Meet the Crafters: Jitterbug Sodas
April 18, 2013 | Halifax Crafters Society
As Crafters has grown, so have our offerings. We’re happy to say that we now have a number of food vendors on site, and some of our crafters are making tasty food items that can be taken home and enjoyed. Jitterbug Sodas is a new favourite at the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market where they’ve been serving up tasty homemade sodas (made with real fruit!) since May 2012. They’ve since expanded their offerings to include Twist Elixirs, a line of take home bottles of cocktail elixir that you can use in your favourite recipes, and will be vending in our Fresh Catch section at the Spring Fair!
We talked to Rowena Hopkins, one of the co-founders of Jitterbug about what they do. She provided us with a couple of recipes using their elixirs, make sure to read all the way to the bottom for delicious drink ideas!
What do you make?
Hand crafted soda and cocktail elixirs.
What is your process?
We take locally grown fruits, herbs and flowers, plus organic imported fruits and spices and combine them in creative ways to create uniquely flavoured drinks.
How long have you been a crafter?
I started this business about a year ago but having been growing fruits and herbs and making elixirs for about 7 years.
What is your background/How did you get started?
My business partner and I were both organic farmers. I had moved to Halifax and he was looking for something creative to do with his fruit and herbs, so we came up with the idea of drinking them!
Why do you do what you do?
The creativity is great for my mind and supporting local growers and organic growers in other countries is good for my soul.
When you’re not selling at Crafters markets, where can I find your products?
We are at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market every Saturday, plus our sodas are carried by the Wooden Monkey and Sweet Hereafter. Jane’s Next Door also carries our elixirs.
What makes Halifax Crafters different from other shows?
This will be my first show but I’ve been told by so many people that it’s the best one because of the amazing sense of community.
What are you excited about seeing at the Spring Market?
Creative ideas in other mediums that will inspire our flavour palette for the year.
What inspires you to create?
Stumbling on interesting old recipes, getting hold of a new fruit or herb and the changing seasons.
What kind of music do you listen to while you work?
Hits from the 1950’s – it puts me in the mood of the soda fountain era.
A place you love?
Gathering fruits and herbs from friends farms.
Favourite time of the year?
Fall, it is so bountiful!
A favourite quote?
“When I put on designer underwear, it remains on the outside of Carlo Petrini, but when I eat good bread, good meat, good fruit it becomes part of Carlo Petrini” Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food Movement
What’s your favourite way to procrastinate?
Snuggling my baby girl
Twisted Elixir Recipes
Strawberry Jalapeño Martini by Lia Rinaldo
1oz Strawberry Jalapeño Elixir
6oz soda
1oz vodka
ice
garnish with nasturtium blossom and mint leaves
Tropical Twist (Family friendly) by Jitterbug
6oz pineapple juice
1oz Grapefruit Mint Elixir
ice
garnish with mint