Sycamore Brewing, a family-owned brewery in Charlotte, North Carolina, wants to help you get back on the road again. And it's here to help you do just that with its new contest giving away one seriously outfitted Airstream.

The award-winning craft brewery, owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Justin and Sarah Brigham, is celebrating its Mountain Candy IPA. To do that, the duo is giving away an incredible Airstream to one lucky fan, follower, or newcomer to their business.

From now through Oct. 16, participants 21 years of age or older can enter by submitting a short video of themselves with any Sycamore Brewing beer on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, using the hashtag #CandyCamperContest.

The winner will receive the fully branded Mountain Candy camper Airstream so they can venture around the nation in style. Inside, the trailer comes with a small bedroom to snooze in, a kitchenette for cooking, and a booth table so the winner can dine or work from anywhere as a true digital nomad.

The winner will also get a camping hammock so they can find comfort wherever they go, a custom longboard skateboard to cruise in new locations, and a Sycamore mini-fridge to keep their drinks crisp no matter where they head next.

Ready to win? The company says it's looking for videos that show "pranks, tricks, dancing, style, home videos, dad videos, surfing, standup, makeup tutorials, adventure, random, creative sip, fail, workout, trending challenges, snowboarding, sports, dogs, shotgunning, lip-synching, visual effects," or basically anything epic.

Want to see it in person before attempting to win it? The company is taking the camper on the road for a mini tour of the southeast, stopping in at various locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virgina throughout the month of July. Check out the company's website for tour details, and competition rules, here. Then, if you win, read our story on the 24 most scenic places to camp around the nation for more inspiration.

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We have a unique way in which we communicate with each other in the Black community. It's an interpersonal experience that happens among neighbors, distant cousins, and longtime friends. We often need to see each other, laugh, bond, and embrace over things like food. That's where the Cookout comes in. It's a joyous event that celebrates our advancements, growth, and kinship. An integral part of how the Cookout executes is through the music, traditions, and cuisine. Black American cuisine is often associated with Southern comfort food because of colonial slavery and the antebellum era. And the Cookout is dependent on these traditions and history that feed it so that it survives. In turn, it creates a powerful environment that is unanimous for all Black folks.   

The History of the Cookout in Black America

Although some may see it as a loosely traditional event, the Cookout has survived through generations of Black matriarchs that kept it alive. Big Mama, Nana, or Madea are the glue that hold the community and this ancestral practice together. Generally, the elders have full seniority at these events. They provide wisdom, spontaneity, and leadership among all the participants. It is widely known in Black culture that the Cookout is a safe space, specifically for acceptance. Many Black Americans bring friends and mates to Cookouts for guidance and approval from their family and peers. It's always lighthearted fun, and real judgment is not a deciding factor, but it remains a running joke in the community.  

Food is an Imperative Element of Tradition

Food is an integral part of the Cookout and Black American experience. The history of colonial chattel slavery influences what we eat today at these events, seeing as food was used as a means of capital for the enslaved. Through cooking, enslaved Black people could survive because they often rationed their food according to accessibility. Corn was one of the bases for their diet because it was more forgiving on less-fertile land. It could be eaten more frequently and turned into different foods like hoecakes, ash-cakes, spoonbread, corn pone, and cornbread. Slaves also consumed pork because it was cheap for plantation owners to acquire, and one pig could feed many. Still, pork remains a staple in soul food today. Many Black people consume chitlins, leafy greens with pork, and grilled or smoked meats like hot dogs and ribs. Prayer with linked hands is always conducted before we eat. The matriarch or an elder will bless the food, or anyone attending can say the prayer. Food is consumed according to age, with the youngest and the elders first and everyone else last.

From Music to Clothing, Other Traditions Set the Cookout Apart

Cookouts can take place any time of the year as long as it's warm. They can be in lot spaces in public areas or backyards, depending on how many people attend. Traditionally, the type of music is an indication of a great Cookout. Music is so crucial in Black culture. It celebrates our voice in song and ensures what we feel and believe. Cookouts usually feature legendary Black musicians of the past. For instance, Frankie Beverly and Maze's "Before I Let Go" is a song beloved by the community because of its message and celebration of Black culture. Some have dubbed it the Black national anthem next to James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Every Voice and Sing". In 2019, Beyoncé covered "Before I Let Go" during her set at Coachella and added it to the set's live album. You'll also always see line dancing at the Cookout. There are different types of regional dances, and some don't have official names, but everyone seems to know them. 

Clothing is sometimes altered at cookouts as well. Some families opt for matching T-shirts with a design or the family name. The consensus is to come with clothes that are okay to get dirty because of the activities and competitions. We often partake in foot races, sack races, basketball, and football. At night, you'll occasionally see fireworks. At the end, family members disperse the leftovers amongst themselves. It's encouraged to take leftovers so that everyone gets enough food. 

Whether fall or spring, rain or shine, attending the Cookout for Black folks is a rite of passage; it comes in many forms like family reunions and barbeques because it is a sacred event. It promotes kinship, recognizes our history, and celebrates life and years beyond our assembly. It's an opportunity to reconnect with families near and far, a practice that is commonplace for Black Americans in the south – its roots run deep. The cuisine and customs are derivative of enslaved conditions in the Antebellum South. It's an event in Black culture that can happen annually or multiple times a year, and a gathering to celebrate familial traditions, customs, and good fortune in the community. When we're all together, everything is alright because we have each other.

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On its own, The Langham, New York is already a swoon-worthy hotel, but just wait until you see what's hiding behind the door in room 1101.

Located on Fifth Avenue, The Langham has long welcomed discerning guests looking to check into chic rooms overlooking the city's skyline. However, the hotel wants to make sure both guests and day visitors alike can take in the view from the absolute best vantage point. And that's where the Sky Terrace comes in.

The only way to visit the Sky Terrace, an outdoor off-shoot of its Michelin-starred restaurant, Ai Fiori, is by checking in at the main restaurant on the hotel's 2nd floor. From there, you'll get a room key that takes you up the elevator to the 11th floor. Then, you simply use it to open room 1101 and enter the oasis.

"Just in time for New York City to re-open as a tourism destination, the Sky Terrace is a unique experience available to both hotel guests and local diners that showcases two of the best features of our hotel – our spacious guest rooms and our unparalleled city views," the hotel's managing director, Richard Bussiere, shared with Travel + Leisure. "We have been partners with Ai Fiori since we opened The Langham. This extension of our partnership is a very exciting one and one that I think everyone is going to love."

Beyond the views overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Empire State Building, the restaurant also offers up luxurious bites from Chef Lauren DeSteno, including a summertime version of lasagna. Guests are encouraged to stay for dessert and try pastry chef Rachel Pancho's semi-freddo popsicles, and as many summer-themed cocktails as they'd like.

And, for those who don't want the fun to end, the hotel even added an overnight stay at The Langham to the restaurant menu. Diners who choose this option will be directed to the hotel's guest services team who will confirm a rate, present the diner with a key, and a Langham Pink overnight kit, which includes a toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving kit, comb, and a #LovingLangham sleep mask.

See more about the restaurant and hotel stay here.

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Dante, the beloved New York City-based bar, is taking its show on the road.

In June, the bar announced its plans to serve its award-winning cocktails at Aspen's acclaimed Chefs Club at The St. Regis Aspen Resort for a year-long residency staring June 17.

"The Chefs Club in Aspen has served as a home to some of the world's best celebrated culinary icons, and we're honored to join the long list of award-winning establishments to take over residency," Linden Pride, principal of Dante, says. "The Aspen community has been incredibly welcoming to us this past season, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to expand our presence in town and to continue providing the Dante experience to the local community."

In case you're unfamiliar, Dante was named the World's Best Bar in 2019 by World's 50 Best thanks to its creative cocktails and European-inspired fare. Chefs Club also has some serious accolades, as Time Magazine named it one of the 100 Best Restaurants in the country.

"Dante has made a huge impression in Aspen already, and we are excited to continue the momentum by extending their residence and hosting the legendary restaurant at Chefs Club this summer," Heather Steenge-Hart, the area general manager of Luxury Mountain Properties-Western Region, shares. "The St. Regis Aspen Resort is defined by exceptional culinary experiences and we are always craving more ways to entice both guests and locals alike. Dante is a seamless fit to continue the legacy of sophisticated, five-star dining at our property."

On the menu, guests can enjoy extensive indoor and outdoor dining options for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

According to the two brands, the Morning Revival menu will center around "health-conscious Australian brunch dishes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, along with signature Dante cocktails like their raspberry bellini, bloody mary, shakerato, breakfast martini and more."

The All-Day menu, it says, "focuses on simple, produce-driven dishes with Coastal Italian influence that celebrate seasonal, healthy eating." Menu items include carciofi fritti, battuta di manzo, and sogliola.

Of course, the cocktail programming will be on point and feature a selection of Dante's award-winning cocktails, focusing on variations of the spritz, negroni, and martini.

Plan a visit to the Dante Aspen at Chefs Club at 315 E. Dean St., Aspen, CO. The bar will be open Monday – Friday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Lunch) and 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. (Dinner), with an Aperitivo Hour ($10 Negronis and select cocktails) from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Brunch) and 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. (Dinner). Reservations are available through Resy.

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Puerto Rico is not only known for its stunning beaches and upbeat music — we also put that vibrant energy and color into our food. Much like our history, our cuisine is diverse: West Africa, the U.S., and indigenous Taino all come together at the Puerto Rican table. You can expect rice and pork from the Spaniards, plantains from West Africa, spam and Vienna sausages from the U.S., and yuca from our Taino ancestors. 

Though there's no shortage of delicious food to fuel up on while on the island, we put together a list of six traditional dishes and ingredients to eat on your next trip to Puerto Rico.

Gandules

Gandules (pigeon peas) are the protagonist in arroz con gandules, one of the best-known rice dishes in Puerto Rico. A classic side, arroz con gandules is typically served with lechón (roasted pork), and you can find it at almost any Puerto Rican restaurant. However, there are more creative ways to have it. Gandules guisados (stewed pigeon peas) with green plantain dumplings, for example, is a countryside favorite. Risotto de gandules has also become a popular dish — you can find it at Wilo Eatery & Bar in Guaynabo. The creamy rice topped with crispy chicharrones (pork rinds) is a must. 

Pasteles

If you're in Puerto Rico during the holidays, you're in luck. Puerto Ricans love a good party, and we have the most extended holiday season in the world, beginning on Thanksgiving and ending in mid-January. A quintessential holiday dish, pasteles are made with a masa of root vegetables and green bananas, filled with stewed meat, and wrapped in a banana leaf. Top it off with locally made hot sauce (a.k.a. pique) for that extra kick. (I love the hot tamarind sauce from Artesania Gourmet, but you can find it at most local supermarkets. It also makes for a perfect souvenir.) For a taste of the dish all year round, head to Casa Vieja in Ciales and order their famous deconstructed pastel al caldero.

Ensalada de Pulpo

Being from the southern coast of Puerto Rico, I grew up on ensalada de pulpo (octopus salad). Chewy octopus with tart vinegar and a side of crispy tostones (fried plantains) is the perfect beachside treat. This refreshing dish, made with cooked octopus, onions, olives, olive oil, and vinegar, is a mainstay at every seafood restaurant on the island. And one of my favorites can be had at El Dorado in Salinas. 

Passion Fruit, Mango, and Papayas

With average temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Puerto Rico is a hotbed for tropical fruit — coconut, mango, papaya, guava, and passion fruit, to name a few. And these bold-flavored fruits often make their way onto the island's menus, too. Try the passion fruit pie at Lulo's Sweet & Savory in Santurce. And down south, in my hometown of Guayama, chef Angel David Moreno makes mango marmalade for his new restaurant, El Gallo Pinto. 

Mofongo 

No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without sampling mofongo, one of the destination's most popular dishes. What I love about mofongo is its versatility. With fried plantains as its star, it can be served as a side or a main dish. You can have it vegan, or opt for a serving of carne frita (fried pork meat). Enjoy your mofongo with a view at Casa Bavaria, a German-Puerto Rican restaurant in the mountainous town of Morovis. I love the Jägerschnitzel mofongo, which is topped with creamy German-style pork and mushroom sauce. 

Tembleque

For those with a sweet tooth, add tembleque (coconut milk custard) to your list. When I arrive midday in Puerto Rico, I head straight to a panadería (bakery) and indulge in a medianoche sandwich and dessert — one of my favorites is tembleque. Tembleque (which means to shake) is a coconut dessert that's usually topped with coconut flakes and cinnamon, and bakeries like La Ceiba in San Juan always have them for sale.

Jessica van Dop DeJesus is a travel content creator, founder of the popular foodie travel website The Dining Traveler, and the author of the coffee table book "The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico." You can find her cooking videos on YouTube at The Dining Traveler Cooking Series.

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Walt Disney Studios is bringing dishes inspired by its upcoming film "Luca" to life in its latest collaboration with Blue Apron.

The film — premiering on June 18 on Disney+ — is about a young boy's incredible summer on the beautiful Italian Riviera and will be celebrated by the meal kit delivery service with curated recipes reflecting the local cuisine.

Simple enough for cooks of any age, the Blue Apron meal kits are the perfect way to enjoy some Italian-inspired family time. They're currently available to order, with two and four serving options, and will be delivered closer to the film's premiere date.

Starting at $7.49 per serving, options include a Dijon-roasted trout and potatoes with an arugula salad and honey-olive vinaigrette, Calabrian honey pork chops with roasted vegetables and almonds, and oregano chicken and orzo with fresh tomato sauce, spinach, and feta.

Blue Apron's recipe options change on a weekly basis.

Add-ons are also available to enhance any meal, with delicious options for sides and appetizers like ricotta crostini, herby garlic bread, and more. Like other Blue Apron kits, these recipes come complete with all the fresh ingredients needed and the instructions to make the perfect plate.

Disney previously collaborated with Blue Apron in December, with recipes inspired by Pixar's "Soul," with meals like "Cool Cajun Lettuce Cups" and "Tempo Turkey Sloppy Joes."  

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Whisky drinking is on a definite upswing, in case you haven't noticed yet. You're excused if that's the case, since we haven't been able to frequent our favorite bars lately — but that's finally changing.

Data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) shows that revenues from the production and sale of bourbon — "America's native spirit," as they refer to it — have grown substantially over the past few years. Rye, Irish whiskey, and Scotch have also been getting more attention.

As it is with food, wine, fashion, and wherever personal taste is involved, there may not be just one best method of imbibing. With a variety of ways to enjoy distilled spirits, your tastes and preferences may evolve or you might choose your whisky drinking style based on the occasion.

Travel + Leisure spoke to an expert on the topic of a growing interest in whisky, bar supervisor and tobacconist ("barkeep" is fine with him too) Russell Greene at Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona, who brings years of experience to his role at the resort's Bar 1896.

"I thought it was going to die out after a few years, but our culture has truly embraced whisky and brought it back to its original home," he said. "Now I have people of all ages eyeing the whisky shelves, and distilleries are popping up all over the place."

We spoke about how he usually serves whisky and any trends he's noticing. "Younger drinkers request cocktails more often than not, and the 40 and up crowd tend towards whisky neat or on the rocks," Greene said. "Plenty of younger guests will get whiskies, but I feel there are fewer due to the time it takes to develop an appreciative palate for whisky and spirits in general."

The most widely requested whisky cocktails are the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, according to several sources, including Greene. "Everyone loves an Old Fashioned," he told T+L, "It's by far the best seller here." Both classic cocktails highlight the whisky with minimal additional ingredients.

From there, whisky (or whiskey — we'll get to that in a bit) can be enjoyed "neat," which is without any mixer or ice. Neat whisky is usually a two-ounce serving at room temperature in a lowball glass. Many aficionados will add a few drops of water which enhances the aromas and softens the finish.

Drinking whisky "on the rocks" means with ice, of course, and frozen water is having its day. Large, clear ice cubes or hefty spheres are appearing in whisky glasses, appreciated for their looks as well as their slower melting, and less diluting, qualities. While a bit of flavor on the palate might be sacrificed when whisky is cold, the chill takes away some of the harsh edge.

Either way, sipping slowly is the way to enjoy whisky, which is a spirit made from grain which has been mashed, fermented, distilled, and usually aged. Bourbon is made from corn, Scotch from barley, and Rye whiskey from rye grain. Aging takes place in oak barrels that have been toasted or charred.

A few rules, and even legalities, define whisky. Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, and it's made in the United States (mostly Kentucky) and aged in charred oak barrels. Tennessee whiskey is bourbon filtered through charcoal. Scotch whisky must be made in Scotland, and single malt Scotch must be made from 100% malted barley. And Canadian whisky (also no "e") must contain barley, corn, wheat, and rye and be aged in separate barrels. The spelling differences between whiskey and whisky are based on geography as well as what goes into the spirit.

Along with the interest in sipping whisky (and whiskey), distillery travel has grown in popularity. Vacationers are visiting the places where their favorite brands are produced and taking tours to see how it's done — with post-tour tastings, of course. The distillery atmosphere and equipment are fascinating, whether it's a modern new facility or a vintage distillery in Scotland or Ireland.

Imagine a trip to the Scottish Highlands inspired by a "wee dram" of Scotch whisky or a vacation along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that features not only distilleries, but also camping, RV sites, bike paths, golf courses, restaurants, and natural wonders. The renaissance of Irish whiskey has led to a number of new distilleries around Ireland, another lovely tour and sip destination.

Back to whiskey drinking for a few last ideas. Glassware makes a difference, as it does with wine, champagne, and cocktails. "For whisky neat, I have always loved the Riedel Single Malt glass — super fine crystal, clean lip, noses properly," Greene said. "For on the rocks, a large tumbler is my go-to, something sturdy and heavy, with a nice lip."

Fans claim that cigars and whiskey are a perfect match, consumed together slowly along with a picturesque outdoor view and friendly company. Pairings are based on the flavors and intensities of both, and planning can be as thoughtful as matching the perfect wine with each dinner course. At some restaurants and resorts, a tobacconist like Greene is there to offer suggestions.

So, after all, it's up to you to discover the best way to drink whisky, and we hope a few of our ideas will send you in the right direction.

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Get out your tongs, gather your marinades, and tie your apron on: It's almost grilling season. And Omaha Steaks is here to celebrate.

In May, Omaha Steaks announced it's going big this grilling season, and it all begins with a once-in-a-lifetime weekend getaway for meat-lovers with a "Staycation turned Steakation."

In June, the company will provide one steak-loving guest (and three of their friends or family members) the chance to stay in its "steak-a-delic loft" in the heart of the Old Market neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska, which comes covered in the best grilling decor. From the loft's bedding to the butcher block, it's got it all, including a custom steak-celebrating mural by renowned Midwest artist James Mosher. Oh, and of course it comes stocked with plenty of delicious steaks, too.

"Collectively we missed out on a lot of gatherings with family and friends last year. As Americans resume summer gatherings and get the itch to travel, we wanted to bring people together over a really fun and memorable experience," Todd Simon, Omaha Steaks chairman and CEO, shared in a statement. "Our Steakation is the perfect way to share our love for what we do best: steak. We can't wait to host our guests, showing them all that our hometown has to offer."

Beyond getting to stay in the loft, the special guests will also enjoy a weekend's worth of delicious meals, including dinner for four prepared by Omaha Steaks' culinary team, along with an opportunity to choose either a virtual grilling class, tickets to a local attraction, or a dining experience.

Oh, and the best part? upon returning home from their Steakaction, the guests will also receive quarterly steak boxes for an entire year.

"Nothing says summer vacation better than a great steak and a cold drink," Omaha Steaks executive chef David Rose, said. "Omaha Steaks knows how to craft the perfect cut of meat – from filet mignon to New York strip to ribeye and everything in between. Their business is to deliver high quality, naturally aged beef to every corner of America, making them the perfect choice to have a Steakation of your very own this summer."

For your opportunity to experience this "rare" steakation, visit OmahaSteakation.com from May 20 through June 3, 2021, and enter your information for consideration. One winner will be chosen at random. The one-time stay will take place over two nights, with guests checking in Friday, June 18, and departing Sunday, June 20, 2021.

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Yes, it really is time to get excited about travel again — and Milagro Tequila is here to help.

In May, the tequila company announced its new summer-long social media campaign, #MilagroMondays, which offers fans and followers a "much-needed break" from their regular routine. Throughout the summer season, the brand will not only re-share fan content using the hashtag, but it also plans to launch at least three activations, starting with a much-needed travel giveaway.

"We know our consumers are eager to break out of the routine from the past year and enjoy new experiences. So, that's what we're aiming to do! Disrupt the mundane with surprise-and-delight moments that give folks a renewed sense of energy and optimism for the week ahead," Jill Palais, senior brand manager of Milagro Tequila, shared about both the giveaway and the new activations. "One of the easiest ways to do that is to transport someone to a dreamy location so they actually start their week with an entirely different view — in this case, a gorgeous beach view."

From now through June 8, travelers can enter Milagro Tequila's five-day getaway experience to Tulum, Mexico. For the trip, two lucky winners and their guests will be whisked away via a first-class flight to a surprise hotel experience in Tulum, where all their meals and various activities will be taken care of. Experiences include a private bartended evening, yoga classes, beach excursions, a jungle art walk tour, a visit to the nearby Mayan ruins, and more.

"After a year where many of us were trapped in our homes, we thought, 'what's a dream destination that's easily accessible, supports a 'work-from-anywhere' set-up, and offers a perfect balance of rest and adventure,'" Jaime Salas, Milagro Tequila national ambassador, shared about the brand's love for the idyllic town. "Tulum is the ideal blend — a coastline town that embodies a magical essence of escape with a bit of something for everyone. Of course, we also want to showcase our brand home of Mexico and highlight some of our favorite things including incredible food and drink through the itinerary so winners get to fully appreciate this incredible locale."

To enter, fans simply have to post a photo or video to their personal Instagram account of what makes them dread Mondays the most (basically anything they'd love to escape from for a few days and be in Tulum instead). Then, just tag @MilagroTequila in the post and use the hashtags #MilagroMondays and #entry. The winner will be selected from a randomized drawing and informed of winning via social, so make sure to keep those DMs open. (See all the rules and fine print of entry here.)

Don't worry if you don't win. Not only will Milagro Tequila be hosting more activations throughout the summer on its Instagram account, @MilagroTequila, but, Salas was also kind enough to share his go-to summer cocktail so you can start celebrating #MilagroMondays at home any day of the week. Check out the recipe below and don't forget to share a toast on social media.

Milagro Paloma Select Recipe

• 1 1/2 parts Milagro Select Silver
• ½ part agave nectar
• 1 part pink grapefruit juice
• ½ part fresh lime juice
• 3 parts sparkling water
• 1 pink grapefruit wedge

Method: Pour all ingredients, except sparkling water, into a Boston shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with speared grapefruit wedge.

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Carolyn Kim wants to share a drink with you. But not just any drink. She wants to share her own extremely special brew.

Kim, a lawyer, mom, and Korean American woman, wanted to bring a taste of her heritage mixed with a splash of her home state of New York to the masses. So, she blended it all together to create Yobo Soju, a traditional liquor from Korea with an unexpected twist.

"Soju is the liquor of Korea. It is a clear, neutral spirit that is usually under 25% alcohol," Kim told Travel + Leisure via email. "Traditionally, soju is made from rice, but these days, you see a lot more using other grains, starches, and a mix of base ingredients."

After indulging in the Korean food scene in New York, Kim says she found herself inspired by local chefs taking Korean food to new levels and felt compelled to create a drink to match. A drink that also happens to be naturally free of gluten, sugar, preservatives, additives, and is even keto friendly.

"They used traditional flavors and had their own unique vision and execution," she said of the chefs around her. "Inspired by the elegance and quality of their food, I saw an opportunity and a challenge to elevate soju to match what these chefs were doing in the kitchen."

What she created is a mix of old and new, bringing in a few traditional ingredients and blending it with sweet fruits for a new kick.

"As far as I know, Yobo is the only soju made from grapes, and maybe even fruit," she says. "Also, Yobo is made in the Finger Lakes region of New York at a craft distillery using locally sourced and sustainably farmed grapes. With grapes, I loved the potential for a delicate, floral soju."

While her product may not be entirely "traditional," Kim explains, it was born out of love for both her heritage and love for the feeling of sharing a good drink with good friends.

"Yobo is born from very fond memories with friends, drinking soju from green bottles in Koreatown and then getting a slice of pizza at 2 a.m. I like to think that Yobo is rooted in layers of Korean and American culture," she says. "My hope is that it contributes to the growing conversation of food and beverage culture."

It's also a drink that is helping serve a higher purpose in 2021. The company kicked off the year by donating funds to Rethink Food, an organization that supports restaurants and staff who may be struggling due to COVID-19, and even partners with community-based organizations to provide meals to those in need.

The company also serves as a testament to the power of women making moves in an industry historically dominated by men.

"Women owners are underrepresented in the U.S. spirits industry," Kim says. "Minority women, even more so. That being said, I've been fortunate to have worked with so many smart and supportive industry partners who are curious about soju and Yobo's story. One of our main challenges is that many consumers don't know what soju is. But we also see that as our biggest opportunity, redefining what soju means for anyone curious to explore soju with us."

The brand, and Kim, are also working hard to raise the profile of Asian American owners at a time when it's needed most.

"The violence against Asian Americans is heartbreaking and hits us on a very personal level," she says. "The message we have is to be visible, vocal, and intolerant of violence. As an Asian American brand, we want to play our part, to build up what it means to be Americans with Asian cultures and backstories worth sharing."

Kim adds, for those who feel compelled to get involved, there are different ways to support efforts to stop violence against Asian Americans, including donating your time and/or money to the organizations doing the work and to also put in the work to learn more about the issues, and stand up for Asian American communities and other communities of color.

And it could all begin by simply appreciating a taste of her creations. You can find Yobo Soju on apps and websites like Drizly.com and Wine.com for $36. As for how she likes it, Kim says, "I keep it simple. I pour it over ice or mix it with sparkling water and a splash of citrus."

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