Lady Bee Mixology rings in fall with seasonal flair, soulful sips
Published:Thursday | October 30, 2025 | 12:06 AMNyoka Manning/Gleaner Writer
As the island eases into autumn, Lady Bee Mixology welcomes the season with its Autumn Menu – a collection of artfully crafted cocktails that reflect Jamaica’s crisp energy and cosy charm. Launched in early October, the new menu invites cocktail lovers to savour blends of earthy herbs, fresh fruits, and vibrant local ingredients that celebrate the island’s natural beauty. The line-up features six bold and refreshing creations, each capturing a different facet of the season.
There’s golden hour, with rich sorrel notes, juicy strawberries, fresh basil, and whiskey; peach heaven, where ripe peaches meet mint, lime and a bold pour of whiskey; and moonlight bloom, a sangria steeped in fruit tea, rosemary, and sweet red wine, finished with a velvety hint of blackberry brandy. The menu also introduces summer whisper, a soft, floral margarita kissed with orange blossom and lavender, along with two lemonade-inspired cocktails – sweet desire, a gin and lychee fusion with basil and elderflower, and lychee reverb, where vodka and ginger beer create a zesty echo that lingers long after the last sip.
For founder and mixologist Nadean Huxtable, this line-up is as much about evoking feeling as it is about flavour. “I want people to feel like they’re breathing in crisp mountain air, surrounded by radiant flowers and fresh herbs,” she says. “The collection is easy, breezy, and full of sharp, refreshing flavours that capture the spirit of autumn in a pouch.”
Huxtable says her inspiration came straight from nature. “The hills – that’s where the ideas come alive,” she laughs. “Being up in the mountains where it’s cool and the air is super fresh, I spent time looking at flowers and coming up with the menu. I want people to feel refreshed and at peace when tasting these cocktails.” Creativity, she adds, flows best outdoors. “I’m my most creative when I’m outside in nature. So I go outside as much as possible when coming up with my cocktail flavours. Then I torture my friends and family to try them,” she jokes. “I kid – they always look forward to the testing process.”
The new menu highlights the beauty of simplicity, combining herbs and fruits in ways that bring depth and warmth to every sip. “I love using herbs in my autumn cocktails because they capture the essence of the season,” Huxtable explains. “Herbs like rosemary, lavender, and basil add depth and aroma that remind you of mountain air and freshly harvested gardens. They bring a natural freshness that balances the richness of autumn flavours and creates an experience that feels both cosy and inviting.”
One cocktail from the line-up, sweet desire, is especially close to Huxtable’s heart. “It’s my favourite this season,” she shares. “I dedicated it to my dog, who passed away. She was such a sweet little lady with a bold attitude, so the basil represents her boldness, the lychee adds sweetness, and of course – she was classy, so it had to be a gin cocktail.” The result is an elegant fusion of emotion and artistry – a signature Lady Bee touch.
This new chapter marks Lady Bee Mixology’s fifth anniversary – a milestone for a brand that began as a pandemic pivot and has grown into one of Jamaica’s most beloved boutique cocktail names. “Reaching five years means everything to me,” Huxtable reflects. “I started Lady Bee during COVID, not knowing where it would go, and now it’s something I’m truly proud of – a symbol of resilience, creativity, and passion, especially as a woman carving her own path in mixology.”
The brand’s origin story is as inventive as its drinks. “Originally, I planned to open a mini bar,” she recalls. “But COVID came in and decided that wasn’t going to happen. Having a random talk with my fiancé, we decided to come up with adult Capri-Suns – so people could enjoy their cocktails on the go and during lockdown.” That clever idea became the cornerstone of Lady Bee Mixology, which is now recognised for its stylish, portable pouches and gourmet twists on classic cocktails.
Even the name Lady Bee carries meaning. “My mum and I came up with it because bees gather the best from flowers and fruits to make honey,” Huxtable explains. “Just like I mix fruits and herbs to create fresh, flavourful cocktails. And of course, I’m a lady, so Lady Bee felt like the perfect fit.”
Five years later, the buzz continues to grow. “It’s all about trying new things,” Huxtable says. “We’re expanding – new flavours, new locations, and soon, new products – but always staying true to what people love about Lady Bee: flavour, freshness, and fun.”