Holiday Cocktail Class

Learn how to make an amazing cocktail for the holidays, see some Zyia fashions and be entered to win a signed copy of the cocktail book made by these beautiful ladies!

Presented by Jeanne Malota – Independent Ziya Representative

Tek Cyear uh de Root – Beer Panel Discussion

During Charleston Beer Week, we offer a celebration of community through food and drink, deconstructing historic prejudice and rebuilding critical connections for a new generation.

Based on the research and writing that uncovered the historical connections, and divides, of Charleston communities that remain today, the Tek Cyear uh de Root Festival aims to use food, drink, and conversation to better understand today’s inequitable spaces, and how they were originally constructed. With empathy and understanding, we believe that we are all responsible for taking care of that root.

Historic celebrations like The Charleston Schützenfest were used to isolate, intimidate, and disenfranchise Charleston community members. We aim to leverage a similar power to connect and rebuild those same connections in the present. We aim to get at the root.

Join us for an evening of beer drinking, dish passing, and deliberate conversation featuring Gullah Geechee artisans and food vendors, beers from Commonhouse Aleworks and Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company, music from The Dance Doctors, and a panel discussion with Good Beer Hunting writer, Jamaal Lemon, and The Cocktail Bandits, Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, moderated by KJ Kearney of Black Food Fridays.

Served Up Neat

The Cocktail Bandits have partnered with Facebook for an audio series called, ‘Served Up Neat’. The duo will discuss misconceptions and stereotypes about minority beverage consumers.

Make sure you have the most recent version of the @facebook app on your mobile device, as you can only access the discussion via your mobile phone.

Upcoming Audio Event dates listed below:

Wednesday, September 29th at 7PM EST – Black People Don’t Host Beverage Conferences with Ashtin Berry, founder of Radical Exchange

Monday, October 4th at 7PM EST – Black People Don’t Drink Moonshine with Dr. Howard Conyers

Wednesday, October 20th at 7PM EST –  Black People Don’t Drink Fine Wine with Traveling Sommelier, Cha McCoy – RESCHEDULED

Follow The Cocktail Bandits on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss any of the action!

VinExpo 2020

After six years as a Cocktail Bandits, our work has taken us to countless conferences, expos and trade shows all over the United States. Most seem to follow a similar structure; rows and rows of 6 x 6 tables draped in brand tablecloths. Your tasting is led by a promo girl who knows less about the product than you. After the sample, you are handed a sticker or button, then on to the next booth; step and repeat. We were in search of a more engaging experience.

Upon receipt of our invitation to VinExpo Paris, we were immediately drawn by the enormous amounts of producers, winemakers, distillers and buyers who would be present. Another attraction was the addition of a section dedicated exclusively to international spirits. This year would be the first time VinExpo would include this specialty area complete with masterclasses led by international beverage professionals.

Speaking of first, 2020 would be the debut year that VinExpo was hosted in Paris and the first year Wine Paris and VinExpo co-hosted the event. This collaboration resulted in more participation from Paris area bars, restaurants and bartenders.  Not to mention, Paris has its own charms making VinExpo a perfect opportunity to explore France.

Entry into the conference was fairly straightforward as bi-lingual hostesses assisted with registration. As a large group of attendees descended upon Paris Expo des Versailles, the expo venue, you could feel the energy of the over 30 thousand ticket holders.

The first expo hall featured French wine and champagne. Regions from all of France presented their unique blends attributing nuance flavors not to anything from temperature to terrier. A standout was the Tavel Wine offering from the Rhone Valley. Their Rose had a distinctly rich red color that separated their juice from the other pale pink Roses prevalent in the United States. 

The amount of tasting booths was almost overwhelming. Each booth was designed to look like a custom bar or distillery tasting room. Every booth had a different look, different chairs, even different drinking vessels. The exhibitor created an experience like that of a customer in a restaurant.

We wandered through two Halls featuring international wines and liqueurs. We had the pleasure of seeing our good friends from the Italian Trade Commission, who hosted a huge section showcasing Italian wine producers. 

Be Spirited

The main reason for our attendance at VinExpo was to experience the new Spirit section. VinExpo devoted an entire hall to showcase international spirits. Brand owners and ambassadors from South American and Asian were present to share their unique products.

We sampled exotic and rare spirits from Austria and Portugal. Tasting booth not only showed pride in the product but also the country of origin. Sharing their culture through cocktails. A favorite was a Sentir Mezcal. This spirit is distilled in clay pots creating a more rounded agave flavor.

Not to be out done, the bartenders of Paris served cocktails from the aptly named ‘Infinite Bar’ that stretched the length of the entire expo hall. Each bar featured an area bartender serving a classic or original cocktail sponsored by a major brand. Way to support the local bar community.

We were excited to meet Parisian bar professionals and gauge the bar scene in this major city. The spirit area was so vast, that we could have spent each day of the three day conference in this section only and still not taste all the samples. Truly impressive showing from the international beverage community. Hopefully this section of VinExpo continues to grow as the conference grows.

3 Highlights of VinExpo

1. Moet Hennessy Lounge – these brands are always associated with luxury. Their installation was nothing less than excellent. Their suite featured 2 full bars serving the very best from the Moet Hennessy House. The elegantly decorated lounge hummed with activity and neo soul music making it a very busy area in the expo. Platters of cheese and fruit were placed at each end of the bar creating a comfortable and creative place for attendees to enjoy. We were treated to generous pours of Moet Champagne served from what seemed like a bottomless magnum of the sparkling wine. It’s no wonder why the Moet Hennessy brand is known around the world for their phenomenal products and luxury lifestyle.

2. Media Lounge – This area was specially designed as a hub for media and press. This gave us an area to sit down, relax, even charge our cell phones. The lounge featured a bar with regularly rotating snacks. The lounge had a large restroom area with no lines and plenty of room to get comfortable. It was in the media lounge where we met Camille of VinExpo. Her team extended us the invitation to attend and cover VinExpo. Our chance meetings in the media lounge are what trade shows are made for.

3. In Expo Restaurants/Pop up restaurants – Tickets to the VinExpo are incredibly affordable.  While the tasting samples are complimentary, all food purchases are separate. The expo invited selected a few Paris area restaurants to set up shop inside the event hall. Not only did the restaurants feature a curated food and beverage menu, they also designed and erected small replicas of their restaurants on the expo floor. This takes bringing the party to the customer to a whole new level. Attendees who may not have the time to venture into the city to experience authentic Parisian cuisine, could partake in a delicious meal from an actual French restaurant without leaving the expo. Brilliant way to incorporate local businesses. 

Honorable Mention

Public transportation in France is top notch. The bus and train system connect the rural countryside to the fast paced city center. Public transport is also incredibly affordable and is used by the affluent and working class alike. We took a very comfortable train ride from Paris center to Angouleme on our way to Cognac Country. The train featured an on board restaurant that served everything from wine and coffee to snacks and toiletries. I felt very safe on the voyage and wondered why our American train system isn’t more accessible. 

Island Time Cocktail Demo

We’ve teamed up with Anthropologie to bring the taste of the tropics into your home with a cocktail demonstration sure to give you island vibes. Grab your favorite tropical beverage and join the fun!

RSVP using the link below:

https://islandtimecocktaildemo.splashthat.com/cocktailbandits

Nightclub & Bar Show

The Cocktail Bandits are heading to the Nightclub & Bar Show for the first time. The ladies will lead a discussion on the importance of Marketing to Minorities and well as participate in to panel discussion. See event details below:

Your Go To Strategy to Working with Social Media Influencer

This panel educates attendees on how best to forge honest and genuine digital relationships, which can be molded into real-life profits and publicity. In addition, attendees learn how to engage and work with influential individuals from within their local markets to those with a global reach and best practices to assist in building and nurturing positive relationships.

Monday, June 28 • 3:00pm – 3:50pm –

https://nightclubbarshow2021.sched.com/event/j324

2021 Beverage Trends to Know to Drive More Sales

The beverage industry is constantly changing and evolving, but what do you need to know to make sure that your business stays ahead of the curve? In this presentation, we will discuss the latest trends in beverages including RTDs (ready-to-drink), RTS (ready-to-serve), spirits, draft cocktails, and growing categories like coffee and tea. We’ll cover how these categories are developing as well as provide information on which brands have the potential for growth in the future. This session will breakdown how businesses can use insights from the panel to drive their own sales by making changes within their product lineup or marketing strategies.

Monday, June 28 • 3:00pm – 3:50pm

https://nightclubbarshow2021.sched.com/event/j2th

Inclusivity Increases Profits & Guest Count

Good help has always been hard to find, but great hires may be missing from your radar. The Cocktail Bandits outline the importance of actively recruiting minority employees to create a more vibrant and comprehensive bar environment. By setting deliberate intentions to hire the best and diverse staff, you’ll be able to leverage your staff to help you with a wide array of marketing messaging and events that can appeal to a much larger audience. Learn the ways to attract qualified minority employees and increase you guest counts.

Wednesday, June 30 • 11:00am – 11:50am

https://nightclubbarshow2021.sched.com/event/jfdD

Bloom into a better you!

Spring is such an enchanting season. A transitional period after an often cold and isolating winter. Spring gives us an opportunity to bloom; an opportunity for renewal.

We’ve decided to be very intentional in preparing for this liminal season. We took time to recharge and realign ourselves with ourselves and our goals. Daily self-care is essential but sometimes you need a bit more. A weekend self care retreat can be just what you need to return to your true self. See below for our list of things to take with you on a self care trip

10 Things to take for a self-care weekend

1. Good book
2. Camera to capture the moments
3. Candles
4. Bubble bath or bath bombs
5. Face mask/sleep mask and quality moisturizer
6. Walking shoes or yoga mat
7. Journal
8. Bring something that reminds you to stay present
9. Comfortable clothes
10. Playlist of your favorite songs

For the cocktails…

While enjoying your self care weekend, it’s important to maintain your hydration with low alcohol cocktails. Seek a beverage that will refresh you as opposed to one that will knock you out. Start your day with a lovely cup of artisanal tea. While coffee may be your go-to; it’s packed with caffeine that may cause anxiety or a feeling of, ‘I should be doing something’ during your restorative stay. 

We are major tea junkies and have a wide variety of fruit and herbal flavors. Make your tea extra fancy with artisan sugars like this Rose Sugar from Old Salt Merchant. Its aromatic and just sweet enough for your morning or afternoon tea.

Day drinking is definitely a thing on your self care stay. We highly recommend a light and bright Gin & Tonic preferably featuring Bristow Gin. This long drink is best enjoyed on a patio while reading your favorite book. Full of botanicals and herbs, this cocktail is romantic in its simplicity and taste. We added a pinch of peppercorns and a few raspberries for the garnish. It taste even better than it looks!

Champagne is your friend. Our Shades of Pinck cocktail is a rift of a Spritz which features Starlino Rose and Cinzano Prosecco. We garnished this bubbly beauty with dehydrated grapefruit slices. Now that the beverages are sorted, get active! Below is a list of things to do on a self care weekend.

5 Things to do on a self-care weekend

1. Enjoy a meal and craft cocktail at a local restaurant
2. Take a long walk, bring that camera to capture the moments
3. Watch a ‘feel good’ movie
4. Order flowers 
5. Take a nap

Do you have any go-to self care tips? Comment with your best method of relaxation.

Entertaining on a Budget

Take the anxiety out of entertaining with a few helpful hosting tips from Johnny & Taneka, The Cocktail Bandits. The duo have gathered their best tips on saving money and time when hosting an event, from a baby shower, barbecue or bachelorette party!

Sponsored by Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom

#LoveDrunk

Valentine’s Day is the international day of love. Our affinity for craft cocktails goes beyond love. Every new spirit tasting or sip of foreign wine creates a new appreciation for the product and its maker. Our sentiments can only be described as #LoveDrunk. So in love, so infatuated that a feeling of euphoria is experienced.

We curated a unique collection of cocktails and mocktails to share the love and encourage creativity this Valentine’s Day. 

Start your evening with a unique mocktail. Our ‘Pink Matter’ mocktail has the appearance of a high end craft cocktail without the alcohol. The pillowy foam is created by Aqua Faba, the liquid from canned chickpeas. See recipe below:

Pink Matter 

1.5 oz of Rhubarb Syrup

2 oz of Pineapple Juice 

¼ oz Aqua Faba 

½ oz of Lemon Juice

Garnish: Edible flowers

Add Rhubarb Syrup, Pineapple Juice, AquaFaba and Lemon Juice to a mixing tin full of ice. Secure the lid, then shake passionately. Strain mixture into glass full of ice. Lovingly add garnish. Take #GentleLadySips

If you’re looking for a more spirited start to your evening, try the Wine Trio from Fresh Vine Wines. You can’t go wrong with the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

As the evening progresses, you may be in search of something more spirited. Try our Bourbon Champagne cocktail affectionately called ‘Body Party’. The combination of oaky Longbranch Bourbon and bubbly Cinzano Prosecco creates a taste sensation that will have your body moving and grooving. See recipe below:

Body Party

1.25 oz of LongBranch Bourbon

1 oz of Cardamom Syrup

½ of Lemon Juice 

Topped with Cinzano Prosecco

Garnish: Lemon Twist

Add Longbranch Bourbon, cardamom syrup and lemon juice to the mixing tin full of ice. Secure the lid, then shake passionately. Strain mixture into chilled glass. Carefully add Cinzano Prosecco to the cocktail mixture until glass is full. Lovingly add garnish. Take #GentleLadySips

Alternatively, if you’re looking to crank up the heat, craft our ‘One Night Stand’ cocktail. As you sip it what feels like hot flashes will actually be the sweet heat of ‘White Hot’ Cinnamon Whiskey and Marie Brizard Triple Sec. You can taste the passion in every sip. See recipe below:

One Night Stand

1 oz of Marie Brizard Grapefruit Liqueur

1 oz of Hollow Creek White Hot

½ oz of Lemon Juice

Topped with Tonic Water

Garnish: Grapefruit slice

Add Marie Brizard Grapefruit Liqueur, White Hot and lemon juice to a mixing tin full of ice. Secure the lid, then shake passionately. Strain mixture into glass full of ice. Carefully add tonic water to the cocktail mixture until the glass is full.  Lovingly add garnish. Take #GentleLadySips

Before you retire for the evening, enjoy an ice cold glass of Danica Rose. The silky bubbles and crisp flavors are innately romantic, seductive even. Allow the Rose to wrap you in love as you relax in the tub or recline in bed.

Remember Valentine’s Day is for the lovers. But even if you’re single, don’t forget to treat yourself. Order some beautiful pajamas and book a room at a boutique hotel. We highly recommend a stay at The Hotel Emeline. They offer spacious and comfortable accommodations with great views of the #HolyCity and an on-premise restaurant, Fanny & Fox, that serves exceptional food and cocktails.

When looking for a token of appreciation for the special guy in your life, consider a gift set from Ballsy. They’ve created a kit to take his grooming game to the next level.

Are you feeling the love?!? Let us know by sharing your renditions of our #LoveDrunk cocktails on social media. Make sure to tag us and hashtag #LoveDrunk. Cheers!

HGTV: 45 Joyous and Clever Ways to Celebrate Christmas at Home

“Shake Up a Kitchen-Based Cocktail

Over-the-top holiday sips with special-occasion details (who doesn’t love, say, a sparkler as a garnish?) are all kinds of fun, but there’s also much to love about a party-worthy drink that comes together with ingredients that are already in your kitchen. That’s where this magical quaff from Cocktail Bandits Taneka Reaves and Johnny Caldwell, the dynamic beverage-and-hospitality-blogging duo behind Holy Spirits! Charleston Culture Through Cocktails, comes in… “

Read the full article at: https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/holidays/joyous-and-clever-ways-to-celebrate-christmas-at-home–pictures