Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Love & Drunken Popcorn



A blessed Tuesday to all!

Five months into COVID-19, and many of us have the case of cabin fever and are really itching to eventually get back to our normal lives. I am slowly recovering from a knee injury. I am taking CBD/CBG oil for my physical pain, but now, I really gotta have something to lift me up spiritually (no pun intended). 

What do you get when you mash up booze and popcorn? The best guilty pleasure there is! I know this sounds way out of left field, but hear me out on this one!

Going through my social media outlets, I happened to stumble upon Drunken Popcorn LLC, a Black owned startup. I have heard great buzz about this unique twist on this movie theater staple, so I decided to get to know this pillar of the community. In fact, let us all get to know this pillar of the community; here is my conversation with founder Nikki Bane:


BCT: When and how did Drunken Popcorn LLC get started?

Nikki:  Drunken Popcorn was created in October 2018, a friend of mine helped me come up with the concept of alcohol coated popcorn. I gave it a name, perfected my recipe and branded my business Drunken Popcorn LLC as of 12/24/2018.

BCT: What inspired you to start this business?

Nikki: That’s an easy question, my children. I have 2 kids, and my son has autism. Everything I do in my life is for them.  

BCT: What is your most popular flavor?

Nikki: Brown Sugar Baby is my most popular flavor it’s made with Cognac. Apple Sizzle is the second favorite it’s made with Whiskey.  

BCT: Do you currently sell in stores?

Nikki: No I don’t sell in stores, online only for now. 

BCT: You currently infuse your fruit flavored popcorn with vodka, tequila, whiskey, cognac, pink moscato, as well as beer. Do you plan on adding more flavors and more liquor to your line?

Nikki: Drunken Popcorn starts with a sweet glaze that embodies the taste and aroma of your favorite alcoholic beverages. The glaze is then coated over air popped popcorn. I do plan to add more flavors/alcohol options... I’m thinking mixed drinks (cocktails).  

BCT: You also offer vegan/gluten free options?

Nikki: Yes I do, every flavor comes in vegan/ gluten free. 

BCT: I know this is weird, but this popcorn contains alcohol. Will we get intoxicated from eating it?

Nikki: I get this a lot lol... My product does contain alcohol, most of what makes you intoxicated cooks off and you’re left with the true flavors of the alcohol. 

BCT: As with all alcoholic beverages, is there a minimum age requirement to purchase or consume?

Nikki: Absolutely, you have to be 21 to drink alcohol so you have to be 21 to purchase.

BCT: Has Drunken Popcorn LLC made appearances at special events?

Nikki:  I have not as of yet (was close before Covid-19). DrunkenPopcorn LLC is a small business trying to find its way to the top. 

BCT: Will you introduce more snacks to your line in the future?

Nikki: Yes, I do plan to add more snacks in the future. I have big plans.

BCT: What are plans for the future of Drunken Popcorn LLC?

Nikki: God willing I plan to have several locations of Drunken Popcorn LLC across the world. I hope to one day see Drunken Popcorn in stadiums (I can customize the colors to match any event using any alcohol). I also hope to work with breweries and distilleries. I make Drunken Popcorn with beer and I would like to offer them a speciality product made with their in-house brews that you would only be able to get from them. 

BCT: Is there anything else that Cincinnati should know about Drunken Popcorn LLC?

Nikki: I'm a single black mom with two children. My son has autism, and I'm creating generational wealth for my family. Nothing is going to stop me now!


Though the most popular flavors are Brown Sugar Baby and Apple Sizzle,  I decided to go off the beaten path and have Mango Meet Up, made with vodka. Believe me, this. does. not. disappoint. The flavors are three-dimensional, and you actually experience the well rounded flavors of the mango and the vodka....without the hangover. 

That being said, I'm going to go and finish basking in this greatness, but Drunken Popcorn LLC is a force to be reckoned with, and I want you to experience this awesomeness for yourself!

Please show your love and DM or email your order to DrunkenPopcornllc@gmail.com. Kudos to Nikki and her staff for putting love and commitment into this brand and into this community!











Monday, August 3, 2020

There Shall Be Glory After This!



Light photo created by wirestock - www.freepik.com


Well...These past three months have been a roller coaster ride! This past May, I suffered a knee dislocation and have been building myself up slowly so I can get back to exploring Cincinnati just like everyone else. 

With the ongoing racial unrest and the wrath of COVID-19 in our lives, we are living a new normal. We miss the warm embrace of our loved ones, and all the parties, sporting events, and family activities that we have been taking for granted have now become a luxury to us, for the time being. Things are uncomfortable right now, but this is only for a season. A cure will eventually be found, we will get back to the lives that we knew before, and all will be well. 

I want to continue to educate, inspire and encourage you by sharing Cincinnati's Black heritage, and hope that you will continue to stay on this ride with me.

In the meantime, if you want something to do during this time of social distancing (funny feeling that this will be the Merriam-Webster Dictionary's Word of the Year) and to help us understand Cincinnati's history of race relations, read last year's post on Fountain Square.

Remenber, THERE SHALL BE GLORY AFTER THIS!