Local mixology is evolving beyond hotels and into community-driven spaces, highlighting cocktails that are rooted in Bahamian identity while being presented in a modern way. Derrick Blackmon will highlight four of his creative cocktails during the 5th Annual Taste & Tell Food Expo.
He will present Sensational – a tamarind-based cocktail with a Blanco Tequila base; Duff in a Cup – a cinnamon-infused gold rum offering that tastes true to its namesake; Conch-tail – a gin-based cocktail inspired by the flavors of Bahamian conch salad, translating citrus, spice, and freshness into an interactive drinking experience that connects food and beverage culture; and Cloud 9, a modern, dairy-free take on the traditional Sky Juice in which he replaces condensed milk with fresh soursop while maintaining its signature character in a lighter, more refreshing form.
All beverages he showcases during the Taste & Tell Food Expo at the Western Esplanade on Saturday, April 25, he said will be offered in alcohol and non-alcohol versions.
“This year, I’ll be participating as a vendor at the Taste & Tell Food Expo, and I’m using the opportunity not just to serve drinks, but to showcase Bahamian cocktail culture through a curated experience,” said Blackmon, proprietor of Dreamcocktailz. He assists with anything beverage related, from training to events, brand activation and menu development.
“My expectation is that everyone comes in to Taste & Tell with an open mind on trying what our drink culture has to offer and how we use local ingredients day to day.”
In conceptualizing the beverages, the mixologist said he wanted to step outside the box and try something different.
“It’s about making adjustments, and I selected these four drinks from my portfolio because they honor the drink culture and show refinement on how we can make adjustments with our culture,” he said. “With mixology it’s about recreating cocktails and transforming food into liquids and vice versa.”
Taste & Tell Food Expo a Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) flagship event, will be held between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
In its fifth year, BAIC officials said the event has evolved into the largest food processing showcase in the country, bringing together local entrepreneurs, agro-processors, chefs, and food enthusiasts for an immersive celebration of Bahamian creativity and industry.
And that Taste & Tell continues to play a vital role in promoting food security, entrepreneurship and economic diversification by providing a platform for small-and-medium sized businesses to showcase products, build brand awareness and connect directly with consumers and potential investors.
Patrons will enjoy an exciting mix of live cooking demonstrations, cooking competitions, eating contests with prizes, a vibrant kiddie’s corner, live musical performances, and an expansive display of locally-made products and innovations that highlight the richness and diversity of Bahamian cuisine and enterprise.
BAIC officials said this year’s event promises an even more engaging and interactive experience with enhanced and new opportunities for the public to sample, support and celebrate authentic Bahamian goods.
Troy Sampson, BAIC general manager said Taste & Tell is more than just a food expo. He said it as a celebration of Bahamian creativity, resilience, and enterprise.
“This fifth staging is a powerful reminder that our local industries are thriving as BAIC continues to support and elevate Bahamian producers to compete on any stage,” said Sampson.
Tonjia Burrows, project manager said the fifth installment of Taste & Tell promises an even more engaging experience for families, food lovers and entrepreneurs. Admission is free.
Last year, Blackmon worked along with Tourism Development Center and traveled to the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE) where he showcased two cocktails – local Goombay Smash and Cloud 9.
He is a two-time Mount Gay Rum Bahamas winner who parlayed those wins into victories in Barbados, including winning a trip to London’s rum fest. He is a two-time Taste of the Caribbean team member, where he won bronze and silver medals in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food and beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase.
He was also the winner of the 2017 Bartistry Bahamas Competition
The multi-competition mixologist winner’s history with beverages is an interesting one. He previously told The Nassau Guardian that he never saw himself as a mixologist or bartending as career. He had initially wanted to get into computers.
Blackmon worked at Ocean Club, fresh out of high school, as a bar back. He said bartender Allan Smith showed him what to do and what not to do. And in a business where sometimes colleagues didn’t come to work, he would step up to the plate. He eventually got promoted to bartender. The rest is history.
