Stir Up Something Special: Fresh Cocktail Recipes with Black-Owned Spirits

Black-Owned Spirits Deserve a Spot in Your Glass

The cocktail renaissance is in full swing, and Black-owned spirit brands are leading some of the most exciting innovations behind the bar. From Caribbean-inspired liqueurs to premium whiskeys with deep American roots, these brands bring heritage, craftsmanship, and bold flavor to every pour. Here are four cocktails you can make at home featuring some of our favorite Black-owned spirits.

Sorel Sunset Spritz

A refreshing, floral spritz built around Sorel Liqueur, the hibiscus-based spirit created by Jackie Summers in Brooklyn.

• 2 oz Sorel Liqueur
• 3 oz dry prosecco
• 1 oz club soda
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Lime wheel and fresh mint for garnish

Instructions: Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in the Sorel Liqueur and lime juice. Top with prosecco and club soda. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint.

Recipe adapted from Sorel Liqueur

Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned

A classic Old Fashioned elevated by Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, honoring Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller.

• 2 oz Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions: Combine whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the glass, rub it along the rim, and drop it in.

Recipe adapted from Uncle Nearest

Ten to One Daiquiri

A perfectly balanced daiquiri showcasing Ten to One Caribbean White Rum, founded by Marc Farrell.

• 2 oz Ten to One White Rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions: Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim.

Recipe adapted from Ten to One Rum

Du Nord Espresso Martini

A rich, velvety espresso martini powered by Du Nord Foundation Vodka from the Montague family in Minneapolis.

• 1.5 oz Du Nord Foundation Vodka
• 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)
• 0.75 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 3 coffee beans for garnish

Instructions: Combine vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 15 seconds to build a frothy top. Double-strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans floated on top.

Recipe adapted from Du Nord Craft Spirits

Sources

• Sorel Liqueur Cocktails
• Uncle Nearest Cocktail Recipes
• Ten to One Rum Cocktails