Cocktail Monday: The ‘Nina Simone’
Nina Simone’s legacy has long been celebrated, and this Nina Simone-inspired coconut cocktail adds a flavorful tribute to her story. For years, I’ve been captivated by her music—the richness of her voice and the deep emotions in her lyrics.
Her songs about love, loss, and hope have resonated with me since 1994 when I first encountered her music. Over time, her powerful tunes, like Feeling Good, became personal anthems for me and even saved me from an embarrassing moment during a school event.
Discovering that Nina Simone had visited Lagos in December 1961 during Nigeria’s Independence celebrations brought a new depth to my admiration.
Alongside Babatunde Olantunji, Nina arrived for the AMSAC Arts Festival, an initiative by the American Society of African Culture to reconnect African Americans with their heritage through art and music.
This visit holds historical significance, captured in a March 1962 edition of Ebony magazine, which showcased Nina Simone among the talented performers who celebrated Nigeria’s new identity.
Fast forward to today, I created a special drink to honor this musical icon—the Nina Simone Coconut Cocktail.
It blends the sweetness of coconut candy with the warmth of vodka and the zest of ginger syrup. The combination reflects the complexity and richness of Nina’s life and music.
The Nina Simone-Inspired Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail’s base is made with coconut candy, a traditional Nigerian confection of fresh coconut and honey.
After weeks of infusing it in vodka, I mix in a light ginger syrup for balance.
Ingredients:
- Coconut candy
- Vodka
- Fresh ginger syrup
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Place a coconut candy piece at the base of a glass.
- Add ice cubes.
- Pour the coconut candy-infused vodka over the ice.
- Garnish with a skewer of coconut candy on top.
Serving Tip:
Chomp on a piece of coconut candy, take a sip of the drink, and let the flavors transport you to Nina Simone’s world of soulful melodies.
Sing along, savor the moment, and enjoy the rich tribute.
This Nina Simone cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of a timeless artist. Cheers!