Black-Owned Mocktail Brands To Try This Dry January And Beyond

More people are deciding to scale back on consuming alcohol and opting for other healthier options, like mocktails.

Mocktail Club

By Dominique Fluker · Updated January 6, 2025

New year, new you? What better way to ring in the New Year than by putting your health at the top of your mind by cutting back on alcohol consumption, at least just for Dry January?

Traditionally, Dry January has been known as a time when people shift their relationship with alcohol and explore the effects of the substance in a month-long break, which is timely, given that U.S. General Vivek Murthy recently stated that alcoholic drinks should carry cancer risk warning labels, in a report, last Friday. The report shares that there’s a direct link between alcohol consumption and seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, liver, and mouth. An estimated 16.4% of total breast cancer cases are linked to drinking alcohol.

Additionally, there are about 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States, according to the report. It’s also widely known that alcohol is the third-leading cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity. To cut out alcohol completely, people have been opting for non-alcoholic beverages that give an illusion of a perfectly crafted cocktail, commonly known as mocktails. Mocktails are perfect for those who want to sip but without the alcohol included.

We’ve compiled a curated list of Black women-owned mocktails for you to enjoy during Dry January and beyond. Check it out below.

01 MEDASE

Co-founders and Soror sisters and Howard University grads Monica and Inga founded Medase together through their quest to find an alternative drinking experience that was healthy and reminiscent of the flavors they had come to enjoy, that also provided a luxurious experience, so they created their own company, MEDASE. Available at Medase

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02 Mamá Wine’s Mocktails for Mommy

Mamá Wine’s Mocktails for Mommy offers sophisticated alcohol-free wine and Prosecco alternatives, and who doesn’t love that? Ashley Hunt-Poole is the CEO and founder of Mocktails for Mommy, Alabama’s first and only 100% Black and female-owned mocktail beverage company. According to their website, her mission began during the pandemic while pregnant; she identified a need for high-quality, alcohol-free beverages and decided to make her own. Here are some wine selections: Momma Rosé, Momma Rosso, Momscato Peach, and Peachy Bellini. Available at Mocktails For Mommy

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03 Huzzy Smartsips

Most people know of serial entrepreneur Mahisha Dellinger from her show on Oprah Winfrey Network, “Mind Your Business with Mahisha.” However, she’s also the founder of the non-alcoholic mocktail brand Huzzy Smartsips. Huzzy Smart Sips are crafted with a curated list of liver-protecting properties, detoxifying antioxidants, and a proprietary blend of euphoric-enhancing ingredients. Try their Berry Banger Margarita first, but also consider the Honey Pop Lemon Drop, Golden Elixir Whiskey Fixer, and Pow Wow Moscow Mule w/ Shisho Elixir next. Available at Huzzy Smart Sips

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04 Mocktail Club

Pauline Idogho, the founder of Mocktail Club, came up with the concept of her company when she was pregnant and looking for exciting and healthy non-alcoholic options, but found limited options with rich and interesting flavors. Mocktail Club is ideal for people who want a healthier lifestyle, as their drinks also include the added benefits of prebiotics and antioxidants. Available at Mocktail Club

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05 Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel

Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel was founded by a first-generation Caribbean-American foodie and designer named Nzinga Knight and was inspired by her father’s sorrel recipe. Sorrel is a traditional Caribbean hibiscus-spiced beverage and has been a beloved drink within their culture for centuries. For Nzinga, Sorrel represents a symbol of celebration, and a connection to her roots. Available at Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel

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TOPICS: Dry January Healthy Cocktails Mocktails

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Kandi & Riley Burruss Share the Taste of Tradition with Coca-Cola®

Kandi and Riley Burruss are serving up more than just recipes—they’re dishing out legacy, one bite at a time.

By Essence · Updated March 26, 2025

Food is more than just nourishment—it’s history, love, and the heart of our culture. For Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Kandi Burruss, along with her daughter Riley Burruss, the kitchen is where family bonds strengthen, stories unfold, and traditions come to life.

In an exclusive sit-down, the mother-daughter duo invites us into their world to celebrate the flavors that connect generations. From the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked meals to the joy of passing down cherished recipes, Kandi and Riley remind us that food is a love language—and Coca-Cola® is the refreshing companion that makes every moment even more special.

A Legacy Served with Love

For Kandi, cooking isn’t just about the meal—it’s about uplifting family traditions and honoring the past. “Some of my best moments with family have been in the kitchen,” she shares. “There’s something special about preparing a dish that’s been in the family for years. It keeps us connected to our roots.”

Riley, who has grown up watching her mom master both the stage and the kitchen, agrees. “Food is a huge part of our family traditions,” she says. “And I love that I get to learn these recipes and carry them forward. It’s not just about eating—it’s about keeping our connections strong across generations.”

Flavors That Bring Us Home

As they prepare their favorite dishes, Kandi and Riley reflect on how cooking together is about more than just the food—it’s about togetherness and celebrating the love that makes every meal special. Whether it’s a Sunday soul food spread or a quick meal shared between busy schedules, every bite tells a story. And with Coca-Cola®’s crisp, refreshing taste, the experience is made even sweeter.

“There’s just something about having an ice-cold Coke with a good home-cooked meal,” Kandi says with a smile. “It’s been a part of our family gatherings for as long as I can remember. It’s that perfect, refreshing finish that makes every meal feel like a celebration.”

Kandi & Riley Burruss Share The Taste Of Tradition with Coca-Cola®

Bringing Culture to the Table

At ESSENCE, we celebrate the beauty of Black culture—and that includes the flavors, traditions, and stories that define who we are. Kandi and Riley’s journey through food is a reminder that our history lives in the meals we share, the joy we pass down, and the love we pour into every dish.

So, whether you’re recreating a beloved family recipe or making new memories at the table, let every bite be a tribute to the generations that came before us. And with Coca-Cola® by your side, every meal is a moment of uplift, connection, and refreshment worth savoring.

Watch the full video above and get inspired to celebrate your own family traditions!

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