Stories

  • Noche de Lobos
    Traveling to Oaxaca is unlike visiting any other city in Mexico. The airport is much smaller. It seems like immigration keeps a close eye on those who enter; they make you earn. You are greeted almost immediately by hospitable travelers, locals and service workers. Montelobos in connection …Read More
  • Mexico for the Win!
    Mexico may very well be my favorite country to visit. I look for any excuse to visit and am delighted by the new discoveries I make during each trip. This voyage was at the invitation of our friends at El Tequileno. This brand is based in Tequila, …Read More
  • Served Up Neat
    If one asks for Bourbon “neat”, he or she is expecting their serving of spirit undiluted or mixed with anything else. This preparation permits the guest to enjoy the full flavor of the spirit. One can taste the bitter and the sweet properties. This service allows for …Read More
  • Bar & Restaurant Expo 2021
    Vegas is known for its over-the-top entertainment and star-studded performances. Nothing is too big or too exaggerated for Vegas. This city provides the perfect backdrop for the Bar & Restaurant Expo (BRE). In the land of infinite possibilities, BRE permits innovators in the food and beverage space …Read More
  • Green Tings
    For our July campaign, we wanted to go with a green theme. Firstly I, (Neka) absolutely loves the color green, but green means so much more to us. Green is Growth. Firstly, the color green reminds us of growth, LIFE, healthiness, abundance, and prosperity. When we see …Read More
  • 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 …Read More
  • Cognac 2020
    Last year, before the world took a pause, and we experienced a whole pandemic…. we had the honor and privilege of going to France to learn more about the amazing town and spirit, known as Cognac. It was an unforgettable experience. We took the 4 hour train …Read More
  • 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 …Read More
  • #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 …Read More
  • 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 …Read More
  • Slow Food USA: Cocktail Culture with the Cocktail Bandits
    We partnered with slowfoodusa.org to share our story behind our signature cocktail, Peninsula Tea. “The Cocktail Bandits have pioneered a movement based on entertaining and educating consumers on the craft cocktail industry. The duo has traveled internationally to gain libation knowledge of different cultures and interact with …Read More
  • TBAPOD #16 Taneka Reaves
    Part two of a two parter! Taneka Reaves of Charleston’s Cocktail Bandits tells us about the move from a town of 3000 people to the big city. She also talks about her poli-sci history and how if you see a gap in your hospitality community, fill it. …Read More
  • TBAPOD #15 Johnny Caldwell
    Johnny Caldwell is one half of Charleston’s Cocktail Bandits. Her road to becoming a hospitality maven is a unique one involving step routines and a law degree. Johnny and Josh talk about how your family’s influence can teach you that there is no one way to get …Read More
  • Off to the Races! Steeplechase Charleston 2019
    More than a horse race, Steeplechase Charleston brought art, fashion and food lovers alike out to the races. There were activities for everyone from ax throwing to shopping with local vendors. Secret judges discreetly eyed the crowds, searching for whoever was dressed in their best steeplechase attire. …Read More
  • Don’t Knox it! 2020
    While work trips can seem a lot like, well, work, our visit to Knoxville included a little culture and cuisine. We stayed at The Tennessean Hotel which was in walking distance of the popular Gay Street entertainment district. There was some intermittent rain that stopped some of …Read More
  • American Craft Spirit Competition 2019
    For the third year in a row, we have been honored to serve on the American Craft Spirits Association judging panel. Every fall we gather with other beverage professionals to taste and rank craft spirits. Each year the location changes but the mission stays the same, impart …Read More
  • Restaurant Week, DMV style
    The craft cocktail community is small. Long before we met Andra Johnson we knew of her innovations in the beverage community. So we jumped at the opportunity to participate in DMV Black Restaurant Week 2019. The week-long celebration encourages patrons and spirits brands to support restaurants owned …Read More
  • Pour & Pair: Sherry
    In the Lowcountry, there’s always time for barbecue. Smoked meats and grilled veggies are a large part of Southern cuisine. Since Jerez, the home of Sherry, is located in the southern region of Spain, we were feeling the southern connection. Upon our initial sip of Palo Cortado, …Read More
  • Sips Italiana
    Last September, we had the opportunity to spend 7 days in the Italian countryside. Escorted by the Italian Trade Commission, we visited a combination of 10 different distilleries in the Northern and Southern regions of Italy. We met the owners and distillers of mostly family owned companies …Read More
  • Day Drinking: at Millers All Day
    Ever found yourself wandering South King Street around 8AM in need of a spirited beverage? Your best and only option would be Millers All Day. The restaurant operates from 7AM to 3PM offering seasonal breakfast options all day. Choose from fluffy buttermilk biscuits or something more adventurous …Read More
  • COLA Food & Wine 2019
    Everytime I visit Soda City, I ask myself, “Why don’t you come here more often?’. The drive from Charleston is quick and scenic while the vibe in the Capital city is completely different from the Lowcountry. The beautifully decorated Hotel Trundel made our stay amazingly comfortable. Conveniently …Read More
  • Park Circle Kick Back: Vibes
    The Kick Back was a vibe. We gathered an eclectic mixture of artists, grad students and creatives for a evening of musical enjoyment complimented by Patron Tequila cocktails and expertly fried chicken, courtesy of Hannibal’s Kitchen. Dj Dope D not only played a smooth mixture of hip …Read More
  • Rooftop Meetup: Views
    A penthouse definitely has its advantages. We invited a select group of friends and media to join us for cocktails and snacks on one of the best rooftops in Charleston, Hotel Bella Grace. The boutique hotel located on Calhoun Street not only has a beautiful view of …Read More
  • Vive Gullah Cultural Brunch
    Last month, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting a cultural event with a major brand at Republic Garden and Lounge . It was a Geechee Gullah Brunch with Grey Goose and it was epic!   On the last day of the Charleston Wine and Food Festival, …Read More
  • Tiki Techy Talks
    Social media can be tricky. It seems like the rules on Facebook and Instagram change everyday. While navigating social platforms can seem daunting, it is absolutely necessary. We, as a business and a brand, can speak to the benefits of an active presence on sites like Twitter …Read More
  • Treat yourself!
    The phrase “health is wealth” is more than just an catchy mantra. Healthy mental state contributes to improved overall fitness.  A balanced diet, exercise and frequent water consumption are just the basics. Sometimes we forget to take time out for ourselves. This year, we are putting on …Read More
  • Our South
    We were first introduced to the Southbound art exhibit during Pecha Kucha 31. Mark Sloan, the collections co-curator briefly shared the overall concept of the artwork. Mark explained that the project hoped to shed light on the changes or lack thereof, in The South over the last …Read More
  • USBG Southern Regionals 2018 – MIAMI
    The United States Bartenders Guild is a national community for bar professionals.  Regional conference allows us to meet other USBG members in our surrounding area. This annual event is hosted in different member cities to give each chapter the opportunity to educate others on the techniques and …Read More
  • SCPRT Chefs Ambassador’s Dinner 2018
    Discover SC is the marketing branch of South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Its mission is to spread awareness of all that SC has to offer as a to offer as a tourism destination. Aside from the amazing weather, lush golf courses and miles of pristine …Read More
  • ORGANICS by Red Bull
    ‘Gives You Wings’ – everyone is familiar with that Red Bull tagline. The energy drink is world renowned for their potent beverage that provides consumers with an instant boast. The drink, easily identifiable in the slender can, is available anywhere beverages are sold. As millennials move toward …Read More

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