martini and French 75, but is just as apt sipped neat or on the rocks.
“As a New York distiller, I jumped at the opportunity to craft a gin with Rachael, who is just as passionate about local New York, artisanal quality as I am,” said Facquet. “Given her deep background in recipe development and our shared enthusiasm for regional ingredients, this partnership made sense on many levels.”
Staple Gin was the highest ranked American gin included in VinePair’s “30 Best Gins for 2024” guide, with a rating of 94. Managing editor Tim McKirdy said, “This soon-to-debut release deserves to be on your radar. London Dry drinkers will delight in its profile and be dazzled by the clarity of its aromas and flavors.”
Adding to the acclaim, in May of 2024, Staple Gin won Double Gold in the 15th Annual New York International Spirits Competition, with Do Good Spirits named New York Gin Distillery of the Year. In June, Staple Gin was awarded a silver medal with 81 points by the Bartender Spirits Awards and a few months later, in August 2024 Staple was given a silver medal from the New Orleans Spirits Competition.
Staple Gin is available nationally via e-commerce at www.staplegin.com, and in New York State via Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits at bars, restaurants and retail destinations, with additional markets to follow. Key off-premise accounts include Union Square Wine & Spirits, with standout on premise accounts such as the entrepreneurial social club Zero Bond, The Arnold House in Livingston Manor and Valerie in Manhattan’s Midtown neighborhood.
“The pleasure of working with Staple Gin is Rachael and Brian’s focus on flavor,” said Allen Katz, director of mixology and spirits education for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of New York. “As bartenders, there is nothing more satisfying than the versatility and purposefulness of a well-made spirit that allows us to focus on both creativity and quality.”
In October 2024, Ray will participate in the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival where Staple Gin will have a footprint at the three-day Grand Tasting as well as her signature Blue Moon Burger Bash.
Visit www.staplegin.com to order and follow along on social media @staplegin.