From the winding hills of Bournes Road in St. James, a small yet mighty brand has been stirring up memories and mixing nostalgia into every sip since 2005. Deane’s Homemade Drinks – affectionately known as Deane’s H.D – has carved out its place in the hearts (and taste buds) of Trinbagonians with a unique combination of premium cocktails, fresh juices and that much-loved throwback from the good old days: the suckabag.
For many growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, the suckabag is more than just a cold, sweet treat. It’s a symbol of childhood – of racing to the parlour with a few coins in hand, of sitting on the steps in the hot sun, tearing off the corner of a frozen plastic pouch with your teeth and savouring the icy burst of Kool-Aid, peanut punch or homemade juice. Deane’s H.D didn’t just preserve that feeling; they elevated it, infusing quality and flavour into a product that already had a strong emotional pull. Today, their suckabags are no ordinary treat – they are a premium experience wrapped in nostalgia.
At the helm of this brand is Deane, a self-taught mixologist whose talent and passion for beverage creation are evident in every bottle and bag that leaves their St. James home base. The decision to put his name on the brand was intentional and deeply personal. “I wanted my name attached to something I owned,” he says, “something that matched my skills and abilities.” And match it does. Whether it’s a cocktail mixed with precision or a frozen suckabag bursting with flavour, Deane’s H.D is a reflection of the man behind it.
While the business started as a full-time endeavour, it later evolved into a part-time passion. Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with other responsibilities hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. Weekends, evenings, holidays – those are the moments when the hustle continues. Deliveries wind up those same hilly roads and loyal customers trek up the stairs for their fix of frozen delight or bottled refreshment. Deane’s commitment doesn’t waver. Instead, he adapts and thrives.
His journey was driven by a desire for independence and legacy. Having worked in the mixology industry, he recognised not only his own value but the potential to create something sustainable – something that could one day be passed down to his children. And along the way, his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Today, Deane serves as a tutor in community development programmes, lectures at career days and lends his expertise as a consultant to other food and beverage ventures. These are more than milestones – they are affirmations of his growth, credibility and leadership in the space.
Of course, the road hasn’t always been smooth. Like many entrepreneurs, there were times when giving up seemed tempting. But if there’s one lesson he’s learned and is eager to pass on, it’s this: don’t. “Be persistent and innovative,” he urges, a mantra that has carried him through the rough patches and into the successes.
To those considering their own entrepreneurial path, Deane offers heartfelt advice: “Go for it. Absorb, listen, explore, learn and implement in your own style. Be you, be different.” These words, like his drinks, are crafted with intention. He knows firsthand that building a brand isn’t just about sales – it’s about identity. To him, a brand is a personal representation. When people interact with Deane’s H.D – whether it’s at a wedding, a concert, or a casual lime – they’re not just buying a product. They’re experiencing him. His energy, his creativity, his history.
That’s the difference, he says, between a business and a brand. A business is about operations – sales, logistics, tasks. A brand? That’s the connection. It’s the story. It’s the reason someone picks your suckabag over another. “My brand is what people connect with. Suckabags bring a nostalgic feeling and memory.”
Yet that hasn’t stopped him from showing up. Deane’s H.D has made appearances at Christmas pop-ups, private house parties, weddings and concerts. His presence at these events isn’t just about moving product – it’s about maintaining that vital human connection. It’s about bringing a touch of something real and familiar to every occasion.
Deane’s Homemade Drinks is more than a beverage company. It’s a living, breathing tribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, resilience and love for flavour – both literal and emotional. In every chilled suckabag and every handcrafted cocktail, there’s a piece of the past, a pulse of the present and a promise for the future.
