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Celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month at NYBG with an inspiring discussion and demonstration honoring cultural traditions, botanical heritage, and community.

For Afro-Dominican Chef Nelson German, drinks and food are about connection—whether it's sharing stories over cocktails on a stoop in Washington Heights or gathering with friends under the warm, buzzy lights of his restaurants. In his debut book, Caribbean Cocktails, Chef German shares his Afro-Latino roots and personal journey of discovery through a culinary lens. "I saw that what I was doing with drinks wasn't just creative-it was cultural reclamation. It was time to bring the full weight of our flavors and stories into the cocktail glass" says Chef German.

Join co-authors Nelson German and culinary anthropologist Andréa Lawson Gray along with herbalist and NYBG's Associate Director for the Everett Children's Adventure Garden Arvolyn Hill for a dynamic conversation on blending tradition, modern mixology, and the cultural connection of botanicals.

Then, get hands-on as you learn to make Mamajuana, a spiced herbal infusion often recognized as the national drink of the Dominican Republic. German will guide you through the ritual of crafting this traditional blend; layering rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark, herbs, and spices. Sip and savor its bold flavors while discovering the stories behind the ingredients. You'll take home your own blend to steep and enjoy over time.

Copies of Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

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Schedule:	Thursday, September 17, 2026
Times:	04:00pm-06:00pm EDT
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Meeting Date Start Time End Time Thursday, September 17, 2026 04:00pm 06:00pm Meeting Date Start Time End Time Thursday, September 17, 2026 04:00pm 06:00pm
Speaker:	Nelson German Nelson German Nelson German Chef Nelson German is the Executive Chef and Owner of Oakland's acclaimed Sobre Mesa and alaMar Dominican Kitchen & Bar, and Executive Chef and Partner at Meski—the Afro-Ethiopian-Latin restaurant in San Francisco co-founded by Draymond Green and Guma Fassil. A proud Dominican-American born in Manhattan's Washington Heights, Chef Nelson tells the story of the African and Caribbean diasporas through soulful, modern cuisine that blends ancestral flavors with global technique. Trained in some of New York City's top kitchens, Chef Nelson has become a leading voice in Afro-Latin cooking since relocating to the Bay Area. He competed on Top Chef Season 18 and has been featured in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, Glamour, and more. His first book, Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora, released in June 2026 features more than 40 Caribbean cocktail recipes and 20 Afro-Latino-inspired bites rooted in Dominican heritage, blending rum drinks, tropical flavors, and modern mixology with rich cultural storytelling. Designed for both home bartenders and entertainers, the collection includes approachable recipes, batching tips, and low-ABV options that bring bold Caribbean spirit to the home bar.A James Beard Foundation-recognized chef and one of Plate Magazine's "Chefs to Watch," Chef Nelson is also known for his community-driven approach - using his platform to uplift others, foster connection, and bring people together through food. Whether through a cocktail, a tasting menu, or a neighborhood gathering, his work invites guests to experience culture, story, and belonging in every bite. Andréa Lawson Gray Andréa Lawson Gray Andréa Lawson Gray Andréa Lawson Gray is a chef, writer, and James Beard Award-winning cookbook author known for bringing the flavors, history, and energy of Latin America and the Caribbean to contemporary audiences. With more than two decades of experience in professional kitchens, she collaborates closely with chefs to translate culinary tradition into bold, accessible food and drink. She is the co-author of the award-winning Convivir: Modern Mexican Cooking in California's Wine Country (Abrams, 2025) and Celebraciones Mexicanas: History, Traditions, and Recipes (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013), which is held in more than 350 libraries, including Harvard and Cambridge. She is currently touring in support of Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks & Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora (Ten Speed Press, June 2, 2026), featuring 40 vibrant cocktails-including more than 25 zero-proof and low-ABV options-paired with 20 dishes designed for gathering. She divides her time between San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Arvolyn Hill Arvolyn Hill Arvolyn Hill Arvolyn Hill is an Herbalist and Flower Essence Practitioner whose practice addresses both individual ailments and the lingering effects of ancestral trauma. She lives a full life as Manager of NYBG's Everett Children's Adventure Garden. Arvolyn has an online shop where she sells pressed flower art, tinctures and dreamcatchers. Arvolyn's passions include wellness, urban gardening and botany education.
Location:	NYBG, Edible Academy 2900 Southern Blvd Bronx, NY 10458
Session Number:	271LEC236

Botanicals in Caribbean Cocktails
Thursday, September 17, 2026
04:00pm-06:00pm EDT
	Non-Member : $68.00 Member : $61.00	Ticket Quantity

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