Sojourn Trading Co., the downtown hangout situated alongside the recently renovated San Pedro Creek, has been putting out staycation vibes since opening in 2022. Salads, charcuterie, small bites and sandwiches are on offer along with a full bar that includes our very own HighWheel Betty!

Also at your disposal is Alan Matye, the barkeep bringing you this year’s Rakia My World, his take on the classic Brandy Alexander. Alan’s an industry vet who’s been working in the bar and restaurant scene since he was 17. He sort of fell into bartending by chance and has been serving up hospitality behind the bar ever since.

Alan wanted to avoid the mainstream and include a liqueur few people are familiar with. Enter Maraska Orahovac Walnut Liqueur, a liqueur from Croatia that’s made from unripe green walnuts.  It lends aromas of spice and citrus, alongside a slightly bitter walnut taste.

Once he settled on Orahovac, he decided to work off the walnut flavor and added vanilla and ginger to bring in more traditional holiday flavors. Five Farms Irish Cream takes the place of traditional cream and contributes subtle notes of coffee and coconut. The result? My world was rocked.

Take a break along your journey this holiday season and try Alan’s Rakia My World now through NYE and let us know if it does indeed rock your world.