Bud Light was recently under the social spotlight for announcing a partnership with transgender social media star, Dylan Mulvaney. After receiving thousands of negative reactions, they decided to slowly disassociate from the problem and leave Mulvaney to handle backlash on her own. Since they quickly withdrew their support of a trans celebrity, here are some beers, wines and other alcohol brands that are Pro-LGBTQ+.

ABSOLUT VODKA

Absolut Vodka has a long history with supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including being featured in magazines such as Interview and The Advocate; collaborating with Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, David LaChappelle and GLAAD. They are also one of the first and longest sponsors of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

FAT HEAD’S BREWERY

Fat Head’s Brewery is an Ohio craft brewery that focuses on great beer and atmospheric restaurants. They have previously shown support for the LGBTQ+ community with fundraisers and events during Pride Month.

SMIRNOFF

Smirnoff is another brand that has actively shown LGBTQ+ communities support through advertising and fundraising. They have an Employee Resource Group, Rainbow Network, who are in charge of Pride-related activities. On the website talking about Rainbow Network, they state, “celebrating Pride is not just the right thing to do, it’s a way to ensure our employees feel they can bring their whole selves to the workplace, every day.” Period, Smirnoff!

If you aren’t a person who is interested in beer or straight liquor, here are some cocktails/mocktails to make and try with your queer community, suggested by Fusion staff and created thanks to Pinterest.

LEMON DROP MARTINI – by Tayler Ross

Lemons are often used in summery drinks, and this cocktail is perfect for a unwinding after a hot day at a Pride Month Event. 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 ½ oz lemon juice, preferably fresh-squeezed
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• ¾ oz triple sec
• Lemon wedges
• Granulated sugar (for rim)
• Ice (for shaking)
• Shaker (for shaking)
• FOR MOCKTAIL: you can replace the triple sec and vodka with equal amounts of chilled club soda or sparkling water. Make sure it’s chilled to keep the refreshing feeling of the drink.

Sugar rim

STEP 1. In a small bowl or plate, pour the sugar. 

STEP 2. Run lemon wedge along the rim of the martini glass. 

STEP 3. While lemon juice is still drying, dip the glasses’ rims in the sugar for an even coating.

Martini itself

STEP 1. Place ice in cocktail shaker

STEP 2. Measure in vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.

STEP 3. Shake until mixed and chilled. Strain into sugar-rimmed martini glasses and enjoy.

DIRTY SHIRLEY – Lisa Longley

This is the alcoholic version of the drink that kids order to show they are way cooler than their boring, plain soda-drinking friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz grenadine
• 4 oz lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite or 7-Up
• Ice
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
• FOR MOCKTAIL: just ignore the vodka and make the recipe even easier than it already is. 

STEP 1. Fill a glass with ice.

STEP 2. Add vodka and grenadine. 

STEP 3. Top off with lemon-lime soda. Stir. 

STEP 4. Garnish with maraschino cherries and enjoy. 

BLUEBERRY-LAVENDER MARGARITA – Stefanie Fauquet

When the Fusion staff was asked about the best queer-esque ingredients in a cocktail, most people responded with lavender. Here is a margarita that any Jimmy-Buffet loving queer person will enjoy. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ oz tequila
• ½ oz triple sec
• 1 ½ oz lime juice, preferably fresh
• ½ oz lemonade
• 5-6 blueberries, crushed
• ½ oz lavender syrup
• Lime wedge (for garnish)
• Sugar (for rim)
• FOR MOCKTAIL: replace tequila with Jalisco 55, an alcohol-free tequila, or tonic water. 

Lavender syrup ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp dried or fresh lavender flowers

Making lavender syrup

STEP 1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lavender flowers over medium heat. 

STEP 2. Bring mixture to a simmer and lower heat. Stir frequently for about five minutes. By this point, the sugar should be completely dissolved and the syrup starting to thicken.

STEP 3. Let cool. Strain through a sieve to remove the lavender flowers. Store in an airtight container. 

Marg itself

STEP 1. Rim the edge of the glass with lemon or lime juice, then dip in sugar to evenly coat. 

STEP 2. With a mortar and pestle, gently crush blueberries. 

STEP 3. Fill glass with ice. 

STEP 4. Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, lemonade, blueberries, and lavender syrup to shaker. Shake vigorously until chilled and strain into sugar-rimmed glass. 

STEP 5. Garnish with lime wedge and enjoy.

If you use these recipes for any of your gatherings or just at home by yourself, tag @ohiofusion to show them off.