WITH an unwavering passion for crafting extraordinary drinks, Nadean Huxtable, the mastermind behind Lady Bee Mixology, has brought something new to the industry, and continues to make her mark. From the latest trends to timeless classics, she has perfected the art of mixology.

“This brand is a true COVID baby,” Huxtable joked, reminiscing on how Lady Bee was born. She originally envisioned opening a small boutique bar; however, her plans were drastically altered by the pandemic and like many, she was forced to pivot.

“It all began with a conversation between my boyfriend and I about why no one made Capri Sun for adults, and it snowballed from there!”

That conversation ignited the spark of creativity that would eventually lead to the birth of Lady Bee and the evolution of the brand. Customers can now pick up the conveniently packaged ‘adult bag juice’ at Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen, Butcher Block Barbican and S Foods. For direct orders, Huxtable accepts requests through the Lady Bee Instagram page and customers can pay instantly with Lynk.

What sets Lady Bee Mixology apart is the team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and experimenting with the authentic Jamaican flavours from locally grown fruits, herbs and spices.

“I came up with the name Lady Bee with my mum, likening the way bees collect pollen from different plants to create honey to the way I gather my different and unique ingredients to create delicious cocktail combinations. My goal is to give my customers a surprising twist on the classics that they know, love and always enjoy,” Huxtable shared.

The product is true to its local roots, avoiding the use of artificial flavouring and relying on the natural flavour and sweetness of the ingredients used to create wholesome and delightful concoctions. This has resulted in unique and surprising twists on classic cocktails, tantalising the taste buds of customers who seek an unforgettable cocktail experience with natural ingredients. Each sip delivers a delightful surprise, perfectly balancing familiarity with innovation.

Lady Bee Mixology has earned a devoted following with its array of captivating flavours – from corporate events, to the recently held KGN Kitchen, these bagged beverages are in demand. Crowd favourites like Just Peachy Passion, Tropical Grew Mojito, and Guava Sunset have remained staples on several of the brand’s seasonal menus along with newer items like the brand’s curated gourmet Hard Ciders. But with each passing season, Lady Bee innovates and unveils a new menu to ensure that there is always something fresh and exciting for her customers to indulge in.

A core value of Lady’s Bee’s philosophy is inclusivity and as part of the brand’s commitment to this important tenet, it has also recognised the need for mocktail options for children and non-drinkers. “No one should feel left out when it comes to enjoying a refreshing, delicious and unique beverage,” Huxtable shared. “Now, we make sure to always have mocktails, especially at our pop-up events. Surprisingly, these are often the first products to fly off the shelves. Our customers love how light and refreshing yet flavourful they are! The Spicy Mango Ginger Mocktail is definitely a crowd favourite, especially among the kids. It’s not really spicy, but the ginger gives it a nice kick!”

In a rapidly evolving industry, staying on top of the latest trends and innovations is crucial. As a leader, Huxtable’s thirst for knowledge and passion for growth led her to constantly explore and expand her expertise. Through experimentation and customer feedback, Lady Bee continues to refine its craft and cater to its customer’s needs, making it a beacon of creativity and freshness in the mixology landscape.

Amidst the brand’s continuous journey of growth, it’s no surprise that the brand has expanded digitally to serve more customers. A core value of Lady Bee’s philosophy is convenience. From a business perspective, Huxtable offers customers a host of options to buy their favourite cocktails, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for customers. Huxtable shared that “as a small business, convenience is key for me, internally in my operations as well as externally for my customers. I use several digital solutions from branding straight through to customer relations and accounting, always ensuring I add a personal touch of course.”

By embracing digital solutions like Lynk, which allows her to send payment requests to customers, Huxtable maintains an ethos of providing products creatively and conveniently for enjoyment anywhere and anytime.

So where does Huxtable see Lady Bee Mixology in the next five years? She envisions her products available islandwide, bringing the extraordinary flavours of Lady Bee Mixology to every corner of Jamaica. While maintaining unwavering commitment to quality, she plans to develop more zero-alcohol options, catering to a wider range of preferences.