Create your own Juneteenth barbecue jubilee at home
Commemorate independence with historic recipes
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
A true celebration of independence for all Americans, Juneteenth is the oldest-known commemoration marking the end of slavery in the United States. Today, its celebrations are often characterized by summer cookout dishes: barbecued meats, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, cakes, and pies.
Given that Juneteenth falls at the beginning of the summer, it's a great excuse to commemorate the holiday with outdoor fun and traditional foods that'll help you ring in the celebration with loved ones.
We've got some inspiration to help you create your own jubilee celebration at home in time for Juneteenth and Independence celebrations all year long.
What is Juneteenth and how is it celebrated?
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it did not reach Confederate-held territories until June 19, 1865.
This significant event—also called African American Independence Day, Jubilee Day, or Freedom Day—gained official recognition by the state of Texas in 1980. In a historic move, on June 19, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Act into law, designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
Festivities celebrated on this day feature parades, prayer, dancing, and gatherings filled with food and family. Many observe it as a day of reflection and community service. In contrast, others take respite from work to honor the occasion.
In addition to classic summer cookout staples, red-hued foods like red drinks, watermelon, and homemade red velvet cake are exalted for the holiday.
The color red is an especially significant symbol for Juneteenth as it represents resilience, perseverance, and the bloodshed of African Americans in the fight for freedom. Red foods adorn many Juneteenth tables and serve as powerful reminders of the struggles and triumphs of the African American community.
Delve into the myriad tastes and experiences of this celebration, embracing the rich history of African American liberation and the enduring legacy of Juneteenth.
Foods to celebrate Juneteenth
Old-fashioned red velvet cake
Those with a sweet tooth cannot help but be drawn to the timeless elegance of an old-fashioned red velvet cake. Its rich flavor profile and luxurious appearance make it a standout dessert on the jubilee table.
Undertones of vanilla and cocoa create a subtle chocolatey richness that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the cake. This, paired with the classic, decadent cream cheese frosting that tops this masterpiece, offers an equally velvety yet tangy and creamy finishing touch to this indulgent treat.
If you'd rather skip DIY-ing a red velvet cake, this renowned Black-owned business will ship one to your door.
Southern-style mac 'n' cheese
Recipes for a cheese-based "macaroni pudding" have been found in cookbooks from the early 1800s. The task of creating this iconic dish fell to President Thomas Jefferson's cook, the enslaved and culinary-trained James Hemings.
For Black families, macaroni and cheese has become a celebration food, an integral part of communal gatherings. If there's a cookout, you can be sure somebody is making mac 'n' cheese, honoring a tradition rooted in resilience and culinary innovation.
Host a celebratory Jubilee with this indulgent mac and cheese, which serves 4-6 people.
Juneteenth red sherbet punch
Juneteenth red sherbet punch captures the essence of celebration with its vermillion hue and tangy hibiscus tea subtly spiced with cloves and allspice.
Ginger ale gives the flavorful base a bubbly lift, while orange juice brightens each sip. The crowning touch is a scoop of red sherbet. This refreshing drink is more than a beverage—it's a festive toast to freedom and heritage, perfectly embodying the joyous spirit of Juneteenth.
Dried hibiscus is the star of the show when it comes to this red sherbet punch, providing its distinct color and flavor.
Louisiana barbecue shrimp
Barbecue shrimp is a beloved dish in Louisiana Creole cuisine, though its name might be misleading.
The term "barbecue" here speaks to the vibrant Creole tradition of transforming simple ingredients into unforgettable culinary experiences, blending French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences into a uniquely Louisiana delight.
Instead of grilling, the shrimp are braised in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with wine or beer. This method enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness, creating a succulent, flavorful dish.
These sustainable shrimp are highly rated for their succulent flavor and snappy texture.
Charleston red rice
Charleston red rice is a beloved Lowcountry dish with roots likely tracing back to West African jollof rice.
This classic blend of tomato and rice, sometimes known as Carolina red rice or simply red rice, embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region. Its vibrant color and bold flavors reflect the diverse influences that have shaped Southern cooking over generations. Each spoonful tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring legacy of African American culture.
Whether served as a side dish or a star of the jubilee cookout meal, Charleston red rice is a flavorful tribute to the journey from past to present.
Long-grain, Carolina Gold rice has an aromatic, nutty flavor that's ideal for this historic cultural dish.
MealZac Seasoning
This company's mission is to feed souls by sharing rich cultural flavors. Its soul food, Latin, and Caribbean seasoning collections are crafted to enhance every dish, all while being low-sodium, GMO-free, and MSG-free.
Spice up your culinary creations with their diverse offerings, from mac and cheese seasoning to cocoa vanilla extract and classic adobo and sazón spices.
Each product is designed to bring a taste of heritage to your table, blending traditional flavors with health-conscious choices. Experience a world of flavor that nourishes both body and soul, making every meal a celebration.
Add a pinch of flavor to any of your favorite comfort food dishes—on Juneteenth and beyond.
McBride Sisters wine
The largest Black-owned, women-founded wine company in the U.S., McBride Sisters sources grapes from California and New Zealand to craft their exceptional wines.
The brand's portfolio includes both bottled and canned offerings, featuring lines like Black Girl Magic Wines, McBride Sisters Collection, and SHE Can Wines.
Each label celebrates the unique backgrounds and experiences of its founders, blending quality and heritage. From lush reds to crisp whites and refreshing rosés, these wines embody a commitment to excellence and empowerment, bringing a touch of magic to every pour.
Add a pinch of flavor to any of your favorite comfort food dishes—on Juneteenth and beyond.
Uncle Nearest whiskey
Jack Daniel’s owes its inception to the expertise of Nathan "Nearest" Green, who made history as the first documented Black master distiller at the iconic whiskey house.
Raise a glass to #BlackJoy and the fact that Green, formerly enslaved, shared his knowledge with Jack Daniel, becoming an essential figure in the creation of Tennessee whiskey.
Today, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors Green's legacy with a range of seven ultra-premium whiskeys, each a testament to his skill and craftsmanship. The story of Nearest Green highlights the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to the whiskey industry and serves as a reminder of the resilience and talent that have shaped American spirits.
Through Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Green's legacy lives on, celebrated in every sip as a tribute to his enduring impact on the world of whiskey.
Honor Nathan Green's legacy with a glass of this renowned Tennessee whiskey.
Books to celebrate Juneteenth
Get culinary inspiration from these cookbooks dedicated to celebrating Juneteenth.
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate
Bring the tradition of Juneteenth home through historically accurate recipes, educational family activities, crafts, and games. Crafting the ultimate Juneteenth celebration is easy, with the illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions.
Follow along with the main character and her grandparents as they explore the historical origins of Juneteenth through food.
Get the whole family together with this festive, kid-friendly book.
Watermelon & Red Birds
The first cookbook dedicated to celebrating Juneteenth comes from food writer and cookbook author Nicole A. Taylor.
Drawing on a lifetime of observing the holiday, Taylor bridges the traditional African-American table with 21st-century flavors. Her stories and recipes honor the rich culinary heritage of Juneteenth, while introducing innovative twists that resonate with contemporary tastes.
This cookbook is not just a collection of recipes but a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and creativity of the African-American community, capturing the essence of Juneteenth through the lens of food and tradition.
With over 75 recipes that draw on tradition and history, this cookbook is an essential for Juneteenth celebrations.
Kitchen tools to celebrate Juneteenth
Why not stock your kitchen with products from Black-owned businesses this Juneteenth?
Karibe Company
Karibe, a Black-owned cookware company, spotlights the influence of African and Caribbean culture in home décor.
Karibe, short for "Caribbean Bae," offers a diverse line of cookware that combines functionality with cultural flair. Its products include 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch cast-iron skillets, stainless-steel sauce pots, cutting boards, and comprehensive knife and utensil sets.
Each item is designed to bring the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean into your kitchen, celebrating heritage through quality and style.
Support this Black-owned business and stock your kitchen with cookware that highlights African and Caribbean culture.
Estelle Colored Glass
Raise a drink in these rose-colored glasses from the Black-owned luxury brand, Estelle Colored Glass.
Hand-blown colored glass cake stands, decanters, and stemware in 22 shades—including red—combine vintage inspiration with refined, modern aesthetics.
Set your table with an original piece made by skilled glass artisans, evoking a sense of timeless elegance. Estelle Colored Glass celebrates the artistry of glassmaking while adding a touch of sophistication and nostalgia to any meal setting.
Curate your own colorful 6-piece set of hand-blown wine glasses for your Juneteenth celebration.
feature
