Image credit: YoCo Vodka
Nashville is known for its bright spirits, both literally and figuratively. In addition to being a music mecca, the city is also home to a variety of exquisite, Black-owned spirit brands ranging from smooth wines to Tennessee Whiskey. Here are a few summer drink recipes you can try:
Twisted Sistuhs
The story behind Twisted Sistuhs is one of empowerment. Inspired by the “curated friendship between women whose vibrations were equally aligned,” Twisted Sistuhs is a Black women and veteran owned company founded by four friends Ogechi, Shayla, Kristi, and LaKenya. Together, they turned that good energy into palatable wine that includes bottles of classic red and white, along with a special Vintage Bourbon Barrel Red Wine Blend. Though made in Nashville, it’s available in liquor stores around the country. View Recipe
Cocktail to try: Vintage Bourbon Barrel Red Wine Blend
YoCo Vodka
YoCo Vodka isn’t just a liquor, it’s a lifestyle. Founded by hit producer Polow da Don, who’s credits include Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and the Usher banger, “Love in This Club,” da Don has now shifted his focus as owner of the indie, genre-less radio station, YoCo Nashville. Da Don channels this boundless energy into his new all natural, gluten-free vodka brand that’s distilled in Tennessee. A carefree spirit and youthful flair comes with every shot of this liquor, which can liven up any vibrant cocktail like the summer-friendly “Watermelon Suga”. View Recipe
Cocktail to try: Watermelon Suga
Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Uncle Nearest is more than award-winning whiskey. Every drink you pour comes with a shot of history too. Named after Nearest Green, the first known Black master whiskey distiller in the world, Uncle Nearest comes in four variations bound to tempt any flavor palette. Uncle Nearest 1856 blends sweet caramel and maple with a hint of spice, while the rare Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition, overseen by master distiller and Green descendant Victoria Eady Butler, is described as “astonishingly smooth.” In need of cocktail ideas? Try the Spicy Lady from their 2020 Calendar mixing Uncle Nearest 1884, lime juice, blood orange and agave with jalepeno. View Recipe
Cocktail to try: Meet Me in The Berry Patch
Guidance Whiskey
Guidance Whiskey is a company built upon the concept of family, friendship and the desire to achieve greatness, a spirit that founder Jason Ridgel carries into each batch. Distilled for two years, this premium, small-batch whiskey carries the notes of burnt caramel and maraschino cherries from the barrels where it’s brewed in Iowa before making the voyage to Nashville where it’s housed and sold. Guidance can be enjoyed in a traditional bottle, or in the form of Tipper’s Punch Tea. View Cocktail
Cocktail to try: Tipper’s Punch Tea
La Leyenda Mezcal
Co-Founded by Stacey Thomas and Alejandro Sanchez, La Leyenda Mezcal,is a brand doing something different, in that its signature move is to break away from the typical smoky flavor that comes with mezcal, opting for a flavor palette that ranges from cinnamon and baked apple to grilled chestnut and baked pineapple. Every sip of their mezcal is filled with pure agave that matures for seven years before it’s hand-selected for harvest, fulling the brand’s prophesy of being both classic and legendary. Want to mix things up? Sample the Mezcal Sunset cocktail that blends La Leyenda with sparkling wine, orange juice and pomegranate syrup for a sweet surprise. View Recipe
Cocktail to try: Mezcal Sunset
Photos: Uncle Nearest, Guidance Whiskey, YoCo Vodka, Twisted Sistuhs, La Leyenda Mezcal
Enjoy this guide of Nashville’s hometown and Black-Owned Spirit Brands! Tag us at #urbaanite if you try one of these great summer cocktails!
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