The clinking of ice cubes, the swirl of vibrant liqueurs in a crystal coupe, the aroma of rosemary against a citrus twist — the world of cocktails is my chosen canvas of creativity and connection. But beneath the intoxicating and sometimes esoteric culture, shadows of inequality and exclusion surprisingly STILL linger.
How Sway? In 2024, it’s high time to raise the bar (pun intended) on both the quality and character of our cocktail and all beverage experiences, not just for the privileged few, but for everyone who seeks a sip of joy and belonging.
Corporate Conscience: Building a Foundation of Equity:
1.Diversity Beyond the Boardroom Brochure: Break the glass ceiling of homogeneity. Ensure your leadership reflects the vibrant menagerie of your consumer base, not just in ethnicity, sexuality, gender and gender expansiveness, but also in lived experiences like disability, upbringing and perspectives including neurodiversity and other variances. Prioritize inclusivity at every level, from the C-suite to the production floor where ingredients are sourced, prioritize inclusivity at every level. Let your leadership team be a symphony of diverse voices, composing a future where everyone sees themselves represented in the decisions that shape the industry.
2. Ethical Sourcing, Every Drop of the Way: Trace your ingredients back to their roots, not just for trendy buzzwords, but for a genuine commitment to fair labor practices and sustainable farming methods. Partner with suppliers who champion local communities, prioritize water conservation, and implement responsible agricultural techniques. Let every sip be a testament to a world where prosperity flows equitably where farmers are empowered, and the environment is nurtured.
3. Green Sipping, a Sustainable Future: Reduce your carbon footprint like a seasoned mixologist crafting a balanced libation. Implement eco-friendly packaging, invest in renewable energy sources, and prioritize water conservation measures. Remember, a healthy planet is the backbone of a thriving cocktail ecosystem. Let each clink- of ice cubes be a reminder of our responsibility to the environment and let every drop of water used be a testament to our commitment to mindful resource management.
4. Community Cocktails, Building Bridges, Not Walls: Extend your reach beyond the bar stools. Partner with local charities and organizations that align with your brand values. Support community gardens, sponsor cultural events, and offer educational workshops on sustainable practices. Let your bar be a beacon of social responsibility, where every drink fuels positive change and every shared sip fosters a sense of connection and belonging within the community you serve.
Supply Chain Savvy: From Farm to Flask, a Commitment to Fairness:
5. Small Sips, Big Impact: Champion the Zakiyyahs of the beverage world. Source ingredients and barware from small, diverse-owned businesses whenever possible. Foster partnerships that empower local communities and inject vibrancy into your supply chain by supporting small businesses, you’re not just ensuring the freshest ingredients and unique products, you’re investing in the dreams and aspirations of your neighbors, contributing to a more equitable and diverse economic landscape.
6. Fair Trade Tales, Every Bottle a Story: Choose suppliers who are committed to Fair Trade, ensuring transparency and equitable compensation for farmers and producers. Let your cocktail menu be a curated collection of ethical stories, told one sip at a time. When you choose Fair Trade products, you’re not just ensuring a fair wage for the people who grew and harvested your ingredients, you’re contributing to a global movement that empowers communities and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
7.Traceability, the Elixir of Trust: Demystify the journey of your ingredients. Provide clear information about their origin, farming practices, and processing methods. Build trust and transparency, one label at a time. Empower your customers to make informed choices about the drinks they consume, fostering a sense of connection between the land, the producer, and the consumer in every drink.
8.Waste Not, Want Not, the Sustainable Sip: Food waste is an unwelcome guest at any party. Partner with food banks or composting facilities to minimize discarded fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Turn scraps into creative garnishes or infuse them into syrups, giving new life to what would otherwise be thrown away. Empower your customers to make informed choices about the drinks they consume, fostering a sense of connection between the land, the producer, and the consumer in every drink.
Mixology with a Mission: Where Every Drink Tells a Story:
9. Cheers, No Cheers Left Behind: Create a sanctuary where everyone feels welcome, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Implement accessibility measures like ramps, wider doorways, and accessible restrooms. Let your bar be a retreat to open arms and open doors where laughter flows freely and everyone can savor the joy of shared experience…and EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME; likeCheers” but with some seasoning.
10. Beyond “Guys” and “Ladies,” Inclusive Language on the Rocks: Ditch the tired gendered tropes. Use welcoming greetings and inclusive pronouns that respect everyone’s identity. Remember, language is a powerful cocktail, choose your words wisely.
Mixology with a Mission
11. Global Gastronomy in a Glass: Expand your palate beyond the usual suspects. Feature cocktails and mocktails that celebrate diverse flavors and traditions from around the world. Offer a taste of Oaxaca through smoky mezcal cocktails, or a trip to Thailand with fragrant lemongrass-infused creations. Let your menu be a passport to culinary adventures, fostering appreciation for different cultures and promoting inclusivity through shared taste experiences.
12. Accessibility Matters, Every Sip Counts: Ensure your bar caters to everyone’s needs. Offer non-alcoholic mocktails that are just as exciting as their boozy counterparts, and cater to dietary restrictions with vegan or gluten-free options. Remember, inclusivity extends to what’s in the glass and what’s not. Ensure everyone can enjoy the social, creative, and flavorful world of cocktails without feeling excluded.
13. Celebrate Diverse Mixologists, Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: Highlight the talents of mixologists from underrepresented communities. Host events featuring their skills, offer mentorship opportunities, and amplify their voices on social media platforms. Give due credit to those who have traditionally been marginalized in the industry, paving the way for a more diverse and vibrant future for cocktail creation.
14. Beyond the Bar, Education and Advocacy: Take social responsibility and inclusivity beyond your own establishment. Sponsor educational programs and workshops that focus on ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and diversity within the industry. Advocate for fair labor practices, support organizations that tackle discrimination, and use your platform to amplify the need for positive change.
Home Mixologists with Heart: Sipping Responsibly, Living Sustainably:
15. Shop Local, Sip Global, Supporting Your Community: Think globally, act locally. Support local farmers’ markets, artisanal liquor stores, and small-batch producers when stocking your home bar. Not only will you be discovering unique flavors and sustainable practices, but you’ll also be contributing to the economic vitality of your community.
16. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, the Sustainable Sipping Solution: Don’t let empty bottles become environmental casualties. Repurpose empty jars and bottles for creative garnishes, storage solutions, or DIY projects. Invest in reusable bar tools and coasters, and opt for eco-friendly cleaning products. Minimize your environmental footprint even while enjoying your home cocktail elixir.
17. Get Crafty with Leftovers, Waste Not, Want it All: Don’t discard citrus peels, herb stems, or other scraps. Use them to make infused syrups, shrubs, or garnishes. Turn waste into flavor-bombs, adding a sustainable twist to your home mixology adventures. Creativity and resourcefulness go hand-in-hand when crafting delicious and responsible cocktails.
18. Host Inclusive Gatherings, Sharing Luxury with All: When throwing cocktail parties, ensure your guest list reflects diversity and avoid assumptions about preferences. Offer non-alcoholic options and dietary-friendly alternatives. Create a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable and can savor the bliss of shared experiences and delicious drinks.
Education and Advocacy:
19. Educate Yourself, Knowledge is Power: Learn about the history and cultural significance of different cocktails. Appreciate the diverse origins and stories behind the drinks you enjoy. Knowledge fosters understanding and promotes respect for various traditions and culture, enriching your appreciation for the world of cocktails.
20. Support Industry Education, Investing in the Future: Donate to organizations that offer scholarships and training programs for aspiring mixologists from underrepresented communities. Provide mentorship opportunities or volunteer your time to educational initiatives. Investing in the education and development of future generations in the industry paves the way for a more diverse and equitable future.
21. Advocate for Change, Raise Your Voice: Speak up against discrimination and harassment in the industry. Challenge outdated norms and promote inclusive practices. RAISE YOUR VOICE! Use your social media platform or personal network to raise awareness and advocate for positive change. Every voice matters in pushing for a more equitable and welcoming cocktail landscape.
22. Celebrate Progress, Share Solutions: Recognize and celebrate successes and milestones towards a more socially responsible and inclusive industry. Share best practices and solutions with others, inspiring collective action and progress. Building a better future requires acknowledging accomplishments and sharing knowledge along the way. When folks know better, hopefully; they do better.
23. Transparency and Accountability, Building Trust: Publish reports on your efforts towards diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility. Be transparent about your progress and challenges. Hold yourself accountable for your commitments, building trust with your customers and stakeholders. Challenger your peers to be accountable as well.
24. Collaboration is Key, Building Together: Partner with other bars, organizations, and individuals who share your values. Work together to tackle industry-wide challenges, host collaborative events, and amplify your collective impact. Building a more equitable and sustainable cocktail future requires collaboration and collective action.
Remember, these 24 points are just a starting point. Your creativity and commitment to social responsibility can pave the way for a more
Shaking up the cocktail industry in 2024 and beyond is not just about crafting a fancy drink or chasing elusive trends. It’s about stirring up a strong pitcher of social responsibility, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness. It’s about building an industry where every toast celebrates not just individual pleasure, but a collective commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world. Chalice Premium is committed to transforming the cocktail space from trendy good times to vibrant ecosystems of diversity, sustainability, and ethical practices.
Implementing these 24 points is not a mere checklist, but a compass towards a brighter future. It’s about acknowledging the shadows lurking beneath the glittering surface of the beverage industry and cocktail world and proactively casting light on them. It’s about dismantling the inequalities that have kept certain voices muted and certain faces unseen, and amplifying the diverse chorus of creativity that deserves to be heard. It’s about recognizing that every sip we take has a ripple effect, and choosing to send ripples of positive change through the community, the environment, and the very essence of hospitality itself.
In conclusion, crafting a socially responsible and inclusive cocktail industry is not a mere trend, but a necessary evolution. It’s about recognizing the power of this art form to connect people, spark joy, and foster positive change. By embracing the 24 points outlined in this article, we can transform cocktail bars from trendy havens to vibrant ecosystems of diversity, sustainability, and ethical practices.
But the journey doesn’t end here. It’s a continuous dance of learning, adapting, and amplifying the voices of those traditionally marginalized in the industry.
This is not a revolution confined to fancy bars and artisanal liquors. It’s a revolution that starts with every choice we make, from sourcing ingredients to hosting gatherings to even writing about the industry. It’s a revolution fueled by empathy, fueled by a desire to connect, and fueled by the belief that we can savor the sweet nectar of life while nurturing the world that sustains it. Raise your glasses, not just to a delectable libation, but to a world where every glass signifies a step towards a more responsible, inclusive, and delicious future for the art of the cocktail. Here’s to collective progress.
Let this be a call to action, not just for corporate executives, manufacturers, bartenders and bar owners, but for consumers as well.
Choose your drinks wisely, support businesses that share your values, and champion inclusivity in every interaction. Together, we can shake up the status quo and craft an industry and ecosystem that reflects the vibrancy of our world as it is, not out of capitalistic convenience.
Remember, the future of cocktails is not just about what’s in the glass, but what we choose to pour into it. Let’s fill it with intentional change the intoxicating spirit of a future where everyone can savor the joy of a perfectly crafted, socially conscious sip.
Written by Zakiyyah Walker
Founder | CEO Chalice Premium