This week’s AFRO Table newsletter is spotlighting the rise of Black mixologists and the craft cocktail movement that’s transforming our social scenes. We’re also raising a glass to Wifey Wines, featured at the 2024 Black Business Matters Expos, proving that Black women are making bold moves in the wine industry. Plus, we’re sharing the recipe for Tiffanie Barriere’s refreshing Grass Roots Cocktail, perfect for your next gathering. Cheers to culture, cocktails, and Black excellence!

It’s back! The AFRO’s 5th Annual Black Business Matters EXPO is happening Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD! This powerful event celebrates Black entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic empowerment — featuring dynamic speakers, innovative brands, and a live performance by spoken word artist Rebecca Dupas. Don’t miss the Sip N Say” networking reception with Black-owned wine & spirits distributors. Tickets just $35 p/p at afrotix.live. For sponsorships, contact Lenora Howze at [email protected]

Black Mixologists and the Rise of Craft Cocktails in Our Community

The art of the cocktail is experiencing a renaissance, and Black mixologists are at the forefront, shaking up the industry with creativity, cultural storytelling, and community pride. As craft cocktails continue to grow in popularity, a new generation of Black bartenders and beverage professionals are reclaiming space behind the bar and redefining what it means to drink with intention.

Honoring History, Creating the Future

Black Americans have a rich and yet often overlooked, legacy in the spirits and hospitality industries. From the early days of American taverns to the mastery of pre-Prohibition era bartenders like Cato Alexander, Black mixologists have long been innovators in the world of spirits. Today’s mixologists are both honoring that history and charting a new path forward.

Tiffanie Barriere, also known as The Drinking Coach, exemplifies this movement. An award-winning mixologist and cocktail historian, Barriere doesn’t just serve drinks, she shares stories of heritage, culture, and resilience with every pour. Her craft cocktails often feature ingredients that nod to Southern traditions and African diaspora influences, from hibiscus and ginger to sorghum and tamarind.

Craft Cocktails as a Cultural Experience

Craft cocktails are more than just elevated drinks; they’re experiences. Through carefully selected ingredients, innovative techniques, and intentional storytelling, Black mixologists are turning bars and pop-ups into spaces of cultural exchange. Drinks become conversation starters about history, identity, and flavor traditions.

Lauren "LP" Paylor O'Brien, the first winner of Netflix's Drink Masters, brings a culinary approach to mixology. With her business LP Drinks, she merges her culinary training with cocktail innovation, creating beverages that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Her drinks often highlight underrepresented flavors, such as sorrel, lemongrass, and Caribbean spices.

Building Community, One Cocktail at a Time

Organizations like Brown and Balanced, founded by bartender Joshua Davis, are dedicated to amplifying Black talent in the beverage industry. Through pop-up events, educational sessions, and industry collaborations, these platforms help foster community among Black bartenders and provide visibility in an industry that has historically excluded them.

Representation Behind the Bar

Representation matters. Seeing Black mixologists at the helm of top bars, events, and cocktail competitions sends a powerful message to aspiring bartenders: there is a place for your creativity and culture in this space. More importantly, it reshapes perceptions of luxury, sophistication, and expertise in the cocktail world.

Elevating the Experience in Our Communities

In cities across the country, from Atlanta and Washington, D.C. to New Orleans and Los Angeles; Black mixologists are crafting drinks that reflect the soul of their communities. They are hosting curated tasting events, partnering with Black-owned distilleries, and educating drinkers on the stories behind the spirits in their glass.

A Toast to the Future

The rise of Black mixologists signals not just a trend, but a movement—one that blends craft, culture, and community. Whether it’s through a perfectly balanced Negroni with African botanicals or a creative rum punch inspired by Caribbean roots, these artisans are showing us that cocktails can be more than a drink—they can be a celebration of heritage.

So the next time you order a cocktail, ask the story behind it. You might just discover a taste of history in your glass.