Amber Mayfield Hewett thoroughly enjoys a great get-together. Not “great” merely as in having adequate seating and everyone enjoying the dip (although a fantastic dip and seating availability certainly help). To Amber, a great party means everyone present feels they are a part of it — no one feels like an extra or questions if staying home would’ve been better. “In my early twenties, living in Harlem and working as a TV network assistant,” she shares in her new book, Your Turn to Host. “I adored dining out, exploring restaurants and private clubs… But something always felt amiss. Despite frequent company, I often felt isolated.”
In response, Amber created her supper club to foster community through dinners. “The inaugural dinner included 24 people — roommates, work colleagues, city acquaintances,” she recounts. “Attendees began as strangers but soon shared laughter and stories like old friends.” This club has since transformed into a full-time career and, as of this week, a book — detailing hosting for all sorts of gatherings: Friendsgiving potlucks, Sunday meals, and naturally, cookouts.
“At their essence, cookouts unite your community,” Amber conveys. “I maintain an open-door policy for children and friends of friends. Cookouts epitomize freedom, matching the holidays they’re usually celebrated with, including Juneteenth.” Her book provides a complete Juneteenth cookout guide — from grilling suggestions to lawn games, featuring her unique recipe for traditional Red Drink. “For Juneteenth, red dishes and drinks are traditional,” she says. “Red symbolizes the profound sacrifice and resilience of African Americans.” Her recipe begins with a classic sorrel-syrup base (“The same methodology applies to other syrups, like lavender or elderflower”) and includes a rum infusion. “Opt out of the alcohol for a non-alcoholic variant,” she advises. “The drink stands well on its own, tasty and refreshing.” Here’s how to prepare it…
Red Drink
Serves 15
From Your Turn to Host by Amber Mayfield Hewett
Sorrel Syrup:
4 cups (1 L) water
1 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar
1 cup (1 1/2 oz/40 g) dried hibiscus flowers, cut and sifted
2 cinnamon sticks
Punch:
2 (2 L) bottles club soda
1 cup (240 ml) dark rum
Juice of 2 large lemons
Ice cubes
4 lemons, sliced into wheels and seeded, for garnish
Prepare the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Introduce hibiscus flowers and cinnamon sticks, stirring until the flowers begin to soften. Lower the heat to medium for a gentle boil. Cook, stirring intermittently, until the syrup turns a deep red and floral (around 20 minutes). Withdraw from heat and allow to stand 5 minutes.
Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on the solids for full liquid extraction; discard the solids. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using or storing (around 30 minutes). Keep sorrel syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Craft the punch: In a sizable punch bowl, mix club soda, 1 cup (240 ml) sorrel syrup, rum, and lemon juice until combined. (Amber suggests: “Omit rum, and for added flavor, use a splash of lemonade or berry-flavored sparkling water.”) Serve over ice, garnished with lemon wheels.
Grateful thanks to Amber for this recipe share! Her book and newsletter host a plethora of party recipes and hosting guidance.
P.S. Five easy party snacks, and a monochromatic fruit salad.
(Top photo by Xiana Gutierrez. Excerpt from Your Turn to Host by Amber Mayfield Hewett, Artisan Books. Copyright © 2026.)
**Juneteenth Celebration Beverage: Traditional Red Drink**
Celebrated on June 19th, Juneteenth commemorates the significant event in American history—African American emancipation from slavery. As a day of contemplation, happiness, and cultural representation, Juneteenth is observed with diverse traditions, including the consumption of red beverages. These drinks are central to the festivity, symbolizing perseverance, memory, and cultural heritage.
**Historical Significance of Red Drinks**
The tradition of red drinks at Juneteenth roots back to West Africa, where red denotes spiritual power and change. Enslaved Africans introduced this symbolism to America, where red drinks over time became pivotal to freedom and resilience celebrations.
**Varieties of Traditional Red Drinks**
1. **Hibiscus Tea (Sorrel or Bissap):** This vivid red beverage derives from the hibiscus flower petals. Its tart, cranberry-like taste resonates in numerous African and Caribbean cultures. Hibiscus tea is typically sweetened and infused with ginger, cloves, or mint.
2. **Red Lemonade:** A classic yet simple choice, red lemonade results from mixing red fruit punch or grenadine into traditional lemonade. Its refreshing flavor makes it a favorite for warm June festivities.
3. **Strawberry Soda:** This bubbly beverage is also favored. Its vibrant red hue and sweet taste are both festive and satisfying, ensuring its place at Juneteenth events.
4. **Watermelon Punch:** Watermelon, a refreshing summer fruit, is blended into a punch with other fruits and juices for a sweet, hydrating red drink.
**Cultural and Symbolic Meaning**
The red tones of these drinks do more than appeal to the eye, imbued with rich cultural and symbolic meanings. Red captures the bloodshed and efforts of freedom and equality fighters. It also signifies the enduring strength and resilience of African Americans through history.
**Modern Celebrations and Red Drinks**
In contemporary Juneteenth celebrations across the USA, red drinks honor tradition and unify communities. Whether served at family barbecues, community festivals, or historical events, these beverages reflect the past and celebrate progress.
Incorporating red drinks into Juneteenth events offers a historical connection, celebrates cultural heritage, and revels in the cherished vibrant flavors. As Juneteenth awareness and celebration grow, the custom of red drinks continues as a meaningful, enjoyable tradition.
