Spring is upon us, you can smell it in the air! On sunny days, there is always a possibility of rain entering the group chat and putting a damper on your day, but wait a minute… Why not titillate your palette with a selection of refreshing elixirs – wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages – paired with tunes from your Sonos speaker? Or classic Technics record player, if you are a vinyl collector like myself?
Pairing songs with drinks to enhance the overall sensory experience can be an art form in itself. For example, a smooth jazz melody might compliment a velvety Malbec, both soothing the senses with their mellow tones. Alternatively, a lively pop tune could mirror the effervescence of a sparkling wine, adding a playful touch to a celebration.
Ultimately, the key is finding harmony between the flavors of the spirits and wines. As a writer by day and DJ by night, I have a reggae soul party called Selections, Selections, the first Saturday of the month at Sisters BKLYN which inspired this playlist of soulful tunes and accompanying drink recommendations for memorable Spring happy hours at home.
Belle Glos Rosé | Earfquark by Tyler, The Creator
This complex Rosé, provided by Copper Cane Wines and Provisions, with hints of ripe strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon, along with floral notes of rose petals and orange blossom, calls for the playful, moody sounds of Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquark.” The riffs and rhythms set the mood for exploration and relaxation.
La Marca Prosecco | Redbone by Childish Gambino
Enjoy La Marca’s bubbly vibrant bouquet of apples, white peach, and honeysuckle with the dreamy tunes of “Red Bone” to mark the end of daylight savings and celebrate Spring.
Inspiro Tequila Luna Blanco | Little Bit by Lykke Li
A little tequila and the lightheartedness of Swedish artist Lykke Li’s “Little Bit” throwback will invite you to decompress. In a beautifully crafted bottle, Inspiro Tequila Luna Blanco is created from 100% Blue Weber Agave with aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and rosemary. Paired with your choice of chaser while Lykke Li plays in the background, it’ll bring out your most flirtatious vibe.
Elouan Pinot Noir (Red) | 90 Proof by Smino ft. J. Cole
Pair the earthy, sweet notes of Oregonian Elouan Pinot Noir with the soulful sounds of Smino, a soul artist hailing from St. Louis. Smino lyrically blends melodies that will take any listener by storm. As a soulful rapper with Jazz and R&B roots in a collab with J. Cole, his music and career are as timeless and well-aged as Elouan’s Pinot Noir.
Taylor Port Black | Made For Me by Muni Long
Ms. Long, notable for her TikTok smash “Made for Me,” sings about endless love meant only for her. It’s as sophisticated as the rich flavors of Taylor Port Black, a classic, lusciously sweet port, with a full-bodied finish that pairs well with steak, mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus.
Threadcount by Quilt (Red) | Mercy Mercy Me by Marvin Gaye
Threadcount by Quilt, a full-bodied red wine with hints of black raspberry, milk chocolate, and sweet cedar, is the perfect pairing for cheese, grapes, olive oil, bread, and the grooves of Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy, Mercy Me.” On a rainy day that makes you want to stay in, it’s tailor-made for homebodies who enjoy their own company on the couch, under a heated blanket.
Las Californias Gin Nativa | Love and Happiness by Al Green
Set the tone for Al Green’s soulful serenade ”Love and Happiness” by relishing Las Californias Gin Nativa. The smooth and refreshing spirit is the perfect companion for this soul music classic. Crisp and refreshing with extracts of juniper, damiana, sage, and hints of licorice, seaweed, pine, white pepper, it finishes on a delicious floral note.
Delta Cannabis Water Passionfruit – Strong (non-alcoholic) | Stay Ready (What A Life) by Jhené Aiko ft. Kendrick Lamar
Take your taste buds and relaxation to the next level with Delta Cannabis Water’s blend of passionfruit and cannabis. Delta Cannabis Water’s euphoric effect comes with zero sugar, zero calories, 20mg Delta 9 THC, 2mg CBD, and infused live resin terpenes. Oh! Delta left me feeling so very, very relaxed. Like the lovely sounds of Ms. Aiko, it might spark your next spiritual adventure.
Luna Bay, Hard Kombucha Hibiscus | Ritual Union by Little Dragon
Enjoy Little Dragon’s rhythmic beats alongside Luna Bay’s Hard Kombucha. Ritual Union is perfect for every mood just like this hard kombucha bursting with the flavors of yerba mate tea, hibiscus, lavender, and lime. It tastes so good!
Hella Cocktail Co. Habanero Margarita Mixer (non-alcoholic) | Up & Down by Teezo Touchdown
Teezo Touchdown combines the energy of a modern, childlike Marvin Gaye with the alternative Rock n’ Roll vibes of Prince and Madonna, as well as elements of hip-hop and soul. Sip on Hella Cocktail’s vibrant juicy habanero-infused mocktails or cocktails with your spirit of choice for an unforgettable margarita.
Luna Bay, Sparkling Hard Tea canned cocktail | JACKIE BROWN by Brent Faiyaz
Continue the upbeat energy with Luna Bay’s Sparkling Hard Tea in Cran Breeze (Yerba Mate Tea, Hibiscus, Lavender, Lime), Sunrise Smash (Yerba Mate Tea, Orange, Pomegranate), and Transfusion (Yerba Mate Tea, Grape, Ginger, Lime). All of Luna Bay’s tangy, fruity flavors will take your palette on a ride. While Brent Faiyaz’s vocal work on JACKIE BROWN serenades you, sip on a can of sparkling hard tea to refresh your taste buds.
Time for a sonic awakening. Wind down, pour a drink, and cheer in Spring with the Sips & Sounds Playlist on Spotify.
