Hosting friends and family can be as chill as a game night with wings, or as upscale as a table setting, complete with wine glasses and the whole bit. Fortunately, for Karrueche Tran, she can do both. The Emmy-winning actress enjoys inviting her loved ones over for a night of good food, good conversation, and, of course, a good drink, whether it's a casual or more upscale affair.
During an interview with Complex, the actress mentioned that her drink preferences have changed over the years. Tran used to love sweeter cocktails; now she enjoys smooth drinks, which is why she naturally gravitated toward cognac. So, when Courvoisier needed a brand ambassador for its BYOCV campaign, Tran was the perfect fit.
Bring Your Own Courvoisier, or BYOCV, is a global campaign aimed to put the century-old French Cognac brand in a new light. Known as the drink for life’s biggest moments, the campaign finds Tran celebrating just to celebrate. Some may call it pre-gaming, while others simply call it having a good time. Either way, Courvoisier wants you to know you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it. The special occasion is now.
Complex also understands the power of now and that to make an impact today, you have to have put in the work yesterday (or a few yesterdays ago). To honor the luminaries in music, fashion, entertainment, and more who’ve put the work in on behalf of culture. Complex, in partnership with Courvoisier, is hosting its inaugural LISTED dinner (Friday, October 24th). The goal is simple: honor those moving the culture in the only direction it has to go.
Forward.
Complex spoke with Tran about her involvement with the brand, why BYOCV and Complex LISTED is the perfect pairing, and how she’ll bring her own je nais se quoi to the role.
What was it about Courvoisier that made you want to partner with them?
I always feel so corny when I say this, but Courvoisier is legendary to me simply because of the song “Pass The Courvoisier” with Busta Rhymes and Pharrell. It was a legendary moment back in the day, and the video was iconic. I was much younger back then, so coming full circle and working with Courvoisier to combine forces was a cool feeling. As I get older, I'm starting to lean into the darker liquors. So yeah, I was absolutely down and wanted to be a part of the Courvoisier family and everything they stand for.
What will you do as a brand ambassador, and how will you make your involvement different from others?
I’m going to remain authentic to myself and figure out ways to bring my energy to the brand and their dînatoire.
Wait. What’s a dînatoire?
I asked the same thing when they first told me about it. [laughs] So, a dînatoire is Courvoisier’s new approach to dining and a dining experience. It's a more elevated sexy feel. I naturally love to host people. I love to host my friends. I love to cook. I love the feeling of going somewhere and you're having fun and you’re not checking your phone, and that’s a dînatoire. You’re there, and you don't know what time it is because you're engaging in conversation.
Ah! Okay. Courvoisier launched its BYOCV. campaign, which means ‘Bring Your Own Courvoisier.’ What I took from it was to bring something only you can bring to an event or occasion. So, Karreuche, what is something that only you can offer?
My attention to detail. When I bring people together, I'm very detail-oriented. So, if the gathering is at my house, I’ll say to myself, ‘What drinks are we having? What cups will we use? What's going to be at the center of the table? What flowers? You know, things like that, because I love a theme.
Complex is hosting the inaugural Listed dinner honoring some of today's biggest innovators in entertainment. Why do you think Courvoisier’s BYOCV campaign is a perfect fit for this initial celebration?
I think that what this dinner and celebration stand for is similar to what Courvoisier embodies. They celebrate the culture. They want to celebrate innovators, so I think it's a no-brainer to pair the two. Also, Complex is an iconic brand, so joining forces makes total sense.
If there were a special Karreuche and Courvoisier cocktail, what would it be and what would you call it?
I'm getting older, so my taste has changed. I don't love a sugary drink. I don't love all the juices and all the stuff because then it gives you a headache, and your stomach hurts, and then you're bloated. The drink I would create would be in a rocks glass with either a circular or a square ice cube. I would pour Courvoisier right over it, with a squeeze of orange, and then throw the orange peel in and call it a day. If you want to get a fancy you can add a splash of lemonade with a little lime on top and some hibiscus. I think that would also be a good addition.
And what would you name the drink?
I would call it Ruechi Beauty because my beauty brand is named Ruechi Beauty.