I’ve always believed that what you choose to drink says a lot about you. My mother used to order a very cold, very dry vodka martini—straight up, with three olives on the side—then judge the bar accordingly. She was particular, yes, but mostly she knew what she liked and wasn’t afraid to ask for it.
For me, I couldn’t quite find what I loved to drink (despite a lot of trying), so I decided to make my own. It’s been a five-year journey so far—starting as a side hustle, with a steep learning curve on how spirits (and small, profitable businesses) are actually made.
Two years in, I quit my comfortable day job and got the chance to be mentored by some of the most giving, brilliant experts in global spirits through the Distill Ventures program. I also was lucky enough to find one of Australia’s top distillers to create an award-winning aperitif with — delicious, distinctive, and steeped in native plum. He calls it a labour of love, and it is. I’ve been drinking TANICA for over a year now, and I still love every sip.
TANICA is short for botanical, but it’s really about what it feels like to live by the water in Sydney—abundant, relaxed, and full of vibrant energy. It’s what drew me here over 25 years ago, and why I stayed. Now, through TANICA, I am able to give people in Australia a new appreciation for how special Sydney is, and share a piece of that feeling with friends back in the U.S. and beyond.
This year we’ve been focused on getting ready to scale. With a clear pathway, some sexy numbers and the spritz occasion booming, we are now raising investment for our next chapter.
If you’ve read this far, chances are you believe in the power of building brands and premium drinks too. And you might be interested in learning more about our plans. If so—I’d love to chat. Email me at adriane@tanica.com.au ✨