Chillin’ With Trina

NYAK Cognac teams up with critically-acclaimed music superstar Trina to launch NYAK Peach and NYAK Cinnamon FIYAH.

Photos by @1eyeopenmedia

“I am proud to announce the next phase of my partnership with NYAK Cognac. I won’t just be the face of Peach and Cinnamon, I’m invested in this,” says rapper, Trina. “The release of the peach and cinnamon are synonymous with my lifestyle and music, which can be both sweet and spicy. So it’s a great tie-in. I’m excited and am looking forward to the next phase of my partnership with NYAK, which will allow everyone to truly experience this black-owned brand firsthand.”

Business Mogul and CEO of Detroit Equities, Dennis McKinley, Former VP for Remy Cointreau, Patrick Charpentier, and Jerome Hyafil, a former EVP, Seagram’s Spirits and Wines, formed a dynamic team to create NYAK Cognac, which shortly became the fastest-growing cognac brand in U.S. history with an unprecedented 1,000% annual growth rate in 2021. In 2023, NYAK is still in the top 10 of leading cognacs and growing.

“Trina is an artist who has established herself as a relevant female force in both music and business,” says Founder, Dennis McKinley. “She’s one of the most consistent female rappers, who is well respected by both fans and peers alike.”

Chilled chats with Trina about her latest venture into the spirits world.

Tell us about the projects you are working on.

After having my first successful music festival, “Rockstarr Music Festival,” I am now working on another community event in celebration of Trina Day. This year is a dedication to my late niece, and we are calling it, “Welcome to Sugaland.”

Also, I am finalizing new music material so I’m back in the studio when I can take time from touring and being on the road.

Also, I’m currently, filming the new season of Love and Hip Hop: Miami.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

When I am not touring, in the studio, or working on my other business endeavors, I like to be at home with my family and friends. On those days where I am not on the road or in work mode, it’s about pampering, nurturing, and enjoying moments as much as possible.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I love seafood, so there are a few places that I like to dine at in Miami. My top two spots are Miami Fingalicking Restaurant, and Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen, which is located in Miami’s Wynwood area.

What types of dishes do you typically order?

The dishes that I typically order are steamed lobster and escovitch snapper fish.

Any favorite bars?

Miami has a diverse nightlife scene; you can find a diverse mix of lifestyle spots in the city.

Some of my favorite bars that I like to go to are Studio 183 and Klub 24. But I love to eat at bars, so again, I like Dukunoo because they have good food, music, vibes, and drinks.

What drinks do you order when out?

It depends on my mood, honestly. Some days it could be champagne and other days, its liquor, mostly NYAK cognac or their brandies. When I’m not doing cognac, I’m a tequila girl.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

Yes, I love to entertain my family and friends when I am at home. Some of my favorite mixes are:

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Da Baddest Peach

my signature drink

Ingredients:

• 2 oz NYAK Peach
• 1 oz Simply Peach juice
• 1 oz Peach Schnapps
• 1 oz Club Soda
• Fresh Georgia Peach slice (for garnish)

and,

The South Beach Mimosa

Ingredients:

• Dry Sparkling Wine (chilled)
• Organic Apple Cider (chilled)
• NYAK Cinnamon Fiyah

Preparation: For the Cinnamon Rim: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

Suggested Garnishes –

• 1 Apple slice
• 1 sprig of fresh Rosemary
• 1 whole Cinnamon stick

NYAK’s master blender has selected the best French Brandies and flavored them with top-tier aromas while still maintaining NYAK’s signature smoothness. NYAK Peach aims for a ripe summer peach aroma gorged from the sun while bringing vanilla and French pastry notes with hints of spice, while NYAK Cinnamon Fiyah aims for a spicy cinnamon aroma with French brandy notes of vanilla and caramel immersed with chili pepper.

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?

My home bar has a mix of different spirits and liquor brands. I make sure that the ambience and variety is fully stocked because when I entertain guests, I ensure that the bar can cater to every possible drink they may want.

Have you ever been a bartender?

No, I have not ever been a bartender, but I have friends that are bartenders and have shown me some cocktail mixes that I like to do. In addition, I love the different NYAK mixes that are refreshing and delicious all at once.

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?

If I could share a drink with anyone, it would have to be the iconic and legendary Beyonce.