2021 Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Over 60+ Wine/Spirit-Related Black-Owned Businesses

After the popular success of last year's edition, Nadeen of The Sophisticated Life and I are so excited to collaborate once again on this guide to highlight Black-owned businesses out of our shared love for wine and spirits. Click the picture above or here to view!

I’ve compiled the most comprehensive list of over 160 Black-owned spirits available online. And Nadeen has an extensive list of Black-owned wine brands and holds a Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 wine certification. We couldn't think of a better reason to join forces than to highlight Black-owned businesses that offer accompanying items to use with your Black-owned wines and spirits.

This guide contains over 60 businesses that provide tableware, glassware, coasters, candles, spices, apparel, and many other products that can be used to entertain in your home. We hope you enjoy this guide and choose one business - or all - to support during this holiday season.

Check out last year’s guide for even more businesses to support!

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

While I may love summer weather more, fall is my favorite time for cocktails. Apple cider for everyone! Seriously, it goes well in so many cocktails, including these three which I crafted last year. But this post is all about the Apple Cider Moscow Mule.

It’s so delicious and puts a fall spin on one of America’s most classic cocktails. Get into this!

Apple Cider Simple Syrup Ingredients:

• 4 oz. of apple cider

• 4 cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp. sugar (if you’d like your syrup a bit thicker)

Moscow Mule Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka

• 1/2 oz. lime juice (preferably Q’s or Fever Tree)

• Ginger beer, to top

Apple Cider Simple Syrup Instructions:

1. While you’re making your simple syrup, add ice to your copper mug or put it in the freezer to make it cold.

2. Add the apple cider, cinnamon, and sugar (if desired) to a pot on medium high heat.

3. Roll the cloves in your hand to exude more flavor, then add them to the pot.

4. If you used sugar, stir until the sugar is dissolved. If you did not use sugar, stir until you smell cinnamon in the air. This is approximately 5-7 minutes.

5. Turn off the heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes.

Moscow Mule Instructions:

1. Throw away the ice used to make the glass cold. Add new ice and fill to the top of your mug.

2. Add apple cider simple syrup and lime juice to your mug.

3. Top with ginger beer and stir.

4. Garnish with lime and/or apple, then enjoy!