09/23/2026
As Beverage Program Director of Bragozzo at The Grand Marsh, I set out to create a cocktail with the potential to become iconic - a drink that could tell a story in a single glass. I began with one guiding question: if The Grand Marsh were a cocktail, what would it taste like, and which ingredients would bring it to life?
I drew inspiration from French ingredients to honor the heritage of the settlers who founded the area, then paired them with an American base spirit reminiscent of what locals may have enjoyed in the bordertown at the time. But the drink is not simply a blend of French and American influences. Each ingredient is meant to capture the flavors and aromas of the marsh: rye bourbon provides the foundation, Green Chartreuse adds herbal complexity, Crème de Cassis brings berry sweetness, and a mist of Laphroaig 10 Year Single Malt finishes the cocktail with notes of peat and smoke.
This Signature Cocktail is robust. The first sip is balanced and inviting. With the second, the ingredients begin to unfold into a story. By the final sip, I hope guests end with a deeper understanding of our concept feel more connected to it.
With Gratitude, Laura
(Director of Hospitality and Beverage Program Director)
