🍋TwT April Exclusive: An Insider Look at Nauti Spirits Distillery

Cape May’s sweetest summer secret is about to drop…

Apr 19, 2025

∙ Paid

Why We’re Excited to Share This Behind-the-Scenes Story

We’re kicking off this month’s insider feature with a distillery that’s truly redefining what it means to drink local. Nauti Spirits Distillery is one of the most unique spots at the Jersey Shore, with a stunning open-air craft distillery, set on a 60-acre preserved farm in Cape May, NJ. And guess what? They just won the 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, in addition to metals at World Wine & Spirits competitions. 🏆

What makes this place so special? You’ll have to keep reading to find out, but let’s just say there’s a refreshing new summer spirit coming soon (yes, you’ll want to be the first to try it), and a June celebration you won’t want to miss.

Farm-Grown Spirits & a Laid-Back Coastal Vibe

Nauti Spirits is much more than a place to grab a drink, it’s an experience. Picture this: golden-hour light across open farm fields, pals gathered around fire pits, cocktails in hand, and the relaxed rhythm of people just enjoying the moment. During the day, families pick up fresh produce from the on-site farm stand, while kids run through the grass and couples toast their weekend getaway. It’s a rare combination of laid-back and local authenticity that hits just right.

Their ever-evolving cocktail menu is reason alone to make the drive. Every pour is a love letter to fresh ingredients and thoughtful distillation, which is crafted on-site with care. Whether you're new to the world of craft spirits or consider yourself a seasoned sipper, there’s something here that’ll surprise and delight you.

A Visit to Nauti Spirits Distillery with Tab

When I arrived, I was instantly taken by the space. The bar is built from reclaimed shipwood, the fields stretch out toward the horizon, and every detail feels thoughtful without trying too hard. And the retail room wall art? That’s all by Brian Demusz and his brother Mike. Brian is a bit of a Cape May legend when it comes to murals and visual art (you’ll recognize his style if you’ve been around town). The vibe here is more than just drinks; it’s personal, creative, alive.

They grow their own botanicals and edible flowers on-site, and when barrels get too old for use, they break them down and use the wood for fires. (Sustainable and cozy? Perfect.) Veronica, Nauti’s head distiller, who brings experience from both coasts, shared that they process around 18,000 sweet potatoes at the start of the season. Let that sink in. And if you’re not drinking alcohol, you’re still welcome here. The non-alcoholic options are just as thoughtful (House-made Cold Brew Coffee, Peach Black Iced Tea, Soda), so everyone gets to relax and enjoy.

After grabbing a drink at the bar, exploring the farm, and getting a tour of their on-site greenhouse and distillery, I sat down with Tommy Peters, who is one of Nauti’s passionate crew members, to talk about what’s coming next. Spoiler: the new spirit Nauti is debuting this summer might be your new favorite beachside cocktail.

Interview with Tommy Peters of Nauti Spirits

Tab: Thanks for taking a few minutes with us, Tommy! Let’s start with something fun. Nauti by name and nature—what’s one behind-the-scenes farm moment that inspired a brand-new flavor?

Tommy Peters: Well, we do have a new spirit coming this summer. We just got a rotary evaporator, which lets us infuse delicate essential oils directly into our spirits. At first, we played around with flavors like jasmine, green tea, and ginger—things you wouldn’t typically expect. But what really clicked was a fusion of fresh red raspberries and lemon peel. It was one of those “so simple it works” kind of moments. At first, we thought, “Raspberry lemonade vodka? That’s so basic.” But it was so good—refreshing, crisp, and actually made from real fruit. The flavor is different from anything mass-produced. You taste the essence of the fruit, not just the sugar. We're really excited for people to try it.

Tab: That sounds amazing. So aside from spirits, Nauti is known for on-site events that bring the community together. What’s coming up?

Tommy: Every year we throw a big anniversary party, and this year it’s on June 1st. It’s not just about celebrating us—it’s about celebrating Cape May. We’ll have food trucks, music, and we’re donating a portion of gratuity, sales, and vendor proceeds to the Arc of Cape May, which supports adults with developmental disabilities. They help folks live independently, by giving them resources to put their best foot forward.

Tab: That’s incredible. I love this. Also... will the new raspberry lemonade vodka be available at the party?

Tommy: Yep!

Tab: Okay, let’s talk sustainability. I heard about the reclaimed wood and about farm-to-bottle approach. Can you walk us through what that looks like at Nauti?

Tommy: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Nothing goes to waste—spent mash, juiced fruits, greenhouse clippings—they all go into our compost and help fertilize the next generation of crops. We don’t use pesticides. We source responsibly. All of our ingredients are natural and Jersey Fresh. Even the farms we partner with—like Peabody Farms, who run the stand here—are all about ethical, sustainable practices. They even run farm camp for kids in the summer. It's a good vibe out here for sure. I love it. Honestly, it comes through in the drinks. Um, the first time I had it [raspberry lemonade vodka], I was like, it just tasted different. It's like my favorite drink but better. Yeah, we joke around but it's like you can really taste the love, man. Like you really can.

Tab: And the freshness of your juices?

Tommy: It's such a stark contrast to all the preservatives and the crazy amount of sugar and dye that you see in other cocktails. And to me, whenever I go out and I have a cocktail that's made with that stuff, it tastes sharp and bitter and just not right. You know, it kind of spoils you a little bit, honestly. And it's kind of tough to keep having a few drinks. Like at least Nauti, you know…you keep the night going. It's a good night.

Why Nauti Spirits Should Be On Your Summer List

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a sustainable living enthusiast, or just someone looking for a relaxing place to unwind: Nauti Spirits is the place to be this summer.

☀️ Come for the anniversary party on June 1st
🍋 Be the first to sip their new raspberry lemonade vodka
🌿 Feel good about drinking sustainably
🎉 And soak in a laid-back farm vibe that’s as local as it is unforgettable

Being part of the Travel with Tab community means discovering these hidden gems before they’re packed with summer crowds. We’ll see you there, with a drink in hand. Cheers!

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