A Festive Season Under Polynesian Warmth
At home
New Year’s Potion
Chapter 5
Crafted by Thomas, Head Bartender at The Brando, and demonstrated by Paola, the New Year’s Potion captures Tetiaroa’s essence in a symphony of island flavors. At its heart is the aito, a native pine in our islands, named iron wood tree in the Pacific, known for its strength.
Revered for its resilience and evocative fragrance, it is said that Marlon Brando himself, charmed by this noble essence, decided to plant several trees in Onetahi when he made the acquisition of the atoll of Tetiaroa. Several of the wood pillars in The Brando are crafted from this elegant tree.
The bartenders harvest aito pine needles directly from Onetahi to create the cocktail’s signature syrup. This infusion, achieved by blanching the needles and steeping them in water and sugar for twenty four hours, imparts a delicate yet earthy sweetness. To deepen the connection, aito branches are also used to infuse pisco, a grape based eau-de-vie, which rests for a full week to absorb the pine’s distinctive aroma and flavor.
This robust foundation is elevated by green grape juice and the zest of lemon, offering brightness and vitality. Bergamot liqueur adds floral and citrus complexity, while Italicus liqueur brings subtle herbal refinement. A silken touch of egg white smooths the flavors, and a final kiss of syrup balances the composition, creating a drink that is invigorating yet grounded.
Featured on the Te Manu menu, the New Year’s Potion transcends the ordinary, embodying Tetiaroa’s natural abundance and the thoughtful artistry of its creation.