When you sip the Maize & Frankie Beverly, you're tasting more than a seasonal cocktail—you're tasting history. Sweet corn, smooth spice, and rich cream swirl together in a glass that's both comforting and unexpected. But the roots of this creation run far deeper than the rim of the glass. They stretch back through centuries of African American culinary heritage, through the songs that gave voice to generations, and into the legacy of a soul music icon who knew how to make people feel.

This is more than a drink. It's a tribute—from field to flavor.

The Soul of Corn in African American Cooking

Corn has long held a sacred place in Black foodways. Known as “maize” by Indigenous peoples, this golden grain became a pillar of sustenance and survival in African American communities, especially in the South. It was accessible, adaptable, and abundant—whether boiled into hominy, ground into grits, or baked into cornbread, corn was a staple that fed the body and gathered the soul.

During enslavement, corn was one of the few ingredients that could be grown or sourced regularly. Enslaved Africans transformed it with ingenuity and resilience, creating dishes that were deeply nourishing and entirely original. Over generations, these recipes became soul food classics—carried forward through family tables, Sunday suppers, and community cookouts.

At Dabney & Co., we honor this history not just with flavor but with feeling. Our Maize & Frankie Beverly cocktail is a toast to the innovation and creativity found in African American kitchens—the way something humble like corn can be elevated into something deeply soulful.

Frankie Beverly: The Soundtrack to Soulful Gatherings

Now let’s talk about the Frankie Beverly part of this experience. Known for his timeless work with Maze, Frankie Beverly gave us a soundtrack to cookouts, family reunions, and summer nights spent swaying with someone special. His music is smooth, warm, and emotionally rich—just like the cocktail it inspired.

Songs like “Before I Let Go” and “We Are One” didn’t just fill the air—they filled hearts. Beverly’s work became more than entertainment; it became a ritual, woven into the very fabric of Black cultural gatherings. That’s why this drink doesn’t just nod to him—it lifts him up, capturing the essence of his music in every sip.

The mellow creaminess of the cocktail mirrors the easy glide of a Maze bassline. The sweetness from summer corn evokes sunlit moments and backyard dances. And the subtle spice? That’s the groove—gentle, warming, and unforgettable.

From the Land to the Lounge: A Dabney & Co. Tribute

We created the Maize & Frankie Beverly as a special offering for Restaurant Week, but its meaning runs far deeper than its limited-time run. It’s a way to bring the past and present together in one beautiful moment—honoring the cultural significance of Black food traditions, and celebrating the artists whose music made those traditions feel alive.

At Dabney & Co., we believe every cocktail should tell a story. Some stories are bold and brassy; others are slow and soulful. This one? It’s a love song—to heritage, to summer, to the joy of being together.

So when you come in and take that first sip, we invite you to do what Frankie Beverly always encouraged: feel it. Let the music play. Let the memory linger. And let the flavor remind you that culture is best served with soul.