The Story Behind the Scent: Etta + Billie’s Grapefruit Cardamom

In our new series “Story Behind the Scent”, Alana Rivera, owner and soap maven of Etta+ Billie, will take us through a history behind our scented concoctions. Here, she will recall the foods, memories, and people that have helped bring them to life. This week, we are talking all things Grapefruit Cardamom!

Tell us about the inspiration behind this scent: 

Grapefruit Cardamom was a melding of two flavors that I loved into something absolutely blissful.

My love of grapefruit began as a child. Every summer, I spent time at my Grandma Etta’s in Southern California. She would often serve me grapefruit in the morning and I came to love the way she would cut each section for me so I could scoop the tangy flesh into a bowl. Then, I would squeeze any remaining pulp to create “Grapefruit soup”. I was so hooked on this method that I would often refuse to eat grapefruit cut any other way. 

My obsession with cardamom didn’t start until I was much older. My first cardamom experience was in Indian cooking and then in a variety of pastries. I loved how the flavor is both herbaceous and spicy. With fresh green notes as well as a warm coziness. Once I discovered it, I couldn’t get enough.

Using my cooking experience and food loves as inspiration, I combined these two scents together. They work in harmony with each other to create something sweet, tart, spicy, and fresh. This combination is one of my very first and still one of my favorites today.

What products does Etta+Billie carry with this scent?

Our delicious Grapefruit Cardamom scent is available in Body Lotion, Body Scrub, Room + Body Spray, Hand + Body Wash, and our Skin Balm.

Were there any recipes/goodies that contributed to the creation of this scent?

Nothing specific, but I do love seeing this combination in recipes. I’ve seen grapefruit cardamom tarts, scones, and all manner of sweet things. I’m always drawn to this combination in cocktail form. 

You can find grapefruit cardamom cocktail recipes all over the internet and here are a few of my favs:

Grapefruit Cardamom Gin Fizz refreshing gin cocktail!

The Remedy: a delicious whiskey based recipe.

Etta + Billie’s Grapefruit Cardamom Rose Cooler Recipe on You Tube