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The best drinks are built with intention. That’s why @Flyers Cocktail Company partnered with @Ivy Mix, an award-winning mixologist and James Beard nominee, to develop zero-proof cocktails that capture the complexity of craft mixology—without the alcohol. With deep experience in the world of cocktails, Ivy Mix brought expertise in balancing flavors, layering ingredients, and crafting drinks that feel elevated yet approachable. The result? A THC-infused cocktail that reflects the artistry of traditional mixology while reimagining how we celebrate, unwind, and connect. As the industry continues evolving, what role do you see expert mixologists playing in shaping the future of alcohol alternatives?

Cannabis regulation has been a reflection of politics, power, and policy failures. The Marijuana Tax Act (1937) criminalized the plant under the guise of control. The War on Drugs disproportionately harmed Black and Brown communities. Even today, 10,000+ people remain incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Meanwhile, the industry is projected to contribute $115B to the economy in 2024. Policy change is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Read more about how cannabis regulation is evolving with the link in our comments!

The beverage industry is crowded, and great products alone don’t guarantee success. Brands that thrive master the 10 Ps—from pricing and positioning to promotion and people. Without a clear growth strategy and a team aligned for success, even the best beverages get lost in the competition. Here’s how to build a beverage brand that sells, stands out, and scales, check it out in the comments

Black women have been shaping the spirits industry for generations. 🥃✨ Bertie “Birdie” Brown was a fearless entrepreneur in the early 1900s who built a life as one of the first Black female homesteaders in Montana. She didn’t just survive in a world that often tried to keep her out, she thrived. Through sheer determination, she carved out a space for herself in a rugged, male-dominated frontier. But what truly made her legendary was her craft. Bertie became known for producing some of the best and safest moonshine during Prohibition, making her homestead a popular stop for locals and travelers alike. Her skill and hospitality built a reputation that reached far beyond Montana. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1933 due to an accident at her still, but her name now lives on through Bertie’s Bear Gulch Bourbon, a tribute to her craftsmanship and legacy. @Joy Spence’s legacy isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about rewriting the rules of the spirits industry. From a young age, Joy had a passion for chemistry, a passion that would eventually lead her to @Appleton Estate in Jamaica. When she joined as Chief Chemist in 1981, she quickly stood out for her ability to blend science with sensory mastery. In 1997, she made history as the first woman to ever hold the title of Master Blender in the spirits industry. Her work has shaped some of the finest Appleton Estate rums, from the Rare Blend 12 Year Old to the Joy Anniversary Blend, a special release to celebrate her 20th anniversary in the role. She has received countless honors, including Jamaica’s Order of Distinction, and today, her influence is celebrated at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience, a permanent tribute to her groundbreaking career. @Iris Rideau’s journey to winemaking was anything but conventional. Born and raised in the Creole 7th Ward of New Orleans, she moved to California and built a successful career in insurance and finance at a time when Black women in those industries were a rarity. But it was her love for wine that led her to make history. In 1997, she became the first Creole-American woman to own and operate a winery in the United States. She founded @Rideau Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley, specializing in Rhône varietals and blending her Creole heritage into her winemaking. She was known not just for her award-winning wines but for creating a space where fine wine and Creole culture intertwined, from food pairings to community events. Her 2022 memoir, From White to Black: One Life Between Two Worlds, reflects on her groundbreaking achievements and the challenges she overcame as a Black woman in wine. Their names may not be in every textbook, but their legacies are poured into every glass. This Black History Month, we celebrate the Black women whose expertise, resilience, and passion shaped the spirits industry.🥂

The craft of a drink is more than just ingredients—it’s about intention. @Flyers Cocktail Company was born from a simple idea: What if we could capture the complexity of a craft cocktail without the alcohol? By working with expert mixologists, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and carefully balancing flavors, Flyers has created a thoughtful alternative to traditional drinks. Each sip is designed to enhance the moment—whether it’s a social gathering, a laid-back night, or a celebration of something new. As consumer demand for premium zero-proof options grows, where do you see the future of social drinking heading? Let’s discuss.

Black history is spirits history. 🥃✨ The alcohol industry stands on the shoulders of Black pioneers whose contributions have been overlooked for far too long. This Black History Month, we’re shining a light on three trailblazers who shaped whiskey and cocktail culture as we know it today. Nathan “Nearest” Green was more than a distiller—he was a mentor, a craftsman, and the foundation of Tennessee whiskey. Born into slavery, he perfected the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal filtering method that gives Tennessee whiskey its signature smoothness. His expertise was so respected that he was the one who taught a young @Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. After the Civil War, Nearest became the first known Black master distiller in the U.S. His name faded from history, but today, it’s being reclaimed. @Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, founded in his honor, has become one of the most awarded American whiskey brands in the world. His great-great-granddaughter, @Victoria Eady Butler, carries on his legacy as a master blender, ensuring that his contributions are never forgotten. Cato Alexander was a pioneer long before mixology had a name. Born into slavery in the late 1700s, he eventually gained his freedom and opened @Cato’s Tavern in New York City. It wasn’t just a bar—it was the place to be. Known for his hospitality and his mastery of the mint julep, gin toddy, and Virginia eggnog, Cato set the gold standard for bartending at a time when Black entrepreneurs faced endless obstacles. His reputation was so widespread that newspapers of the time remarked, "Not to know Cato’s is not to know the world." His story is one of resilience, talent, and a legacy that deserves more recognition in the history of American hospitality. Tom Bullock’s name should be as well-known as the drinks he perfected. A skilled bartender in St. Louis, he worked at exclusive establishments serving America’s elite. In 1917, he became the first African American to publish a cocktail book, @The Ideal Bartender. His work preserved over 170 classic cocktail recipes, ensuring that his craft would live on beyond Prohibition. He was so well-respected that even President Theodore Roosevelt had to testify in court about how strong Tom’s mint juleps were. While his book was nearly lost to time, today it serves as a reminder of his skill and influence in mixology. Their names may have been buried by history, but their legacies endure. The spirits industry would not be what it is today without the expertise, innovation, and resilience of Black pioneers like Nearest Green, Cato Alexander, and Tom Bullock. This Black History Month, we raise a glass to them and all the hidden figures who built this industry from the ground up. Who are some other Black pioneers in the spirits industry that deserve recognition? Let’s keep the conversation going. 🥂

More people are rethinking how they celebrate special moments. Valentine’s Day is no exception. Many are moving beyond traditional choices and exploring zero-proof options for a more balanced way to enjoy the night. @Flyers Cocktail Company is part of this changing landscape, crafting sparkling THC-infused cocktails designed for elevated social experiences without alcohol. From romantic dinners to laid-back celebrations, the demand for alcohol alternatives is reshaping the beverage industry. How do you see consumer preferences evolving when it comes to social drinking? Let’s discuss.

Cannabis has a complex history—one that continues to evolve. For centuries, cannabis was used across cultures for practical and medicinal purposes. But in the 20th century, prohibition and misinformation shaped public perception. Now, legalization and research are shifting attitudes once again. Understanding cannabis’s past is key to shaping its future. Read the full breakdown in the comments

Navigating Tariffs and the Rise of Hemp Beverages Proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada could create challenges for liquor stores, particularly for staples like tequila and Canadian whisky. As prices rise, stores are looking to diversify—and hemp beverages are emerging as a key solution. Why this matters: ✔️ Hemp beverages are domestically produced, making them tariff-free and cost-effective. ✔️ They cater to health-conscious and sober-curious consumers, a rapidly growing market segment. ✔️ Brands like Scofflaw Brewing and Fable Libations are proving their value in mainstream retail. While challenges remain, such as varying state regulations, hemp beverages represent a unique opportunity for liquor stores to adapt to economic pressures while embracing consumer trends. Learn how these shifts are reshaping the industry with the link in our comments.

As consumer preferences shift toward alcohol alternatives, innovation in the beverage industry is moving fast. Sunset Spritz by @Flyers Cocktail Company is an example of how zero-proof, THC-infused drinks are shaping a new space in social drinking. Designed to offer a balanced, sophisticated experience, these sparkling THC cocktails combine natural ingredients with expert mixology. Each 12oz can contains 5mg of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, providing a light, enjoyable lift—no alcohol required. With flavors like Watermelon Mint, Mango Guava, and Grapefruit Lime, Flyers is part of a growing movement redefining how people unwind and connect socially. The question isn’t just what’s in your glass—it’s how the industry is adapting to a new era of drinking. Where do you see the future of social beverages heading?