Our team collaborated on 2025 cocktail creations featuring Black-owned liquor brands—Bayab Gin, Uncle Nearest Whiskey, and Sorel Liqueur. Discover the inspiration behind each drink and how to enjoy them from January 20 to March 31.
At Swingers, we believe that great cocktails are more than just a drink—they’re an opportunity to tell a story, celebrate culture, and give back to the community. This Black History Month, we’re excited to present a bespoke cocktail menu created by our talented bartenders, featuring Black-owned and founded spirits. Each drink was thoughtfully crafted with both flavor and impact in mind, offering a unique tribute to the rich heritage that shapes the drinks we enjoy today.
Further, we are partnering with two amazing charities to support our local NYC community. $1 from every cocktail sold will benefit Urban Upbound, an organization dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty in NYC public housing and low-income neighborhoods.
We’re thrilled to spotlight the creations of Michael Olds, Chris Turner and Norval Fowler from Swingers NoMad, whose cocktails beautifully blend cultural influences with an unwavering dedication to excellence. Try them in venue from January 20 through the end of March 2025!
Michael Olds, Bartender, Swingers NoMad
Creator of the Island Derby cocktail at Swingers NoMad, Michael combines Uncle Nearest whiskey with sorel and cinnamon, crafting a Caribbean-inspired twist on the classic Brown Derby that’s both complex and balanced with a touch of sweetness.
Q – What inspired your cocktail creation, Island Derby?
A – One of my all-time favorite whiskey cocktails is the classic Brown Derby, which combines bourbon, grapefruit, and honey. I wanted to take that foundation and give it a Caribbean twist by using Uncle Nearest whiskey, which I’ve long admired. Adding Sorel and cinnamon brought in a vibrant, spiced element, transforming a sweet Kentucky Derby sipper into a multicultural masterpiece that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Q – Three words to describe your cocktail, go:
A – Complex, balanced, and delicious. It has layers of flavor that unfold with each sip, making it a drink you’ll want to savor.
Q – How did you come up with the name for your cocktail?
A – The name Island Derby is a playful take on the original Brown Derby—but with a twist. By incorporating Sorel, a popular Caribbean beverage, I wanted to give it a distinctly tropical feel while honoring the original inspiration. It’s a fusion of cultures and flavors, and the name reflects that perfectly.
Q – Did you know about Uncle Nearest Whiskey and Sorel before developing this cocktail? How were you introduced to the brands?
A – Yes, I’ve known about Uncle Nearest since its release and have always been impressed with its smoothness and depth. I’ve also enjoyed Sorel, especially during the holidays when it’s a favorite among family and friends. So, when I was crafting this cocktail, it felt natural to bring these two together and create something unique that still honored their roots.
Q – Quick fire: where is your cocktail best enjoyed – on the course or at the bar?
A – Honestly, it’s great in either setting, but if I had to choose, I’d say it’s best on the course. The cocktail is served in a rocks glass, so it’s super easy to carry around and enjoy while you’re playing.
Q – Quick fire: if you had the chance to enjoy your cocktail with anyone in the world, who would it be?
A – Beyonce Knowles Carter
Q – Quick fire: this cocktail is best paired with…
A – Waffle fries and any pizza from Emmy Squared Pizza.
Chris Turner, Bar Captain, Swingers NoMad
Creator of the Upside Down Party cocktail at Swingers NoMad, Chris blends Bayab Gin with pineapple and a touch of nostalgia, crafting a fruity and fun drink inspired by his grandmother’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake and the warmth of family Sunday dinners.
Q – What inspired your cocktail creation, Upside Down Party?
A – My cocktail was inspired by my grandmother, who has a deep love for Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It’s her favorite dessert. I wanted to take that nostalgic flavor and give it a twist, creating something that feels both familiar and unexpected.
Q – Three words to describe your cocktail, go:
A – Fun, fruity, and homey. It’s a drink that makes you feel like you’re back in your family kitchen, enjoying good company and even better flavors.
Q – How did you come up with the name for your cocktail?
A – The name Upside Down Party is a nod to the lively spirit of my family’s Sunday dinners. We always gathered together with the scent of my grandma’s cooking in the air, and I wanted the cocktail to reflect that warmth and joy.
Q – Did you know about Bayab Gin before developing this cocktail? How were you introduced to the brand?
A – I wasn’t familiar with Bayab Gin before creating this cocktail, but when I was introduced to it by our Bar Manager, I immediately felt a connection to its unique character. The moment I tasted it, I knew I could craft something special with it, and it just clicked with the flavors I wanted to explore.
Q – Quick fire: where is your cocktail best enjoyed – on the course or at the bar?
A – Anywhere!
Q – Quick fire: this cocktail is best paired with…
A – The Pineapple Chili Glazed Wings or Big Hawaiian Pizza from Emmy Squared
Norval Fowler, Bartender, Swingers NoMad
Creator of the Flower Power cocktail at Swingers, Norval brings together Bayab Gin, grapefruit, and rose water to create a refreshing, floral masterpiece. Inspired by the timeless elegance of nature’s blooms, this cocktail celebrates the delicate balance of sweet and floral notes, perfect for savoring in any season.
Q – What inspired your cocktail creation, Flower Power?
A – I wanted to create something that felt as vibrant and beautiful as a blooming garden. The rose water was the starting point—it adds a soft, floral elegance that pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy notes of grapefruit. Bayab Gin tied it all together with its distinctive botanical character. The result is a cocktail that’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and full of life—just like nature’s finest blooms.
Q – Three words to describe your cocktail, go:
A – Delicious, refreshing and tasty
Q – How did you come up with the name for your cocktail?
A – The stunning rose color of the drink was my inspiration—it’s eye-catching and reflects the delicate, floral notes in every sip.
Q – Did you know about Bayab Gin before developing this cocktail? How were you introduced to the brands?
A – I hadn’t tried Bayab Gin before this project, but I’m so glad I discovered it. I was drawn to its unique flavor profile and how well it pairs with rose water and grapefruit. The combination creates a slightly sweeter, floral masterpiece that feels sophisticated and vibrant.
Q – Quick fire: where is your cocktail best enjoyed – on the course or at the bar?
A – always at the bar!
Q – Quick fire: if you had the chance to enjoy your cocktail with anyone in the world, who would it be?
A – My mother
Q – Quick fire: this cocktail is best paired with… chicken tacos and the spicy chicken sandwich from Emmy Squared.
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