GAL APPROVED! Three Kentucky Derby Drinks To Sip This Weekend From Black Female Spirit Owners

By The DivaGals | May 3, 2024 | The Soft Life

This weekend is the 150th Kentucky Derby celebration—a milestone for the prestigious horse racing experience. But you don’t have to be in Louisville, Kentucky, to enjoy the libations. Below, three Black women who own spirit brands or shops share the Derby-inspired cocktails they’d serve at a party—or any time deemed cocktail-worthy!

Viarae 75

Sunshine Foss is the owner of Happy Cork in Brooklyn, New York. The wine and spirits shop has evolved into a travel destination for all people to experience the largest selection of Black and minority-owned wine and spirits all of which are taste-tested by the Happy Cork team. Foss suggests the Viarae 75. “Prosecco + Vodka are the perfect match for this signature cocktail!”

Islandjon Premium Vodka 1oz
Simple Syrup .5oz
Lemon Juice .5oz
Ice
Viarae Prosecco 3oz
Garnish with a lemon twist

Add vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice and ice to a shaker and shake your heart out.

Pour into tall stem glass flute. Add Viarae Prosecco to top off. Add lemon twist to glass and enjoy.

Desolas & Tonic

Desolas Mezcal, from cocktail founder GG Mirvis, is an award-winning, female-founded brand known for its non-smoky flavor profile. Desolas is inspired by traditional, time-honored mezcal production techniques and the artisanal process of crafting the agave spirit. The brand has been recognized for its distinct flavor and luxe bottle design that speaks to the sophistication of the mezcal inside. She suggests the Desolas and Tonic. “This classic is transformed into a beautifully fresh and botanical mezcal and tonic, adding fresh fruits and herbs for extra zest and uplifting flavor.”

2oz Desolas mezcal
3oz Tonic (Fever Tree)
Fresh strawberries, sliced oranges & grapefruit, mint leaves

Mix Desolas mezcal and tonic. Pour into a stemless wine glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with sliced strawberry, grapefruit, orange and mint.

The Frisky Mule

Frisky Whiskey is the first Black woman-owned flavored whiskey on the market. The award-winning recipe is ideal for whiskey connoisseurs and the whiskey curious. The brainchild of CEO & founder Nicole Young and spirits impresario James Landis, Frisky Whiskey has been recognized as the highest-rated flavored whiskey ever, combining high-quality ingredients for an unmatched smooth and delicately enhanced flavor. Young suggests The Frisky Mule to “bring a modern, flavorful compliment to your Derby Day celebration.”

- 1 part Frisky Whiskey
- 2 parts lemonade
- Splash of ginger beer
- Garnish with mint and dried citrus slice

Pour Frisky Whiskey and lemonade into a shaker with ice, shake well and strain into a short glass over ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with fruit and mint. Available at Twisted Taco in Fayetteville, Georgia.