I am delighted to be working with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to highlight an awesome NC business that will be at the Homegrown Fare, which is an activity at the Got to Be NC Festival, May 19-21.

I received product and swag from Sunshine Beverages during our interview at their offices in downtown Winston-Salem, and I’ve integrated their product into my crazy life to offer a real, honest opinion.

And, of course, recommendations on great recipes…

My mom called me Sunshine.
That was my nickname.

“You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine…” was the song she sang to me.

Sunshine Beverages – An NC Business

I had no idea that Sunshine Beverages (based in Winston-Salem, NC) existed.

Please note that they are celebrating their 4th year of business growth and development.

Who knew, right?

Well, apparently my local coffee shop knew…

(Three cheers to NC businesses that support each other!)

I was in to meet a client for content development and was draggin’ (the kind that feels like you’re moving through Jello) – I wanted something to pick me up that was lighter than coffee. Lighter on my belly and softer on my system, and I was looking for an alternative option (maybe an Italian soda) when the display at the counter caught my eye, a row of 8.4 oz. cans…and the word, “Ginger.”

Whatever that is, I said in my head, I want it!

It was a Ginger Berry Sunshine Beverage (their first-ever flavor on the market), and it was exactly what I wanted – light, bubbly, tasty…and it definitely gave me the boost I was looking for to get through that meeting.

NC Businesses at the Homegrown Fare

Shortly after, an opportunity came up to work with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to highlight a Got to Be NC business at the upcoming Homegrown Fare.

To me, it was a no-brainer. I love supporting local business, and I love it even more when it’s tied to an event…and #yummygoodness.

A list was provided – so many great NC businesses, makers and artisans, but I felt like it was providence to see Sunshine Beverages on the list after having such a pleasant experience at the coffee shop, and I didn’t think twice to “claim” them as the vendor I wanted to highlight.

I mean, let’s not forget, by the very nature of the product, I’m inclined to highlight cocktails and shiny beverage combinations that will usher in the warm season with a little added brightness.

Makes it a perfect fit, don’t you think?

A Pick-Me-Up of Good Energy

From inception to product evolution, Sunshine Beverages has committed to creating a better-for-you energy drink that shines more brightly than the competition. Full of electrolytes and vitamin B12 – and just the right amount of caffeine – it’s the combination that’s gonna help you be the sunshine to get through your day with success.

No matter where it meets you – as a student waking up from a late night of studying, a parent who didn’t get any rest for the third night in a row, a professional dealing with the 3pm energy slump – Sunshine is going to leave you feeling lighter…if you’ll allow just one more pun…brighter, and ready to shine-on with your day.

I could really go on and on, my interview with owner, Keith Vest, was a delight, so many great stories and upcoming developments for Sunshine Beverages. Stay tuned for additional posts highlighting this Homegrown Fare vendor as the month of May unfolds and we get closer to the Go to Be NC Festival.

Top Pick Cocktail: The Buckshot

Did you know that Sunshine Beverages has a page of cocktail recipes on their website? Check it out. There are a lot of really tasty concoctions already developed to highlight each of their flavors specifically.

I had my own ideas for recipes, but I was also curious to find out which was the most popular from their existing options.

The Buckshot

  1. Vodka
  2. Ginger Berry Sunshine
  3. Cranberry Juice

Simple and easy. Maybe that’s why it’s so popular?

Interested in what I thought about The Buckshot?

You’ll have to stay tuned for my post next week. I’ll be highlighting my take on The Buckshot, as well as a few other lesser known recipes (I was handed a LONG list of possibilities at my interview).

Sunshine adds a bit of brightness to many, many combinations.

You can find Sunshine at Lowes Foods and Food Lion. And you can also purchase it from Amazon.com.

4 Cocktail Recipes to Brighten Your Day

Check 'em out!

See you at the Homegrown Fare?

Homegrown Fare

The event, part of the annual Got To Be NC Festival, will feature 100 local food, wine and beer companies. Admission is $3, but you can get in free with your Lowes Foods card (up to 2 tickets).

FREE GIFT

Get a free gift – while supplies last – by mentioning this blog at the Got To Be NC merchandise booth. So, go there first and check-in. Let them know you read this post!
#hi5

Selfie Frame

Don’t miss out on the official Homegrown Fare Selfie Frame. Show your support for your favorite Go to Be NC business and don’t forget to share on social media! Use the hashtag: #homegrownfare17!

Sunshine Beverages

Don’t forget to stop by the Sunshine Beverages table. The team will be there and you can sample the company’s three different flavors. You might also catch me there in my Sunshine tee!

Don’t miss out on any of the Homegrown Fare vendors.

Take a look at all the NC #yummygoodness you can expect!

 

Got to be NC Blogger Posts for #HomeGrownFare17

Reminder: This post was sponsored by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Homegrown Fare is an activity within the Got To Be NC Festival, May 19-21 and presented by Lowes Foods.

There are going to be a lot of vendors participating in the event and you can whet your appetite by reviewing all the great recipe ideas above by NC bloggers who’ve done a lot of the research for you!