by
Chanel Turner and the Fou-Dre Vodka team brought an afternoon of spirits, inspiration, and women empowerment to the St. Gregory Hotel’s M Street Bar and Grill in Northwest D.C. Turner, the founder and CEO of the vodka brand, combined her product and her passion to celebrate Women’s History Month in a delicious way.
The Sunday afternoon bunch provided an opportunity for some of D.C.’s hardest working women to network and uplift one another through shared experiences, all while enjoying a delicious Fou-Dre cocktail. Or two. Or three.
Michelle Vessels of Radio One kept the conversation light and the afternoon flowing as female entrepreneurs shared their stories about their personal and professional growth, as well as their connection to Turner and the Fou-Dre brand.
Guests included DC Fab!’s DJ of the Year, DJ Heat, along with Yodit Gebreyes, Darla Bunting and Kiara Pesante.
The three-course brunch experience catered to professional brunch-goers. The menu featured a variety of entrées and appetizers, including seafood chowder, chicken ‘n biscuits, shrimp & grits and steak & eggs. But there’s no debate that Fou-Dre’s signature cocktails, with custom feminisita titles, stole the show.
“The Shero” of The Elixher
The first round of cocktails was Fou-Dre’s take on a classic greyhound. Usually made with vodka and grapefruit juice, the baristas served up a sweet summer cocktail infused with ginger, pomegranate, lemon basil simple syrup, and a pinch of Campari.
“The Ellen Mint” or a Peach Ginger Bellini
For round two, guests were served a sparkling, flavorful bellini with Fou-Dre pizzazz. The remixed drink included peach purée, ginger syrup, Prosecco and a spring of mint for garnish.
“The Flotus” or a Pomegranate/Pear Bellini
The final round of cocktails ended the afternoon on a high note with a subtle but tasty flavor. Pear nectar, pomegranate juice, and Prosecco, garnished with pomegranate seeds for a unique and unexpected texture.
Despite facing many obstacles as a Black female entrepreneur in a male dominated industry, Turner’s brand has grown exponentially since its start in 2009. Fou-Dre is currently sold in over 30 liquor stores in the DMV area, and internationally in the Cayman Islands and Singapore. The Fou-Dre award-winning bottle is made in France out of 100% recyclable glass, but the gluten-free, kosher vodka is made right here in the United States.
Photo Credit: Alexandra Givan for The Fab Empire