Neo soul isn’t just something you hear — it’s something you feel. And at Dabney & Co., it’s something you taste, too. Just like a finely composed cocktail, neo soul is layered, expressive, and unapologetically soulful. The two art forms — music and mixology — meet here in a harmony that elevates the night and lingers long after the last sip or final chord.

Whether you're posted up at our bar or curating your own vibe at home, there’s something powerful about letting a song unfold as your drink opens up — one note, one flavor, one emotion at a time.

Both Start with Soul

Just as neo soul reimagines classic soul through a contemporary lens, so do our cocktails — many of which remix vintage recipes with modern twists. A whiskey sour becomes a smoked sage sour; a mojito turns lavender-infused. Each drink, like each song in the genre, starts with a foundation of tradition and builds toward something fresh and evocative.

Neo soul and cocktails are both about balance — sweet and bitter, smooth and bold, mellow and powerful.

“Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.” – Robert Fripp
And at Dabney & Co., we pour both.

The At-Home Pairing Guide: Neo Soul Artists & Perfect Sips

We know not everyone can pull up to the bar every night — so here’s how to bring the Dabney & Co. vibe to your living room. These pairings are all about letting the music lead and matching its energy with simple, soulful drinks you can mix at home.

🎵 D’Angelo & Dark Rum

Song: "Spanish Joint"
Sip: Dark rum + ginger beer + squeeze of lime

Sultry, textured, and rhythm-driven, D’Angelo’s Voodoo grooves deserve something bold but smooth. Pour 2 oz of dark rum over ice, top with ginger beer, and finish with fresh lime. That hint of spice and citrus mirrors the song’s funky sway.

🎵 Erykah Badu & Gin + Cucumber

Song: "Didn’t Cha Know"
Sip: Gin + tonic + muddled cucumber + lemon

Badu floats on frequencies that feel intergalactic and earthy at the same time. Muddle cucumber in a glass, add ice, 2 oz gin, a splash of lemon, and top with tonic or soda. It’s refreshing, offbeat, and slightly mysterious — just like her.

🎵 Jill Scott & Bourbon + Honey

Song: "A Long Walk"
Sip: Bourbon + honey + lemon

Jill brings warmth and poetic intimacy to every note. Stir 2 oz bourbon with ½ oz honey and a dash of lemon over ice. It’s soft but strong — the perfect sip for a deep conversation or an introspective groove.

🎵 Maxwell & Cognac

Song: "Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)"
Sip: Cognac over ice + orange twist

Maxwell’s falsetto is pure velvet, and it deserves an equally smooth drink. Keep it classy: 2 oz cognac over a single large ice cube, garnished with an orange peel. It’s elegant, soulful, and endlessly seductive.

🎵 India.Arie & Herbal Tea + Whiskey

Song: "Video"
Sip: Chamomile tea + whiskey + honey

India.Arie invites you to embrace who you are. Brew chamomile tea, let it cool slightly, add a splash of whiskey and a teaspoon of honey. It’s comfort in a cup — restorative, honest, and deeply personal.

Set the Scene: Your Own Dabney & Co. Night In

You don’t need a full bar setup to feel what we feel in our lounge every night. Just a few essentials:

• A handpicked neo soul playlist

• A bottle or two of your favorite base spirits

• A cozy corner, soft lighting, and time to slow down

Whether you’re vibing solo, having a heart-to-heart, or just watching the world move through your window, the magic happens when the drink and the music hit the same note.

Taste the Legacy

Neo soul is rooted in tradition but refuses to be boxed in — the same way a great cocktail can take a classic and twist it into something wholly new. Both are deeply expressive. Both tell stories. And both are about honoring where we come from while carving out something that’s uniquely now.

At Dabney & Co., we raise our glasses to that blend of old and new, soul and spirit, song and sip.