13 Juneteenth Drinks by Black Food Bloggers: A Celebration of Heritage and Unity

Juneteenth, recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, is more than a date on the calendar—it's a testament to resilience, perseverance, and joy. It marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States and signifies freedom, progress, unity, and understanding.

As a participant in the Eat the Culture 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Potluck, a celebration honoring this significant day, I'm thrilled to introduce a vital element of our communal feast: the drinks. These selections, curated from the heart and soul of over 30 outstanding Black culinary creators, echo African and African American traditions of sharing drinks in times of joy, resolve, and reverence. Each one raises a glass to our history, traditions, and the relentless spirit of a people, while looking forward to a future of unity, equity, and respect for all.

Born from the Juneteenth Virtual Cookout initiative, started by Meiko Temple and Aaron Hutcherson, this collaborative endeavor has since flourished and evolved under the impactful banner of Eat the Culture. This community-centric organization is dedicated to nurturing, supporting, and amplifying Black culinary creators. It provides a wealth of resources including educational materials, online courses, and live events. Eat the Culture transcends the mere introduction of dishes; it opens a space where food becomes a conduit of culture, heritage, and shared narratives, enriching the global culinary scene with flavors from the African continent and beyond.

As a Jamaican-born culinary creator, the significance of Juneteenth holds a special place in my heart. This day marks not only the end of slavery in the United States but also symbolizes freedom, unity, and progress. It resonates deeply with the struggles and triumphs of my heritage, uniting the stories of two diverse yet interconnected cultures. By participating in this collaboration, I aim to promote understanding and connect our diverse experiences through the sharing of uniquely crafted recipes and stories. Each shared recipe is a testament to the beautiful diversity we celebrate during Juneteenth, and a homage to the relentless spirit and boundless creativity of culinary creators. We honor our history and traditions, while also looking forward to a future of unity, equity, and respect for all. The fusion of my Jamaican roots with the broader African American experience serves as a vibrant example of the diversity we celebrate during Juneteenth.

Our diverse array of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks captures the beautiful diversity and profound depth of the Black culinary experience. Each featured drink reflects the unique story of heritage and creativity. Below is the full list of drink submissions we've poured our heart into for this year's celebration. Each sip is a toast to freedom, an homage to our past, and a cheer for the vibrant future of Black culinary creativity.

Strawberry Basil Sparkler

"This strawberry basil sparkler is a classic summer refresher. Made with fresh strawberries and herbaceous notes of basil, it is perfect for all your summer gatherings." — A Classic Twist

Hibiscus Spritzer

"This drink is a non-alcoholic cocktail that is perfect for hot summer days. The flavor is light and sweet, and topping it off with Topo Chico makes it extra refreshing. You will find yourself adding this hibiscus spritz to your regular rotation." — Flights and Foods

Watermelon Coconut Jamaican Rum Punch

"Capture the Caribbean spirit with this watermelon coconut Jamaican rum punch. This tropical twist on the classic punch blends watermelon juice, coconut water, citrus flavors, Jamaican rum, and coconut rum. The hint of pimento seeds and muddled mint leaves adds a sophisticated freshness, making it the perfect treat for summer cookouts and BBQs." — Kerri-Ann's Kravings

Juneteenth Red Sherbert Punch

"My red sherbet punch is remix on traditional African hibiscus ginger tea, blending hibiscus tea, cloves, allspice, and a bubbly burst of ginger ale and orange juice. Its vibrant red color, a shout-out to the symbolic red foods of the holiday, is cooled down with a scoop of sherbet. This festive elixir is sure to please any Juneteenth crowd." — Meiko And The Dish

Watermelon Basil Gin Cocktail

"This watermelon basil breeze gin cocktail is refreshing and tastes like a cool breeze on a hot, summer day! Made with fresh watermelon and lemon juice, basil, gin, and a hint of rosemary to bring out the summery essence of this delicious cocktail. It is the perfect celebratory beverage to enjoy for your Juneteenth cookout and summer gathering!" — My Pretty Brown Eats

Strawberry Lemonade Vodka

"This strawberry lemonade vodka makes a delicious and refreshing drink. Made with fresh strawberries, this drink is perfect for your Juneteenth celebration! With only five ingredients in this recipe, you'll be on your way to summer bliss in just minutes." — My Sweet Precision

Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea

"Strawberry sweet iced tea is a fruity, refreshing beverage made with black tea and homemade strawberry simple syrup. This is the perfect drink to cool off on a hot day!" — Pink Owl Kitchen

Watermelon Cherry Frosé

"Frozen rosé wine and fresh fruit creates this fun and trendy libation known as frosé! Maraschino cherries, watermelon and fresh lime builds this watermelon cherry frosé to be the perfect drink to celebrate summer!" — Seasoned To Taste

Watermelon Sangria

"This watermelon sangria will be a hit at your Juneteenth celebration. It's a beautiful, refreshing wine cocktail made with fresh watermelon juice, crisp white wine, and more, loaded with fresh fruits and sweetened with a honey-mint simple syrup." — Sense and Edibility®

Strawberry Margarita

"Make this refreshing strawberry margarita recipe using five ingredients. It is bursting with flavor from the frozen strawberries, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. This cocktail will transport you to your favorite cocktail bar! Serve with a wedge of lime." — Sims Home Kitchen

Zobo

"This vibrant and refreshing sorrel drink (zobo) is the perfect summer or holiday drink. Bursting with natural flavors and a hint of tanginess, this beloved beverage is a delightful blend of hibiscus petals, spices, and sweetness that everyone will love." — We Eat At Last

Margarita Infused Watermelon

"Juicy chunks of watermelon infused with margarita cocktail ingredients make for a refreshing, tequila-spiked summertime treat." — Dash of Jazz

Non-Alcoholic Tropical Pineapple Drink

"A simple, delicious non-alcoholic tropical pineapple drink made in under 10 minutes—perfect for family, friends, and kids!" — Sims Home Kitchen