Celebrate National Cognac Day with Courvoisier & Make My Cake
Starting in 2020, Courvoisier® Cognac has pledged $1 million over five years to provide meaningful support to Black small business owners, entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.
This commitment was established as an action-oriented step to address the challenges facing Black and minority owned businesses following the pandemic.
Courvoisier’s history is deeply rooted in community and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit — from centuries of working with artisans in the brand’s hometown of Jarnac to the foundational brand belief in the importance of community.
In the spirit of this commitment, the premium Cognac brand has partnered with Aliyyah Baylor, owner and CEO of Harlem-based bakery Make My Cake timed to National Cognac Day (June 4).
Aliyyah’s baking journey began decades ago, based on family recipes and the cultural heritage of service and excellence practiced by her beloved matriarch, Josephine Smith — affectionately called “Ma Smith.”
In addition to her pastry passions, Aliyyah and her family have served the Harlem community for three generations and is an active community leader who gives back through charitable work, including delivering meals and mentoring other female entrepreneurs in her neighborhood, as well as supporting organizations like the New York Urban League.
Aliyyah’s creativity and baking skills have made a name for Make My Cake, drawing thousands of worldwide visitors seeking her heavenly desserts in Harlem — and now the Upper West Side, too.
As part of this collaboration with Courvoisier, Aliyyah has created specially crafted desserts featuring award-winning Courvoisier® VSOP that will be available at her bakery beginning on National Cognac Day for one week (June 4–11).
Consumers can enjoy the following sweet treats at Aliyyah’s NYC locations, Make My Cake (775 Columbus Ave., NYC 10025) and I Like It Black (409 W 125th St., NYC 10027):
- Courvoisier Chocolate Bundt Cake: Chocolate cake made with agave glaze, lemon, Courvoisier VSOP, garnished with raspberries and infused with Courvoisier VSOP simple syrup.
- French 75 Cupcake: Lemon cake with champagne buttercream and strawberry garnish, infused with Courvoisier VSOP simple syrup.
