YOUTH TO PASSION ~ PASSION TO PURPOSE

Born 1967, Bethpage New York to Joseph and Judith Tirado, Diane began her love affair with the iconic bloody mary at a very young age during those subtropical hot summer weekends she would gather with her family and friends. Aunties, uncles, grandparents, cousin’s and neighbors all gathered to Charlie Campagne, affectionately called, “Pop-Pops” home located in Suffolk County. In preparations for the days’ feast, Charlie headed out at the wee hours of the morning to Lake Ronkonkoma’s shallow shoreline digging up those meaty, rich, salty-sweet “cherrystone” clams (some east coasters consider a food group). Cherrystones, sweet corn on the cob, boiled russet potatoes, jumbo scrimp and for the kids, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs served with chocolate Yoohoo’s …WHAAAT?!!

It was at these family gatherings where Diane had her first sip of this spicy beverage that stole her heart. The sweetness of the tomato, the heat from the piquant peppers, and perfect touch of tartness is what sparked her taste buds. Three decades later, “Diane’s Bloody Mary” was born.

Tomatoland

While living in West Marin California, Diane and her husband Michael Mina, found a ranchette spanning a little over 2 acres in which Diane immediately started designing her very first “eating-garden.”

With the generous support and guidance from dear friend, and local landscape designer, Denise Wahl, aka “the garden-whisperer” they planted over 200 varieties of tomatoes. This naturally sets the stage for a test garden to help create that one-of-a kind fresh tasting cocktail mix Diane envisioned. The winner amongst the delicious crop …“the garden heirloom.” Uniquely defined by their shapes and brilliant colors, the heirloom tomato was the select choice. The delightful delicate and beautiful balance of heirlooms, naturally produce a high juice yield, velvety earthen tones, complex textures and bright sweetness.

Using fresh garden ingredients, clean seasonings and brines that have their own sweet and savory flavors, naturally reduces the sodium and sugar content that other mixers tend to add. Thus making Diane’s Bloody Mary Blends, “guilt free” and “bloat-less.”

Diane Mina is widely recognized as a bloody mary connoisseur and continues her “passion with purpose” testing new recipes filled with garden goodness, a dash of wellness, bringing back the love for creating a beautiful drink and the ceremony of drinking it.