For many of us, Pride means one thing, and one thing only: Day drinking. Consider this your friendly reminder to pace yourself, drink plenty of water in between cocktails, and by all means, whatever your poison, keep it gay. Here are a few drink options to keep you well-oiled through each and every stage of the Pride celebrations. Stock up on that blue curaçao, my friends: you’ll be needing it.
For Early on in the Festivities:
The Cheever
Featuring notes of pineapple, coconut, and (most importantly) vodka, this cocktail is the perfect kickoff to what is likely to become a weekend of nonstop insanity.
1 part (oz) vodka
½ part cream
½ part cream of coconut
½ part blue curaçao
3 parts pineapple juice
Pour pineapple juice, vodka, cream and cream of coconut with ice into a blender, blend it and strain into a large glass with ice cubes. Float the blue curacao on top and dive into that swimming pool!
For the Post-Parade Slump:
The Sour Melon
Take a minute to chill out with this delightfully warhead-reminiscent beverage.
1 1/2 parts melon liqueur
1 1/2 parts Sweet and Sour Mix
1 part citrus vodka
Lemon juice (to taste)
2 1/2 inch square of fresh Ginger
Orange liqueur
If fancy:
Garnish with Candied Ginger
Pour the melon liqueur first, then muddle the fresh ginger and lemon juice. Add sweet & sour and citrus vodka. Shake with ice. Strain and pour over the bottom layer. Finally, carefully top with cranberry juice and a floater of orange liqueur.
For your friend who just HAS to do Jell-O shots
Gelatinis
Just the right amount of trashy, sexy, and cool.
4 boxes of colored Jello mix: blue, green, yellow, and red
Your choice of clear liquor (tequila, vodka, etc.)
A few ice cubes
Jello mix
1. Mix the blue Jello powder with 3/4 cup boiling water, then throw in a couple of ice cubes and stir, allowing the mixture to cool to around room temperature. Once no longer warm, add 3/4 cup vodka, and pour your first layer into each shot glass. Place shot glasses in the refrigerator to solidify (30 to 60 minutes.)
2. Repeat this process with the green Jello mix, then yellow, then red, pouring each layer on top of the last, allowing each layer to solidify in the fridge before adding the next.
For the Final Brunch:
Rainbow Sangrigio
Kick back, and let the fact sink in that you’ve survived yet another Pride.
1 refrigerated bottle dry white wine
3 Tbsp. granulated sugar or honey
2 Tbsp. lime juice
8 cups diced rainbow fruit
2 oz. brandy (optional)
1/2 cup club soda or ginger ale (optional)
In a pitcher (or in the wine bottle), combine wine, sugar/honey, lime juice, and stir until combined.
Add fruit to your serving glasses or (separate) pitcher in your desired color order. Then pour the wine over the fruit until the fruit is covered. Refrigerate the drinks for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Top with a splash of brandy and club soda if desired.
