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No matter where or how you celebrate Pride — brunching, parading, party hopping, or simply being a spectator – there are always drinks flowing. But it’s essential to sip safely and responsibly. Charge your phone before you leave for the day, share your location with a trusted friend or relative, and stay well hydrated, suggests Montez Brown who has attended Pride events for over a decade.
We asked him to share his perspective on how to make this Pride the best experience ever and the drinks that really bring the party. “Between long days of celebrating, hot parades, and sweaty parties, hydration is key,” Brown says. He likes to grab an electrolyte beverage at the start and end of Pride.
“Of course, cocktails are also very much part of the Pride experience,” he adds. And we must agree! Here are 10 of our favorite cocktails and mocktails, perfect for Pride.
Sunset Slushies
This two-toned frozen mocktail will keep you cool from sunup until whenever the party finally ends. Make the colorful slushy blend of peaches, mangoes, and strawberries a cocktail by adding a salt rim and a splash of tequila.
“In keeping with the Pride tradition of all things rainbow and colorful, I like to try lots of fun flavors. It makes me feel exotic and tropical,” Brown notes.
Spicy Peach Margaritas
“I’ve never met a margarita I didn’t like,” Brown says. Don’t be fooled by the mellow pink color of these cocktails — they pack a fiery punch, so don’t overdo it. Fresh peaches and jalapeño add a new dimension to margaritas. To dial up the heat even more, swap in habanero peppers.
Coconut Orange Mock Margarita
Speaking of margaritas, skip the alcohol, but not the party, with a mock margarita that tastes like it just flew in from a tropical island. Freshly squeezed orange and lime juices deliver a tangy citrus punch rounded out with creamy coconut milk.
Summer Fruit Agua Fresca
Customize your water to match your tastes (or your outfit) and stay hydrated with this favorite refresher from Latin America. Colorful agua frescas are as easy as choosing your favorite fruit and blending them with water.
Cucumber Mint Faux-jitos
This drink inspired by Cuban mojitos starts with a trio of naturally cooling ingredients — fresh mint, cucumbers, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The sophisticated drink is a great way to beat the heat at your Pride brunch party without the booze.
“Last year, I finally hosted a brunch and it was wonderful,” Brown says. “I made a huge pitcher of my favorite cocktail, and we all enjoyed a fun day with good food and ridiculous stories.” A pitcher of Faux-jitos would make a terrific brunch addition.
Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar
For a classic brunch cocktail, try a DIY Bloody Mary bar. Horseradish and zingy pickle brine add kick to tomato juice and vodka, while sky’s-the-limit garnishes, like chicken tenders, bacon, and shrimp, are wow-worthy additions.
Big Batch Sangria
“There is nothing wrong with celebrating at home,” Brown advises. “Fix yourself a fruity cocktail or mocktail and enjoy some time with friends.”
For your at-home Pride party, mix up a big batch of Spanish sangria so guests can help themselves. Make the combination of red wine, brandy, and triple sec with fresh oranges, apples, and cinnamon ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to two days.
Pineapple Sparklers
A double dose of pineapple juice and frozen chunks gives these non-alcoholic drinks bright, tropical flavor and keeps them cold, too. The frozen pineapple serves as ice cubes floating in a blend of freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapple juice, and orange seltzer.
Whipped Lemonade
This dessert-like drink takes its cues from Brazil, where they do lemonade a little differently. Sweetened condensed milk joins store-bought lemonade infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a creamy, sweet-tart sip.
Peanut Butter Pride Milkshake
This milkshake for peanut butter lovers is a delicious way you can support the LGBTQI+ community at home. It’s made with Love Good Fats® Peanut Butter Chocolate Keto Bars and Peanut Butter & Co.® Peanut Powder, two brands that are industry leaders in their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and raising the visibility of LGBTQI+ issues.
