Explore every episode of the podcast Bando Bevs

It's getting juicy on Episode 49! This episode discusses the "6 signs you are in a secure friendship" and Natasha & Paris take an inventory of how they are showing up in friendships. If you've always wondered what a good friendship/relationship looked like, this will sure give you some insight. Whether you're in a secure relationship or you are making your way there, remember, you got the juice now!

You Got the Juice recipe:
Materials: **A juicer**

4 Celery sticks
2 Honeycrisp apples
1" Ginger root
Gin (optional)

Wash produce. Core apples and peel ginger root (best to use a spoon).  Use a juicer to juice celery, apples and ginger.  Pour juice into a cup (optional- add gin). Enjoy!

Burnout is real and it's ok to do what is best for you if that time comes. On Episode 48, Paris and Natasha discuss some victories and some challenges, but overall grateful for the many things that occurred this year. Fall has been a reflective season and as we lead up to Thanksgiving, we wanted to have a drink that would give us the crispness of the leaves and comfort us like grandma's apple pies. Our drink this episode is made with Honeycrisp apples (the best apples of all time) and ginger beer base.  The drink is called G.L.A.D. which is an exercise introduced to us that we enjoy sharing. Each person shares something they are Grateful for, something they have Learned, an Accomplishment, and something that brings them Delight! Check out the recipe below!

G.L.A.D. Recipe:
1 oz Honeycrisp Apple Syrup - recipe below

• 2 Honeycrisp Apples
• Brown Sugar

1 oz Vodka (optional)
Ginger Beer
Cinnamon Stick

Combine all ingredients over ice and stir. Garnish with thin apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Honeycrisp Apple Syrup: Peel, core and dice two Honeycrisp apples. Add to saucepan with 1/4 cup water. Cook until apples are soft. Press soft apples in mesh sieve to extract juice into measuring cup.  Add equal parts of extracted apple juice and brown sugar to saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is fully dissolved.  Allow to cool entirely. Keeps in refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks.  

Life is about getting from one place to another - full of constant change and growth. We might know exactly where we want to go, but at times lack direction. We might have direction but don't know if we really want to go to our selected destination.  If you've ever used a GPS to navigate, you know that there is a start and an end. You also know that if you get off track on your route, the GPS won't yell at you for making mistakes. The GPS politely redirects your route for you and you learn from your mistakes. Your arrival time might be later than you anticipated, but you still get there. This week's episode focuses on navigating life through love and the destinations we have arrived at by loving. Please join us on the journey of Episode 47 as we drink our latest drink, GPS.

GPS Recipe:
1 cup fresh diced papaya
1/2 cup fresh sliced cucumber
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
Ginger beer
2 oz Tequila

Combine papaya, cucumber, and lime juice in blender/food processor.  Blend until smooth.  Add 3oz of mixture to glass, over ice. Add tequila (optional) and top with ginger beer.  Stir and enjoy!

2020 continues to offer opportunities to reflect, rebound, and grow.  On episode 46, Natasha and Paris talk about the duality that exists in our day to day spaces. Most notably however, social media, news outlets, and our very own bubbles. There is duality in the name of drink for this episode also... VR = Vanilla Rose and Virtual Reality. Make a glass of VR, press play, and think about your realities.

VR Recipe:
2 oz Vanilla Rose simple syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz ginger juice
2 oz gin (optional)
Club Soda

Combine simple syrup, lemon juice, and ginger juice (and gin) over ice and stir. Top with club soda. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and edible flowers.

Vanilla Rose Simple Syrup: 
2 cups brown sugar 
2 cups water 
1/2 tsp rose powder
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup  corn syrup

Combine brown sugar, water, rose powder and corn syrup in saucepan.  Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.  Add vanilla extract and remove from heat.  Allow to cool and store in an air tight container.  Keeps in refrigerator for approximately 1-2 months. 

Natasha and Paris kick off the conversation discussing their first impressions of one another and progress into discovering their new life callings. Kick off your fall with a little mango, because who said mango wasn't an October fruit? Join us for Episode 45 and we hope to make an impression on you!

Impressions Recipe
4-5 slices of cucumber (peeled)
2-3 mint leaves
1 oz honey
1.5 oz mango puree
1.5 oz fresh lime juice
Ginger beer
Ice

Muddle cucumber, mint leaves and honey in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the mango puree (blended fresh mango) and lime juice. Shake with ice. Strain over ice into a copper mug. Top with ginger beer and stir.

From bucket lists to a "F*ck It lists" -  Natasha and Paris reflect on the things they've accomplished and how important it is to not put off your desires and goals. Natasha also helps Paris realize that she is already a millionaire! They're putting out fires with Episode 44's drink. Check out Smoke and Mirrors - our smoky twist on the classic lemonade

Smoke and Mirrors Recipe:

• Wood chips for smoking
• 5 lemons, sliced in half
• 1 cup of smoked lemon juice
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 quart of club soda
• 1 oz Mezcal (Cocktail)

1. Prepare your stovetop smoker by finding a non-coated 2-quart pot with a lid. Sprinkle enough wood chips on the bottom of the pot to cover. Place a steam basket in the bottom and line with foil. Add half'd lemons to the foil lined steam basket and cover. Smoke for 5-10 minutes.  Note: It will get smokey, so open windows and turn on fans if indoors. 
2. Once smoked, juice all lemon into pitcher, add sugar - stir
3. Add club soda - stir
4. Optional for Cocktail: Add 1 oz Mezcal to 3/4 cup lemonade

Serve over ice!

So much has happened since the last episode. Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion blessed us with a new hit and Kamala Harris was announced as the 2020 Vice Presidential Candidate for the Democratic Party. We're full of excitement, so we touch various topics with drinks in hand. Our drink, What A Peach, takes us on a journey through picking peaches, grace, self-care, and forgiveness. Join us for Episode 43 where we discuss evolving through your life experiences.

WAP Recipe:
Mocktail
1 oz Peach Juice
1/2 Peach (diced)
3-4 Large Mint Leaves
1 oz Lemon Juice
Muddle all ingredients and strain over tonic water ice cubes.  Top with tonic water.  Garnish with peach and mint. 

Cocktail: 
1/2 Peach (diced)
3-4 Large Mint Leaves
1 oz Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
1 oz Uncle Nearest Whiskey (or Whiskey/Bourbon of choice)
Muddle all ingredients (except whiskey) and strain over tonic water ice cubes. Add whiskey and top with tonic water. Garnish with peach and mint. 

Jelani Curtis, a Detroit native, was inspired to create a platform that makes it easy for citizens to contact the Louisville & Kentucky government to fight for justice for Breonna Taylor.  On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor was wrongfully murdered by the Louisville, KY police department while issuing a "no-knock" warrant.  Breonna's life was taken after being shot eight times and left for dead by the same police officers. To this day, those police officers Brett Hankison, Jon Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove have not been arrested or charged with murder. Each day since March 13th there have been many efforts to bring awareness to the case and to demand justice for Breonna.  ForBreonna.com is a seamless, one-tap experience that allows you call, email, or tweet local officials to demand the arrest and charge each officer involved in Breonna's murder. This week, Paris and Natasha speak with Jelani and discuss his creation of @forBreonna and other action we can take to demand justice for the lives of Black people in America. Given the heaviness of the world today, we are choosing a light and refreshing drink called, Better Than Ever.

Better Than Ever Recipe:
3/4 cup Green Tea
1 tsp Mint Simple Syrup
1/2 tsp Lime Juice
1 oz Vodka (Cocktail)
1/4 cup Ginger Beer
Garnish with Mint

Brew green tea and allow to cool. Add all ingredients. Stir. Add ice. Smack mint leaves - add as garnish.

Mint Simple Syrup:
1/4 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Muddle mint leaves with sugar in small saucepan. Add water. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Cool for 15-20 minutes. Strain to remove mint. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Back from their respective breaks from work, Paris and Natasha are excited to get back to chatting about their experiences on Holiday. The good and not so good. This week's episode the two sip a lovely watermelon treat that is perfect for a summer day.

Water Break Recipe:

8 cups of diced seedless watermelon (1 pound)
2 oz lime juice
1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup packed mint sprigs
1 1/4 cup
1/4 cup simple syrup
1 oz Tequila
1 oz Seedlip 

Blend the watermelon until smooth. Use mesh strainer over bowl to strain watermelon juice. Discard the pulp.

Combine the simple syrup, line juice, blue berries and mint leaves. Using a wooden spoon or middle, lightly middle the blueberries and mint. Add the watermelon juice and spirit. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.

Pour cocktail over ice. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve. 

It's episode 40 and the ladies not only keep it 100, they keep it KIWI! That's right, it's the first time Natasha and Paris use kiwi in a drink and it is so delicious. Listen as the two discuss delegating at work, reconnecting with their bodies, mental wealth, and much more...

Keep it Kiwi Recipe:
1/2 peeled kiwi
1 oz premium gin
0.5 oz lime juice
1 oz rosemary simple syrup
Soda water
Kiwi slice, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle kiwi until broken down. Add gin, lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup. Shake over ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a kiwi slice.

For Mocktail:
Remove gin
Add 1 oz  lime juice
Top with soda water

Rosemary Simple Syrup:
Equal parts fresh rosemary leaves, sugar and water.  Place all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.  Allow to cool for about 15 minutes. Strain to remove rosemary leaves. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

The kids are saying "Torch" in place of "It's Lit" now...so that's what we're calling this week's drink, because it's lit. Natasha and Paris enter into Episode 39 with no drink name and no prepared conversation, but are enlightened throughout the show. Join us for a smooth berry beverage and some connection as we chat through our experiences the past two weeks.

Torch Recipe:
(Mocktail)
1 oz Berry Puree
4 oz Ginger Beer
2 oz Club soda
1 oz lime juice
0.5 oz Rosemary Simple Syrup
1 lime wedge

(Cocktail)
1 oz Berry Puree
2 oz Ginger Beer
2 oz Club soda
1 oz lime juice
0.5 oz Rosemary Simple Syrup
2 oz Rum
1 lime wedge

Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the ingredients and stir until combined.
Serve with a lime wedge

Berry Puree: Blend 1 8-ounce bag frozen blueberries & strawberries in a or blender until smooth. Add 1 ounce of Triple Sec to enhance flavor and blending experience.

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Add 1/4 cup rosemary, 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a small saucepan.  Stir over medium heat until sugar is fully dissolved.  Remove from heat and cool for 15-20 minutes.  Strain to remove rosemary leaves.  Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

It's been a month since we've sat down and had a conversation, but just enough time for us to process what is going on in the world around this. With the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade at the hands of law of enforcement, our country is fighting for the rights of black people in powerful ways. On this episode we discuss and process thoughts that have come up since the last time we spoke and we hope that it inspires you to express your feelings as well. Join us as we sip some tea in hopes of liberty and justice for ALL.

Want to support black businesses? Our very own Natasha Boler created an initiative to solely support black business starting Juneteenth. Visit weallwegot.carrd.co for more details.

LiberTea Recipe:
4 oz Lavender Lemonade
4 oz Sweet Tea
1.5 oz Vodka (optional)
Shake with ice and pour over ice.

Lavender Lemonade
1.5 oz of Lavender Simple Syrup
6 oz water
2 oz 100% lemon juice (not from concentrate)

Lavender Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup culinary lavender flowers
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow to cool (10-15min). Strain to remove lavender flowers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Paris and Natasha get into their creative bags while staying safe at home.  Testing new recipes, taking on new challenges and of course making beverages! On episode 37 your hosts give quick updates on what they have been up to and explore how powerful black culture and blackness is. Long story short, you can always Bet on blk.

Bet on blk. Recipe:
2 oz of blk. alkaline water in Focus
2 oz Ginger Beer
2 Mint Sprigs
1 oz Vodka (optional) 

Combine blk water, ginger beer and vodka. Stir. Serve over ice. Garnish with mint

We've lost count of how many days we've been in quarantine. Let's be honest, sometimes its hard to keep track of the days of the week! On episode 36 we craft a new drink titled after a very important question, "How are you, really?"

How Are You, Really? Recipe:
1 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz simple syrup
Chopped plum
1 oz gin (optional)
2 oz ginger beer
Cinnamon


Combine all ingredients in shaker except the ginger beer. Shake over ice. Pour over ice. Add ginger beer. Garnish with plum and lime. Top with cinnamon.

With Stay at Home orders in full effect, Paris and Natasha took a different approach to episode 35. Social distancing precautions led the hosts to record their first podcast from separate locations with two separate drinks! To avoid exposure to the Coronavirus, they decided to create their own concoctions with the ingredients they had at home. Natasha is drinking 'Tussin' and Paris is drinking 'Good Morning, Sunshine!' While different from the typical bando setup, the commitment to bring you amazing content remains; even if they do it from their respective homes. So join in for a discussion about various experiences being at home, some recent challenges they've overcome, and new challenges they are taking on while at home for at least another month.

Tussin Recipe:
1/2 oz Hibiscus Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Ginger Liquor
2 oz Dark Rum
Splash of Club Soda
Stir and serve over ice.


Hibiscus Simple Syrup - Equal parts sugar, water, and dried hibiscus leaves.  Combine ingredients in saucepan over medium heat. Stir consistently until sugar has full dissolved. Remove from heat and cool in saucepan.  Strain to remove leaves.  Keep in fridge and use within 2-3 weeks.


Good Morning, Sunshine! Recipe:
1/2 lemon sliced
0.5 oz lemon juice 
8 oz of Mango Tumeric Kombucha

What a time to be alive! COVID-19 has brought us some significant distinctions in ways that we connect while being quarantined. Whether it be virtual meetings that could have been handled in an email exchange or Zoom happy hours, this moment will change the world. It is important that we take care of our bodies while we fight to stay safe and that is why we cooked up the Quarantoddy, an immune system building drink that is sure to spice up your day. We're live this episode and with social distancing the sound might be a little off, but we did it. If you didn't join us live, listen to Episode 34 NOW!

Quarantoddy Recipe:

• 5 cups of water
• The yellow peel of 1 lemon use a veggie peeler
• 2 inch piece of ginger cut in thin rounds, skin on
• 2 inch piece of turmeric root cut in thin rounds or grated, skin on
• Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 crack of black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil, butter, or avocado oil
• Honey, preferably raw

Bring the water, lemon peel, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, and black pepper to a bare simmer, turn the heat down to low, cook for 7 minutes.

Take off the heat and squeeze in the lemon juice and stir in the coconut oil. 

Strain the tea into a cup and add 1 teaspoon of honey. 

If using raw honey, wait for the tea to cool a few minuted

The ladies sit down this week to talk about being paired up! Whether it is on Netflix's hit TV Show 'Love is Blind' or being paired with you life partner, it's important to be open and honest from the start. For Episode 33, we are are drinking a pear influenced drink and it's worth every sip. Sit back and get pear'd up!

Pear'd Up Recipe:

2 oz pear juice
1 oz lemon juice
.75 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup
1 oz rum (Cocktail only)
Club Soda

Instructions

Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into rocks glass (or serve up) and top with soda water. Garnish with a slice of pear.

This week's episode of Bando Bevs discusses a bit about Black History Month and what legacy we want to live and leave in the world. On top of that, Paris just celebrated her 34th birthday and Natasha's is coming up. During the episode, we realize that we are black history mavens and talk about why diversity and inclusion is so important. Our drink is Legacy Lemonde and it is ohh so delicious! Sit back and sip with us as we lock in our legacy.

Legacy Lemonade:

• Mango Simple Syrup
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh mangos (diced)
• Lemonade
  • 1 can lemonade concentrate thawed
  • 1 liter mango sparkling water chilled
  • 2 cups cold water

1 oz vodka (cocktail)
1 oz mango simple syrup
Fill cup with lemonade
Serve over ice
Add slices Lemon for garnish
Mint sprigs for garnish

Back in the bando and back to the regularly scheduled program. Fresh off of 90 days of leadership and goal accomplishments, Natasha and Paris reflect on what they've learned throughout their entire process. Most importantly, the two discuss habits they are letting go and habits they are welcoming. The drink is called Habijto, a mojito with a twist of habits and blackberries. This week's episode might inspire you to create your own new habits!

Habijito Recipe:
2.5 oz lime juice
1.5 oz simply syrup
8 mint leaves
5 blackberries 
1 oz of rum (cocktail)
1 oz of Seedlip Spice 94 (mocktail)
1 oz club soda
Ice

Add the lime juice, simple syrup, and blueberries. Lightly mash together with a muddle stick. Fill the glass with ice, then add spirit. Top with club soda.

Music is important to us and we chose to make this episode about sharing the music we love. Everyone loves to be introduced to a song or introduce others to songs that made them feel a certain way. Whether it is joy, pain, or comfort, music has the power to evoke emotion and often change a bad mood to a great one. This episode we not only curate a lovely drink, but we also allow our fans to curate the jams by sharing their favorites with us. Episode 30 is all the way LIVE with our listener inspired playlist! We're calling this week's drink, Play to Win! 'Cuz if you are not playing to win then you are just playing!

Listen to the Play to Win Playlist

Recipe:
The Game Changer (Green Tea) by Candid Tea
Fresh Pear
Chili Infused Honey
Bourbon

One week in advance, combine equal parts honey and chili peppers. Store in cool dark place. Strain prior to use.

Prepare tea according to package directions, and steep with 2-3 slices of fresh pear.  Sweeten tea with as much chili infused honey as desired. Allow to cool (think sweet/iced tea).

Optional: Add a shot of bourbon.

Serve over ice and enjoy!

It's the last episode of the year and we're LIVE again! This time we invite you to the Bando to be apart of the conversation. We're going head-to-head with some classic comparisons and asking the audience to vote give input on their favorites. Salt vs. sugar grits. Drumsticks vs. flats. To double up our fan engagement, this week's drink is brought to you by @candrisse, a brand that highlights creativity and self love by providing expressive, useful, and unique works of art. Sip with us and catch our live video recording on Bando Bevs Facebook.

Versus Recipe:

1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
1 tbs Pumpkin Spice Seasoning
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Water 
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
3 cup Oat Milk (or milk of choice)
Cognac (as desired)
Whipped cream
Holiday garnish

Mix all dry ingredients in a small saucepan.
Whisk in water until no lumps remain.
Heat on high until mixture boils.
Reduce heat to a simmer and whisk in milk. Return to rolling boil.

Pour into mugs. Add alcohol (optional). Top with whipped cream and holiday garnish!

After their first live episode, Paris and Natasha are back in the bando for episode 28.  The two touch on the last episode a bit, and discuss why a live recording almost didn't happen.  The fears that almost kept them from their first live episode led to the question "whats stopping you?" What stops us from going after our desires?  Is it the fear of failure or the perception of others?  Is it not knowing the outcome or the unwillingness to commit? Whatever it is thats stopping you, buckle in and Appcelerate through it. Go for it, give it your all and experience achievement while sipping this curated beverage. 

Appcelerate Recipe:
3 cups of fresh apple cider
Juice of one lemon
Grand Marnier (cocktail)
Caramel whipped cream 
Cinnamon
Apple slice for garnish.

Heat apple cider in a saucepan and add lemon juice.   Once warm, divide cider into two mugs. Add Grand Marnier for cocktail. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with cinnamon, and garnish with an apple slice. 

Welcome to Episode 27! Our first live podcast recording and one year anniversary of the Bando Bevs podcast. We're at the headquarters of the District Running Collective (DRC) and excited to have our guest Matt Green, who is the co-founder and lead captain of DRC. Matt co-founded DRC after hosting several birthday runs with friends and has expanded DRC to an International brand and successful partnership with Under Armor. Matt sits down with Natasha and Paris to discuss going back for more & quick decisions over a glass of "Seconds". This is the first episode where our live audience gets to participate in the conversation and sip with us.

Seconds:
2oz lemon juice
1oz liquid from canned lychee
2oz club soda
1oz ginger & mint simple syrup
2.5 oz gin (cocktail)

Shake everything except the club soda over ice. Pour over ice, add club soda, garnish with mint and lychee. Enjoy!

Ginger & Mint Simple Syrup:
1 part water
1 part sugar
1/4 part fresh ginger (peeled & cut)
1/4 part fresh mint

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat & stir continuously until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Keep in fridge.

When she walks you stare, when she speaks you care! She is, Black Beauty. There is always something new to learn about skin care, health, and wellness. Join us for episode 26 where we discuss all things beauty with Vivian Wynter, your beauty and lifestyle professional. Vivian has over 16 years of experience as a licensed aesthetician and spokeswoman for the cosmetic and beauty industry. Listen, sip, and share as we drink during our first mocktail only episode with our very own Seedlip specialty.

Recipe:
3oz Seedlip Spice 94
2oz Ginger Beer
1/2tsp Ginger Syrup
3 Blackberries
2 Basil Leaves (large & fresh)
Lemon to garnish

Instructions:
Muddle blackberries and basil at the bottom of a glass. Add remaining ingredients and ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon wedge. 

What episode is it anyways? Don’t ask Paris, she doesn’t know. Do you recall a time when you presented yourself to the world as someone else? We often hear the words “be authentic” or “just be yourself” and it scares us. It’s easier to put on a show than to be vulnerable and comfortable in the things that make us unique. For Episode 25, we dive into what authenticity and being authentic means for us and how it could impact your world. As we celebrate Halloween and dress up as others, let’s encourage one another to take the masks off. Partner that authenticity with a spooky drink that is sure to make your skin crawl.

Mask Off Recipe:
2 oz Lemon Lime Soda (7-up)
3 oz Club Soda
1 tbsp Ginger Syrup
1 oz Pink Gin (for cocktail)
Splash of Hibiscus Elixir
Garnish with Halloween Candy!

Stir all ingredients and sip with spookiness! 

What's your relationship with money? Join us for Episode 24 with special guests Victoria Reese (@picturethisvic) and Revaé Tharps (@revaemarie), as we discuss financial wellness. We'll share our personal experiences with money and how we can take what we learn about finances and share with our family and friends. At the end of the day, we have the power to change the "family history" with money. Hopefully this conversation will help develop your relationship with your finances. It's time to wake up and smell the coffee or in our case, financial freedom!


Cutting Edge Recipe:

• 1 cup fresh brewed coffee (add cinnamon to coffee grounds)
• 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Coffee Creamer
• 1/2 tsp salted caramel syrup
• 1.5 oz whiskey 

Choose your favorite coffee mug to savor.

#sipdelicately

You know that saying "give people their roses while they can still smell them"? It doesn't specify how many roses or even that you have to give multiple roses. It is easy to prioritize quantity over quality... but the primary factor is actually intention.  Show love whenever and however you can, in the best ways possible. That love includes yourself.  Love yourself so much that you don't need to put guards up. Love yourself so much that your love inspires other. Love is contagious... spread it! Speaking of love, we think you'll love the drink we've concocted for Episode 23 called A Dozen Roses. Mix it up and press play. Cheers!

A Dozen Roses

Recipe:
7-8 Raspberries
2 oz Coconut Water
3 oz Fentimans Rose Lemonade
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 tbsp Simple Syrup
2 oz Dark Rum cocktail

Instructions:
Muddle raspberries at the bottom of the glass (reserve one for garnish)
Combine coconut water, lemon juice, and simple syrup, in shaker
Shake over ice & pour into glass
Add Rose Lemonade & Rum cocktail
Garnish with raspberry

#sipdelicately

Have you ever been asked "are you working hard or hardly working?"  We know all about working hard, but what about working smarter? Let's face it, the harder you work the more tired and burned out you become. Think about life before word processing systems. Remember when you made a mistake writing in pen and had to start over? Insert white out, which allowed us to cover up the incorrect words and write the corrected ones. Well working smarter and not harder is sort of like the concept of white out. You have the option to throw the entire document away or go back and "fix" the part you no longer want. This is similar to how we work. Our emails tend to get fluffy, our calendars fill up, and we get distracted by new work. If you feel you can relate to this then sit back, pause, and focus on what you can do to maximize your time and think smarter, not harder. Our drink this week is called "White Out" and it's the perfect match for productivity.

Recipe:
White Out
4 oz unsweetened coconut milk
24 oz lime sparkling water
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tbsp blue agave nectar
1 inch fresh ginger
3 oz triple sec

Blend all ingredients together
Serve over ice
Garnish with lime wedge

Cocktail:
Top with 2 oz of Gin (Hendricks Summer Solstice)

Believe it or not, we've been cherry picking all of our lives. Choosing what we feel is the "best" out of the options. We did this as kids when the two captains pick the best athletes in the class for their team. We do this as adults when we pick our friends, our jobs, and even our partners. Episode 21 talks about how we can leverage cherry picking to our advantage. For example, not only cherry picking the right group of friends, but making sure we are checking in on our tribe to give them the same level of support they give us. This week's beverage partners the conversation with a bold cherry juice-based drink that is sure to spark the tart and level the heart.


Cherry Picking Recipe:
2 oz 100% Natural tart cherry juice
1 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
3 tbsp Jalepeño simple syrup
3 drops of Cardamom bitters

Cocktail:
Add 2 oz. of Jameson Irish Whiskey

• Shake over ice
• Top with club soda
• Garnish with lime peel

Jalepeño Simple Syrup:
1 cup chopped fresh jalapeños
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Combine in a pot over heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Let steep for 20 minutes. Keeps up to 2 weeks!

Episode 20 is here and we are pleased to announce our very first guest!  On this episode, we have our good friend Elliott Johnson of DC's homegrown Soul Mega Brewing Company.  We're known for cooking up beverages in the bando and Elliott is cooking up beverages "Worldwide" so this was a perfect fit for our podcast.  Our drink is mixed with Soul Mega's Worldwide, an American Pale Ale and it will be sure to help our listeners Gravitate to the power of beer.  Join us as we "tap in" and discuss what it takes to develop your own product from the ground up and the challenges of starting small with big plans. 

Gravitate Recipe:
1 1/2 cups apple cider
1/4 cup honey
3 cups seltzer water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 apple (sliced)
12 oz Soul Mega Worldwide Pale Ale [Cocktail]
Sparkling apple cider [Mocktail]

Instructions: 
Combine apple cider and honey in a small saucepan over medium-high; bring to a simmer.  Cook 10 minutes or until reduced to about 1 cup, stirring occasionally.  Remove pan from heat; cool to room temperature.  Cover and chill 4 hours or overnight.  Place 1/2 cup cider mixture in a large pitcher.  Add seltzer water and lemon juice to pitcher, stirring to combine.  Stir in half of the apple slices. 

Mocktail:
1/2 cup cider/lemon/seltzer mix
2 oz chilled sparkling apple cider
Serve over ice; garnish with an apple slice.

Cocktail:
1/2 cup cider/lemon/seltzer mix
3 oz Soul Mega Worldwide Pale Ale
Serve over ice; garnish with an apple slice.

We brought the fire with a Jalepeño limeade for Episode 19. This drink is sure to bring out the “Hot Girl Summer” in all of us. Join us as we discuss our own Hot Girl Summers and how to cool down for cuffing season with some dating app advice. Keep the spice alive and sip Hot Girl Summer while you listen.

Hot Girl Summer Recipe:

1/2 cup lime juice 
2 cups tonic water 
2 cups alkaline water 
1/2 cup jalapeño simple syrup
Stir in pitcher 

Pour over ice
Add 1 oz Pisco for a cocktail. Garnish with mint.

Jalapeno Simple Syrup:
1 cup chopped fresh jalapeños 
1 cup granulated sugar 
1 cup water
Combine in a pot over heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Let steep for 20 minutes. Keeps up to 2 weeks!

We are back from vacation feeling refreshed with our latest drink, The Refresher, to match our vibe. Coming back from vacation always puts you in a place where you are ready to get back to work to afford more vacations. This episode we discuss our travel experiences and what life was like returning to work as a team manager. It’s summer! It’s hot! Cool off and sip on “The Refresher” with us!

The Refresher

Mocktail:

2.5oz Red grape purée
2oz Cucumber water
1/4oz Lemon juice
1/2oz Thyme simple syrup
Club soda

Cocktail: Add 1oz of Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice (or any dry gin)

Instructions:

Combine grape purée, cucumber water and thyme simple syrup. Dry shake without ice. Fill glass with ice. Fill bottom quarter with club soda. Top with juice mixture. Add gin (for cocktail). Stir.

Grape purée: Purée red grapes in blender. Press on solids/ pulp to get as much juice into the mix.
Cucumber water: Peel and dice one cucumber. Blend with 2 cups water. Strain in chinois.
Thyme simple syrup: See Episode 15, Thyme Spent

Traveling, packing, car shopping...It's all the same. We think we know what we want until we get to the “destination” and get presented with multiple options. Maybe we should be a little more intentional about what we need to accomplish. Are we overpacking our suitcases and over accessorizing our vehicles? The goal in a car is to get from point A to point B safely, right? Do we really need a good sound system and heated seats? If the goal of wearing clothes is to not be naked, do we really need to pack 10 swimsuits and multiple outfits? Today we discuss being "Fully Loaded" with a fully loaded beverage. Make the recipe below and listen as we discuss packing and traveling with intention, as well as, what it means to throw in the towel.

Fully Loaded Recipe:
10 Thai Basil leaves
3 Grapefruit - juiced
2 Peaches - pitted

Blend Thai basil leaves, grapefruit juice and peaches. 

Mocktail:
2/3 cup blended mixture
2 oz Ginger Beer
Pour over ice. Stir. Garnish with grapefruit slice. 

Cocktail:
2/3 cup blended mixture
1 oz Ginger Beer
2 oz Vodka
Pour over ice. Stir. Garnish with grapefruit slice. 

The price of fame could cost a lot. In episode 16 we dive into how people use social media for a “moment” not considering the repercussions of their actions. We also discuss how others, kids specifically are being posted on the Internet without their permission with the intent of going viral. Sit back, sip, and listen...

At What Cost

Recipe:

Mocktail:
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
2 oz Lime Juice
1 tbs Chopped Mint
Top with Ginger Ale

Cocktail:
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Ciroc VS Brandy
1 tbs Chopped Mint
Top with Ginger Ale

*Shake and pour over ice. Garnish with mint, lime and pineapple slice

What we do with our time is important. Life is short, but can we say we are spending our time wisely? There is saying out there, “You have the same 24 hours as Beyonce.” So if we have just as many hours as Bey, how many are we using to slay? Wha can you accomplish in those 24 hours, well the 16 that you are not at work? Let that soak in while you sip and listen to this week’s episode, Thyme Spent.

Recipe:

Cocktail:
1 oz - Thyme Simple Syrup
1 oz Tonic Water
1 oz Lime Juice
2 oz Tequila

Mocktail:
1 oz - Thyme Simple Syrup
3 oz Tonic Water
1 oz Lime Juice

Thyme Simple Syrup:
1/3 cup Fresh Thyme
1/3 cup Sugar
1/3 cup Water

This week’s drink tastes just like we set up our own lemonade stand, but cooler because we had blueberry lemonade! Sip and join us as we use our Truth Juice to spit out our biggest successes and failures.


Recipe:

Cocktail:

• 8 oz of fresh blueberry lemonade
• 1 oz of Toki (or Japanese Whiskey)

Mocktail:

• No whiskey

Blueberry Lemonade:

• 1 pint fresh blueberries
• 5 lemons 
• 1 1/3 cup ginger mint simple syrup
• 2 cups cold water 

Combine juice of lemons and blueberries in a blender. Pulse until smooth. Strain into pitcher. Add ginger mint simple syrup and water. Stir.

Serve over ice
(Optional) Garnish with remaining mint leaves & blueberries

Ginger Mint Simple Syrup: 

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup ginger mint leaves

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let sit for 30mins. Strain mint leaves.

Ever have something and felt like it wasn't enough? Like a summer fling - here in May, gone by August. After that, you’re left with questions, assumptions and sometimes self-doubt. This week we discuss what makes people feel secure in relationships and ways to build more meaningful relationships. Episode 13 is packed with thought provoking perspectives. Listen and sip with a drink called, “Summer Fling”.

Summer Fling Recipe:

Cocktail:
1 oz Hendricks (or Gin of choice)
1 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz Ginger Beer
 
Mocktail:
1 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
2 oz Ginger Beer

Garnish:
1 lemon slice
1-2 pieces of Ginger candy

Shake over ice. 
Serve over ice. 
Garnish with lemon and caramelized ginger candy.

Episode 12 is here and we are back with a special drink we call Tearin Up My Heart. We put our muddling skills to work with some raspberries, basil, and kombucha. We had a ton of fun crafting this delicious cocktail/mock tail combo. Join us as we discuss some things that are tearing up our hearts 💔, like the instagram test to remove likes. Sip and listen for a berry good treat!

Recipe:

Raspberry Mash:

• 2 cups of raw or frozen raspberries
• 4 teaspoons of Basil
• 2 oz Kombucha
• 1 oz Maple Syrup

Muddle all items in a bowl. Strain. 

Cocktail:

• 1/2 cup Raspberry Mash
• 2 oz Rum 
• 1 oz club Soda 

Mocktail: 

• 1 /2 cup Raspberry Mash
• 2 oz club Soda 

*Serve over ice

How often do you “wait until…” something happens to start another thing? What if you used the resources you already have to get where you want to go?  Get rid of the “wait until…”! Let’s Elevate! We have a cocktail and mock-tail that serve as the perfect resource for elevating your dreams to reality. Join us on Episode 11, as we discuss how great we can be with what we already possess. 

“Use what you got to get what you want” - Ronnie, The Players Club. 

Recipe: 

Cocktail version:

• 2 oz Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice 
• 2 oz Ginger beer
• 1 Egg white 
• 2 oz vodka
• Garish- dried lime slice and burnt rosemary

Mocktail version:

• 2 oz Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice 
• 2 oz Ginger beer
• 1 Egg white 
• Garish- dried lime slice and burnt rosemary

Instructions:

• Shake grapefruit juice, egg white and vodka over ice. 
• Pour over ice 
• Add garnish

We’re in the double digits now...Episode 10! Just in time to for a new beginning. Paris announces her full commitment to sobriety and we’ve decided to add a twist to keep the podcast even more interesting. We now have a mocktail version of our creative cocktails. So if you are not a big drinker you can still partake in the festivities. The future is shining bright and we don’t want tan-lines...or do we? Tan-lines gives the perception that we tanned in the sun, but  they don’t look good in reality. Join us as we break it down a little deeper discuss perception vs reality.

No Tan-Lines Recipe:

Nectarine Purée
1 nectarine
1 tsp of lemon juice
1 tbsp of sugar
A dash of water to loosen

Peel and core nectarine and combine with lemon juice and sugar. Blend until smooth and strain.

Cocktail:
1 shot of nectarine purée
Prosecco
Garnish: peach slice

Mocktail:
1 shot of nectarine purée
Club Soda
Garnish: peach slice

In a champagne flute or glass, pour in the purée and top with Prosecco or Club Soda. Add garnish.

Fine like wine on Episode 9! We got creative with fig and discuss how we've figured our way out of tough situations. If you're feeling like you are in a space where you need to come up with some solutions, vibe with us on this episode. From car repossessions to home repairs, you never know how your challenges may help fuel your championships. Drink along with us and FIGure it out :)

Recipe
2 oz lemon elderflower soda
1 oz Toki (Japanese Whisky)
A heaping teaspoon of Fig Puree


Fig Puree Recipe
1. Figs - cut into fourths
2. Add to pot and cover with water & sugar
3. Boil figs down until soft (stir regularly)
4. Blend into puree

It's National Absinthe Day! You know what they say about absinthe?! Or do you? Our latest drink, No Doz, has absinthe in it and the conversation is just as powerful as the spirit. Paris also discusses her new found sobriety. Wait...is this the end of Bando Bevs? Hallucinate with us in Episode 8 and lets make our dreams a reality.

No Doz
1 oz Tanqueray
1 oz Grand Marnier
1 oz Lillet Blanc
1 oz lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of absinthe

It's our "Jesus Year" and of course we're drinking Jesus Juice. What does "Jesus Year" actually mean? Sip with us as we discover our passion and purpose.

Jesus Juice Recipe:

• 2 oz. Rum
• 1 oz. Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz. Simple Syrup
• Splash of Prosecco

We're back with episode 6! This episode we discuss challenges - the ones we set for ourselves and the ones life presents us. Join us as we put a twist on a classic cocktail and switch up the drink name at the end of the conversation.

Know Yourself, Lumberjane
Recipe:
2 oz. Japanese Whisky
1 oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Lemon Juice
1 egg white
3 blackberries (as garnish)

Episode 5! 

We're back again. Episode 5 means that we are consistent! This episode we are discussing the powers of the yellow sapphire and how we rank them. Of course the conversation gets deeper as we converse. 

Join us with a drink!

Yellow Sapphire Recipe:
2oz Tanqueray
1/2oz Lillet Blanc
Shake over ice

Add:
2oz simply lemonade
2oz San Pelegrino
Splash of simple syrup

Welcoming in 2019!

Finding ways to bring a piece of home back to DC. Natasha isn't feeling too well so we were able to take a traditional Hot Tottie and flip it. Whenever you are feeling under the weather try making this!

Home Sick Recipe:

• 3 cups boiling water (to steep tea)
• 3 rose & hibiscus tea bags
• 6oz pink gin 
• 1 tsp raw honey 
• 1 juiced meyer lemon
• Dash of turmeric and dried hibiscus leaves to garnish

Remember when Popeye ate spinach and turned into a super human?...well you can too! Episode 3 is packed with gems that will help you develop your inner super human. Our drink is Popeye's Secret. Find out why!

Recipe:

• 3 oz Hennessy White
• 2 oz of Green Juice
• Splash of Ginger Beer
  
  

We're back with Episode 2! 

This time we have 'The Remedy' for your week!

Recipe:

• 1/3 cup muddled pomegranate seeds (optional: reserve seeds to add to the drink)
• 1oz simple syrup 
• 4oz whiskey
• 4oz ACV & honey drink

Episode #1

Natasha and Paris breakdown their crafted cocktail, Royal Sins...and discuss some of their biggest sins. Sip something and join the conversation. 

Want to make Royal Sins at home? Here's the recipe:

Royal Sins:
6oz Gin
3oz Vanilla Brown Sugar Simple Sugar (1cup water, 1cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla)
2oz part lemon juice 
6oz sparking water
1/4 tsp grated fresh ginger 
Splash of Lavender Elixir (https://drinkyourflowers.com/shop-flower-syrups/lavender-elixir) or craft your own!

Bando Bevs.