In this episode of Sippin On Love, we’re shaking up clarity and compassion with a glass of the Siesta Cocktail—a bold blend of tequila, grapefruit, and introspection. 🍸 This week’s conversation gets to the heart of identity: Who we are vs. Who we love.

We unpack the difference between gender identity, sexual identity, and biological sex—and explore how the world’s labels often limit the full expression of self. Using insights from Zencare, we discuss how expectations around masculinity, femininity, and sexuality shape lived experiences, from internal discovery to social judgment.

Together, we dive into the complexity of “down low” culture, shifting pronoun practices, and the reality that both gender and sexuality can evolve over time. We also tackle the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on young people, and what it means for schools, allies, and advocates to create spaces where every identity belongs.

💬 Topics we sip on:

• The difference between biological sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation
• How assigning sex at birth can limit personal growth and authenticity
• Why pronouns matter—and why some resist using them
• “Down low” culture and how patriarchy, shame, and fear shape it
• What evolving gender identities mean for education, inclusion, and allyship

🍸 Featured Cocktail: The Siesta Cocktail – a citrusy twist on a classic tequila sour.
Recipe via The Kitchn:

• 1 1/2 oz tequila blanco
• 3/4 oz Campari
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass, garnish with a grapefruit twist.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Gender identity is who you are; sexual identity is who you’re into.
• Authenticity thrives where labels loosen and curiosity expands.
• Allyship isn’t passive—it’s active, intentional, and ongoing.
• Inclusivity in schools starts with language, policy, and empathy.
• Dismantling homophobia—especially internalized and gendered forms—is key to liberation for everyone.

💬 Tipsy Talk: How does women perpetuating homophobia continue to reinforce patriarchy—and what would shifting that dynamic look like?

#SippinOnLove #GenderIdentity #SexualIdentity #LGBTQIA #Inclusivity #Allyship #Relationships #QueerConversations #Authenticity #Patriarchy

In this episode of **Sippin On Love**, we’re pouring up something smooth and a little dangerous—our **Frozen Brown Sugar Peach Old Fashion**—and diving into the eternal debate: **Is it love or lust at first sight?** 🥃

We explore the rush of attraction and the science behind it—how dopamine, oxytocin, and intuition spark that instant connection that feels almost magnetic. Drawing from [Executive Matchmakers](https://www.executivematchmakers.com/explaining-the-chemistry-of-lust/), we unpack the biology of desire and the psychology of infatuation to ask: can love really happen instantly, or does it always need time to grow?

💬 **Topics we sip on:**

* The chemistry of lust and the brain’s instant response to attraction

* How intuition and energy shape first impressions

* Infatuation vs. emotional connection—how to tell them apart

* The role of vulnerability and romantic idealism in mistaking lust for love

* How to recognize when fleeting passion deepens into genuine care

🍸 **Featured Cocktail:** **Frozen Brown Sugar Peach Old Fashion** — a sultry spin on a classic, blending sweet southern charm with bold heat.

Recipe via [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9X0cH3vuT3/?igsh=anFjbnVodTBvbDRq):

* 2 oz bourbon

* 1 oz brown sugar syrup

* 1 ripe peach (fresh or frozen)

* Dash of bitters

* Blend with ice until smooth and garnish with a peach slice

✨ **Key Takeaways:**

* Lust sparks fast; love builds slow and steady.

* Chemistry is real, but clarity takes time.

* Attraction can open the door—connection keeps it open.

* Love at first sight might just be recognition, not revelation.

#SippinOnLove #LoveVsLust #Chemistry #Infatuation #Relationships #Intuition #Attraction #LGBTQ #EmotionalConnection #RomanticRealism

In this episode of **Sippin On Love**, we’re serving up truth with a kick—exploring the intersections of **porn, pleasure, and perception** over a glass of our **Spicy Mango Margarita.** 🍹 From fantasy versus reality to the influence of the porn industry on how we understand sex and relationships, we’re having the kind of conversation that turns taboo into transparency.

Together, we unpack how porn can shape expectations, create unrealistic standards, and even distort our understanding of consent and connection. We dig into gender and power dynamics—like “gay for pay,” how men’s pleasure is portrayed, and why women’s sexuality still gets policed—and ask what happens when those scripts seep into our real lives.

💬 **Topics we sip on:**

* What porn reveals about personal desires, curiosity, and identity

* How fantasy and reality blur—and what that means for relationships

* The social construction of sexuality through the porn industry

* Navigating porn use within partnerships and communication around boundaries

* Redefining pleasure and power through honesty, not shame

🍸 **Featured Cocktail:** Spicy Mango Margarita — Sweet, fiery, and unapologetically bold.

**Recipe:**

* 2 oz tequila

* 1 oz triple sec

* 2 oz mango purée or juice

* 1 oz lime juice

* Dash of chili powder or tajín

* Garnish with a chili-lime rim and mango slice

💡 **Referenced Article:**

[How Couples Can Talk About Porn—And Why They Should](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/loving-bravely/202005/how-couples-can-talk-about-porn-and-why-they-should?amp) – *Psychology Today*

✨ **Key Takeaways:**

* Fantasy isn’t the enemy—silence is.

* Honest conversations about porn strengthen trust and intimacy.

* Shame fades when we replace judgment with curiosity.

* Healthy boundaries make pleasure more powerful.

* Knowing what turns you on begins with knowing yourself.

#SippinOnLove #PornCulture #FantasyVsReality #Relationships #LGBTQ #SexualHealth #ConsentCulture #Communication

🍹 Featured Cocktail: Sparkling Tequila Sunrise

A bright twist on a classic — bold, effervescent, and a little flirtatious.

Recipe: 2 oz tequila, 3 oz orange juice, Splash of grenadine

Top with prosecco or sparkling water, Garnish with an orange slice and cherry

In this episode of Sippin On Love, we uncork the truth about kinks, BDSM, and the art of communication in relationships. 🍸 From the emotional power of vulnerability to the freedom of consent, we explore how exploring your desires can open new doors to intimacy, connection, and self-understanding.

Together, we tackle the shame and stigma often tied to kink culture, break down generational gaps in talking about sex, and ask what it really means to build trust and honesty in love—whether you’re kinky, curious, or vanilla.

💬 Topics we sip on:

Communication and consent as foundations for intimacy

The mental health benefits of exploring kinks

Setting and respecting boundaries in relationships

How social norms shape shame around sexuality

Navigating online dating and intentional love in LGBTQ+ spaces.

This week, we’re stirring up an honest conversation about kinks, BDSM, and the healing potential of open communication. From exploring boundaries and preferences to challenging shame and stigma, this episode invites you to see intimacy as a journey of curiosity and consent.

We dive into how kink can actually strengthen mental health, deepen trust, and improve relationship dynamics—inside and outside the bedroom. Along the way, we unpack how online dating, generational views, and social norms shape how we talk about (and experience) desire, especially within LGBTQ+ relationships.

💡 Referenced Articles:

Kink and Mental Health – The Body

Applying Kink Principles to Our Vanilla Relationships – Happiful

✨ Key Takeaways:

Communication is the heartbeat of every relationship.

Consent is care. Boundaries are beautiful.

Kink can be a practice of healing and empowerment.

Shame fades when honesty takes the mic.

Knowing your needs leads to authentic connection.

#SippinOnLove #KinkEducation #BDSM #Relationships #ConsentCulture #LGBTQ #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Communication

Featured Cocktail: Whiskey Sunrise 🥃
Recipe: 2 oz whiskey, 4 oz orange juice, ½ oz grenadine. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

Welcome back to Sippin On Love! Season 3 kicks off with the theme “My Body, My Choice”—and we’re starting where honesty meets intimacy: sex preparation.

From bottom prep rituals (fiber, timing, and tools) to top responsibilities like condoms, lube, and safety, we’re keeping it real, raw, and respectful. We also break down the stigma around STIs, dig into current sexual health research, and explore how choice, communication, and self-awareness transform intimacy.

Because preparation isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, intentional, and yes… a love language too.

So pour yourself a Whiskey Sunrise, press play, and join us as we sip through the science, the stigma, and the stories that keep love honest.

References:

Tune In For:

• Real talk about sexual health & hygiene

• Tools and rituals for prep and pleasure

• Unlearning shame and centering safety

• Cocktails, culture, and candid conversation

  
  

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In this final episode of Season 2, your favorite couple discuss what is forgiveness and it’s beneficence. Paired with a cocktail, the conversation involves past experience, the journey to healing, and compassion. Keep the conversation going as the drink flow and sip!

Cocktail: Boozie Smoothie

2 oz of Grand Marnier

3 oz of Benedictine

Blend with your favorite assortment of frozen or fresh fruit with ice. Pour it UP and enjoy!

Source: https://einzelganger.co/forgiving-someone-who-wronged-you/

In this episode we have the conversation about emotional intelligence. We discuss the hinderance in the progression of our emotional intelligence and how important it is in a relationship. We reflect on past experience and how our EI effects the people connected to us. Come listen, laugh, and sip with us. 

Cocktail: Strawberry Daiquiri

• 8 oz frozen strawberries , leaves removed
• 2 oz fresh strawberries , leaves removed (4 strawberries
• 1 oz sugar syrup
• 2 oz lime juice , fresh
• 4 oz white rum (we used Tequila)

• Place all ingredients in a blender or Nutribullet.
• Blitz until all strawberries are blitzed.
• Taste and adjust sweet with more syrup, sour with lime (and booze if you dare!).
• Pour into glasses (see video for consistency) and serve, garnished with fresh strawberries!

EI Test

https://globalleadershipfoundation.com/geit/eitest.html

Mindful Meditations

https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Mindful-Minute-Scripts-Resiliency.pdf

In this episode we have the conversation about Men’s mental health, its stigma, importance,  and reliable resources to aid. Indulge with us, as we dive deeper and discuss the significance of society and the pressures they contribute to men’s health. Sip, laugh, and enjoy! 

Featured Cocktail: Vanilla Creme Whiskey Highball

A highball is more of a cocktail concept; it combines a spirit with a non-alcoholic mixer like sparkling water or tonic and served over ice.

Vanilla Crown Royal

A&W Creme Soda

Fill glass with 2-4 cubes of ice

Pour 2 shots of Crown Royal

Fill the glass with A&W Creme Soda

Sources: https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-african-americans

Text or Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988

n this episode we have the conversation about The Culture, it’s history, significance,  and its ability to bring connectivity. Connect with us, as we dive into our experiences/observations within a society that our culture operates and how it can improve. 

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2021/08/01/our-obsession-with-black-excellence-is-harming-black-people/?sh=2f4187b92fd9

Featured Cocktail:  Grand Marnier Ranch (Tap) Water Cocktail

To make it, mix 1.5 oz Espolon Blanco tequila, 0.75 oz Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice in a Collins glass. Top it off with Topo Chico and a lime wheel to get to sippin'.

Join your favorite couple as we stir up the conversation on sex. We discuss the preparation, social perspective, and our experiences. Grab a glass, sip, and indulge in the conversation. We are eager to engage with you!

Article:https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a32674514/sex-bucket-checklist/

Cocktail: Vieux Carre’

Ingredients

• 3/4 ounce George Dickel rye whiskey

• 3/4 ounce cognac

• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth

• 2 teaspoons Benedictine liqueur

• 4 dashes Dale DeGroff’s pimento aromatic bitters

• Garnish: maraschino cherry or lemon twist

  Steps

  1. Add the rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.

  2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or a cocktail glass.

  3. Garnish with a cherry, a lemon twist or both.

Join your favorite couple as we stir up the conversation on the impact of individuality vs relationship. We discuss the importance of allowing time and space outside of your relationship; how you can grow; as well as what your partner needs to do in order to support your individuality. Grab a glass, sip, and indulge in the conversation. We are eager to engage with you!

Cocktail: Cadillac Margarita 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 ounce agave syrup
• 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier, to float
• Garnish: salt rim

Steps

1. Rub the rim of a double Old Fashioned glass with a lime wedge, and dip a quarter of the glass in salt to coat. Set aside.
2. Combine all ingredients except the Grand Marnier in a shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 25 seconds.
4. Double-strain through a fine-mesh sieve into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
5. Float Grand Marnier on top.

Referenced Article: https://www.psychalive.org/preserving-individuality-strengthen-relationship/

Join your favorite couple as we stir up the conversation on how to keep the relationship fresh. Relationship stagnant or need a revamp? We provide tips, our experience,  and so much more! Grab a glass, sip, and indulge in the conversation. We are eager to engage with you!

Cocktail: New York Sour

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) bourbon (we used Woodford Reserve)

• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup

• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fruity red wine, such as Zinfandel or Gamay

• 1 strip lemon zest

  1. Gather Ingredients

  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup; seal lid on shaker and shake until chilled and frost forms on shaker, about 15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes.

  3. Gently and slowly, pour wine over the back of a spoon held just above the cocktail's surface, letting the wine float at top of glass.

  4. Pinch lemon peel over the cocktail and run it around the rim of the glass; add peel to glass as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Referenced Article: https://psychcentral.com/relationships/effective-ways-to-keep-your-partner-interested#plan-a-getaway

Join your favorite couple as we stir up the conversation about masculinity and femininity. We share our personal experiences and thoughts on representation, relationship dynamics and so much! Grab a glass and get for a blast and we Sip On Love for our season 2 premiere!

Referenced Article: Stereotypical Gay Male Characters in Media May Help Members of the Larger LGBTQ+ Community Self-Identify – RTF Gender and Media Culture

Cocktail: Baltimore Bang!

The Baltimore Bang cocktail combines bourbon, apricot brandy, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. To assemble, the ingredients all get a wet shake and strained into an ice-filled old fashioned glass (bonus points if you make your own simple syrup). Garnish with a skewered Luxardo cherry and orange wheel. You could also serve this sophisticated bad boy in a chilled martini glass.

Intro & Outro Music Credit: Sippin On Love by Nykei

On this SEASON FINALE episode, your faves go a bit deeper in sharing more about our relationship, our growth and why we continue to love each other through it all. So grab a glass, fix a drink and enjoy!

Featured Cocktail: Peaches & Creme

Ingredients list:

Crown royal peach flavored whiskey

Peach Schnapps- we chose DeKuyper peachtree

Cream soda- Look for a good quality cream soda for best results

Instructions:

1. Fill Cocktail Shaker with ice

2. Add 1 oz of Peach Crown Royal

3. 1.5 oz of Peach Schnapps

4. Close Cocktail Shaker and shake for 30 secs

5. Pour cocktail in glass and top off with Creme Soda

In this episode, your faves talk about the various aspects of identity which make up our own individual intersectionality. This conversations takes us from understanding what intersectionality is, to how one's intersectionality impacts access to power and privilege. So grab a glass, fix a drink and enjoy!

Intersectionality Graphics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Fg6rtjgNtug74OXp2uGAmweTDgplkdNx?usp=sharing

Cocktail: Crown Mixes

Crown Royal of your choice

Chaser of your choice

Add ice combine, stir and sip!

In this episode we have the conversation about why communication is important in a relationship, our experiences in our relationship and how you can improve. 

Article: https://www.verywellmind.com/communication-in-relationships-why-it-matters-and-how-to-improve-5218269

Relationship Conflict Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fiUnJFFKD1nmkEOUKTp2b10Ulz-ZIvY1/view?usp=sharing

Soft Start Ups: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JrhINFsIs5aB1i_wV-FI2s6vxs6wAfuc/view?usp=sharing

Featured Cocktail: French Connection

Ingredients: 1 1/6 oz (1 part) Cognac, 1 1/6 oz (1 part) Disaronno liqueur

Preparation: Pour all ingredients directly into old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently.

Served: On the rocks; poured over ice

Drinkware: Old Fashioned glass

In this episode your faves talk about SEX! The good, the bad, and the questionable! From sharing our first time experiences to some of our own kinks and fantasies! Just like the convo, the drinks are flowing, so grab a glass, fix a drink and enjoy!

Intimacy Games: https://intimacy.games/collections/collection

Articles: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-talk-about-sex-with-your-partner#new-relationships

Cocktail:

Ingredients

• Ice
• 1 1/2 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. peach schnapps
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. cranberry juice
• Orange wedge and maraschino cherries, for serving

Directions 

• Step 1
  Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice and gently stir to combine. Pour cranberry juice over. 
• Step 2
  Garnish with an orange wedge and cherries

On this episode your faves dive into a discussion about Boundaries: What are they? Why they matter? How to keep them? Just like the convo the drinks are flowing, so grab a glass, fix a drink and enjoy!

Articles: https://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/how-life-treeting-you-importance-of-boundaries#:~:text=Boundaries%20help%20determine%20what%20is,%2C%20bosses%2C%20or%20family%20members.

https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2016/07/how-to-deal-with-people-who-repeatedly-violate-your-boundaries#First,-lets-consider-a-few-of-the-variables:

Featured Cocktail: Whiskey Sour

2 oz Rye Whiskey

3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 oz Simple Syrup

Orange half wheel, brandied cherry

1. Chill rocks glass

2. Prep orange half-wheel + cherry

3. Measure and pour rye, lemon juice, and syrup into shaker

4. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into rocks glass. Add fresh ice to cocktail

5. Garnish with orange half-wheel and cherry and serve.

On this episode we explore love languages and their importance in relationships. As we identify our love languages, we discuss how understanding these help to develop a deeper love and connection with one another. Grab a glass, fix a drink and enjoy!

Love Languages Quiz: ⁠https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language⁠

Article: ⁠https://www.bayviewtherapy.com/amp/why-it-s-important-to-know-your-partner-s-love-language⁠

Featured Cocktail: Honey Suckle

2 oz of White Rum

3/4 oz of Honey Simple Syrup

3/4 oz of Fresh Lime Juice

1 Lemon Twist

Chill the coupe glass(es)

Prep Lemon Twist

Measure all ingredients into shaker

Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into coupe glass.

Express twist over cocktail and serve.

This episode shares how we have identified our individual and couple core values. We also share how these core values have aided our development through even some of the challenging times.

As promised here is the featured Article and activity:

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/06/10/successful-couples-share-these-3-values-says-match-dating-expert.html

Activity: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/inclusive-teaching/wp-content/uploads/sites/853/2021/12/Core-Values.pdf