October is LGBT History Month and EQUALITY Vodka is kicking off the celebration with some fabulous new creations. Each of these six satisfying cocktails represents a color on the iconic rainbow flag created by Gilbert Baker, who is among this year's celebrated heroes.
During LGBT History Month, we celebrate the people who are making a difference and paving a way towards LGBT equality.
So grab a cocktail shaker and a glass, mix up some merriment, and find your favorite flag flavor!
Pioneer
According to the American Psychological Association, "Most historians agree that there is evidence of homosexual activity and same-sex love, whether such relationships were accepted or persecuted, in every documented culture" [emphasis added].
However, it wasn't until the 1950's that the LGBT community could see a light on the horizon of equality. Organizations such as the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis kicked off the LGBT rights movement as pioneers in a time of turmoil. With Civil Rights movement following close behind and the country gripped in a battle against communism, it was a challenging landscape to traverse – but our pioneers did.
Red is for the pioneers.
The Recipe
- 1 ½ oz. EQUALITY Vodka
- 1oz. Pomegranate Juice
- 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
- Splash of Ginger Ale
Add your vodka, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into your favorite glass. Add your ginger ale and some fun fruity garnishes, and enjoy!
Iconic
Orange is for the iconic men and women – like Gilbert Baker and Elizabeth Birch – who we have the privilege of honoring during LGBT History Month and the great fortune to emulate as we continue to work toward a future of equality.
The Recipe
- 1 ½ oz. EQUALITY Vodka
- 1 oz. Blood Orange Juice
- ½ Whole Lime Juiced
- 1 oz. Orange Liqueur
- Ice
With ice in your cocktail shaker, add your vodka, blood orange juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Shake, shake, shake! And strain into a nice tall coupe or martini glass.
Trailblazer
Yellow is for the trailblazers who refused to let fear or the idea that "No one has ever done that before" stop them from greatness – like Aaron Fricke, the young man who won the First Amendment case against the Rhode Island school system for the right to attend prom with another boy.
The Recipe
- 1 ½ oz. EQUALITY Vodka
- 1 oz. Mango Puree
- 1 oz. Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Simple Syrup
- 2 oz. Club Soda
- Mango Slices
Add the first four ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and top with club soda. Finish with a few ripe mango slices and enjoy!
Stepping Out
Green is for stepping out, baby! Thanks to the historical and modern day heroes we're honoring during LGBT History Month, every man and woman – whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or still-finding-myself – has the opportunity to step out and celebrate with pride.
We recommend sipping this one while blaring Lady Gaga's "Born This Way."
The Recipe
- 1oz. EQUALITY Vodka
- 2 oz. Midori
- 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
- ½ oz. Lemon Juice
- ¼ oz. Orange Liqueur
Combine all of your ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain, and pour into a martini glass. This fun, vibrant cocktail needs just a twist of lemon to be complete.
Activist
Blue is for the activist in us all who stands up when others would rather see us sit. Brenda Howard and Richard Isay, this one's for you.
The Recipe
- 1 ½ oz. EQUALITY Vodka
- 1 oz. Blue Curacao
- 1 oz. Amaretto Liqueur
- ½ oz. Simple Syrup
- ½. oz Lemon Juice
- Ice
This sizzlin' summer favorite is fabulous on the rocks or blended. Combine all of your ingredients in a shaker or blender, whip 'em up together, and pour into a tall margarita glass.
Equalizer
Purple is for the equalizers who have made it possible for same-sex couples to join hands in marriage, to create the families they've always wanted, and to be their true selves along with every other man, woman, and child. We are all equal. And we are all special.
While there are so many brave souls to thank, we'd like to raise a glass to Janice Langbehn, the woman who fought tooth-and-nail for marriage equality and hospital visitation rights after being banned from seeing her dying partner, Lisa Pond, in the hospital.
The Recipe
- 2 oz. EQUALITY Vodka
- 2 oz. Blue Curacao
- 1 oz. Grenadine
- ¼ oz. Lime Juice
Add all four ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, then strain. This regal beauty is best served in a coupe.
Celebrate LGBT History Month Your Way
This month is about more than the laws and rights afforded to the LGBT community. It's also about taking the opportunity to embrace your own unique way of celebrating life.
Life is about love. It's about freedom. And it's about hope.
We would love to hear about your journey to finding freedom and hope that you and your loved ones have a grand time celebrating this monumental month.
Once you've made one of these delicious drinks, snap a pic and tag us on Instagram @equalityvodka
Cheers!
Doug