This summer guide will help you focus on wines and spirits

Originally published on June 26, 2020.

With the start of summer comes the looks of seasonal drinks that might be used to spend quality time with friends and family, having fun with the gorgeous weather. This is the time when you can enjoy your favorite summer drink alone or with others. When establishing your bar along with your favorite wines and spirits, add a couple of Black-owned brands to the highest shelf.

For outdoor dining and picnics – The Rose Festival

As the primary owner of rosé wine based in St. Tropez in France, founder and CEO Donae Burston desired to create a wine that focused more on multiculturalism in its marketing materials. A fruity, organic rosé wine is ideal for outdoor activities, reminiscent of picnics with friends on a ravishing day.

For people dreaming of their next vacation – Cremas Absalon

Cremas is a Haitian rum much like coquito from Puerto Rico. Cremas Absalon presents the normal drink to a wider audience in an unusual version: a creamy liqueur with a taste paying homage to an island holiday. The company also produces rum-based ice cream that might be enjoyed within the summer.

For drinks after dark with friends – HH Alcohols on request

Gin is one other popular spirit that shows an absence of diversity in its field. The owners of HH Bespoke Spirits used the inspiration of the Harlem Renaissance to introduce their traditional London Dry-style gin to a contemporary American audience.

For someone who likes to have a drink alone – My closest uncle

Uncle Nearest is known as after the nation’s first black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green, who was believed to have perfected the Lincoln Country process that created Tennessee whiskey. He taught Jack Daniels methods to distill whiskey. The brand opened in 2019 in Tennessee to honor the African-American whiskey producer.