At Aunties, we've always taken pride in our ability to listen to our community and customers. Their insights are the secret ingredient to our evolving menu, adding flavours and experiences that resonate with our collective palate and spirit.
A perfect example of this dialogue-led innovation is the creation of our new mocktail line, inspired by a special request from the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) for the 1st Anniversary celebration of the ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub.
The request was simple yet sparked creativity: to craft a celebratory drink that embodied Aunties' signature freshness without the alcohol. As a business built on Indigenous values of sustainability and community impact, we wanted these mocktails to uplift our partnerships and principles.
Enter our recently forged alliance with FN Clean Water. Their sparkling water, pristine and refreshing, was the perfect canvas for our mixology adventure that led to two unique mocktails: Aunties Fresh Blue and Aunties Sunshine, created to invigorate the senses and encapsulate joy in a glass.
As guests arrived at the ADAAWE Anniversary event, they were greeted by a vibrant serving station, offering a visual and flavourful welcome. The "Aunties Fresh Blue" combined blueberry simple syrup with a dash of lime juice and fresh mint, all vivified by FN Sparkling Water. Its companion, "Aunties Sunshine," was a ray of light with orange juice, a hint of grenadine, and the same sparkling water, crowned with fresh rosemary and a slice of orange. Both mocktails captured the essence of celebration and community – fresh, colourful, and full of life.
These mocktails became the talk of the town. Listening to the excitement, we knew they had to find a permanent home on our menu.
Working with NACCA has been an avenue for exploration and a chance to showcase the delicious possibilities of trying new things. Their openness to innovation has catalyzed Aunties to expand our offerings and enhance the dining experience for the community we cherish.
So here's to fresh beginnings and fresh mocktails — crafted with care, served with pride, and inspired by you, our beloved Aunties community.
Salud!
Karen Smith, CEO, Aunties