Pride has deep roots in the activism and struggles of marginalized communities throughout history, and the Cherry Brick Cocktail is a flying representation of this part of the Pride flag! One figure who played a pivotal role in shaping Pride and advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals was Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender woman. Born on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Johnson became a prominent figure in the gay liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Marsha P. Johnson is widely recognized for her pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, a series of protests of the police raids at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Johnson, along with other transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, stood at the forefront of the resistance, sparking a renewed sense of activism and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. The uprising marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and is considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Following the Stonewall Uprising, Johnson co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with her friend Sylvia Rivera. STAR was a grassroots organization that provided support and advocacy for homeless and street-based transgender youth. Through STAR, Johnson and Rivera worked tirelessly to uplift and empower marginalized communities, often fighting for those who were overlooked or ignored by mainstream LGBTQ+ organizations.

Marsha P. Johnson’s activism and advocacy extended beyond her involvement in the Stonewall Uprising and STAR. She was a vibrant presence in the community, known for her colorful outfits and charismatic personality. Johnson participated in numerous protests, marches, and demonstrations, fighting for the rights and visibility of transgender and gender-nonconforming people, particularly those of color.

Sadly, Marsha P. Johnson’s life was tragically cut short in 1992. However, today, Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire and shape the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to equality have cemented her as an icon within the LGBTQ+ community and a driving force behind the inclusive and diverse spirit of modern Pride celebrations.

Here’s how to make this cocktail:

• 2 oz Stoli Raspberry
• Cola
• ½ oz Grenadine

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Stoli Raspberry. Top with cola. Slowly add grenadine so it sinks to the bottom of the glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon slice.

Enjoy and drink responsibly.

Liberate your spirt 

Sustainability, LGBTQ, diversity, and injustice are core pillars of Stoli. The original vodka recipe was developed in 1938, and by 1948 it was being made and bottled in Latvia, where the award-winning Stoli lineup is made to this day. Stoli has a long, rich history of supporting the LGBTQ community, when in 1991 Stoli became one of the first spirit brands to actively champion LGBTQ issues on global equality, visibility, and acceptance for all. In 1997, Stoli was purchased by Yuri Shefler, transforming Stoli into a vertically integrated company, which lead to Putin waging a war in 2000 for the vodka trademark, which has been unsuccessful. 

In 2018, Stoli commemorated the 40^th anniversary of Harvey Milk being the first openly gay elected official in California, by launching the limited edition, individually numbered, Harvey Milk Limited Edition bottle, with proceeds going to the Harvey Milk Foundation LGBGTQ programming in Eastern Europe and the Baltic nations. Proudly Latvian, Stoli has affirmed their ongoing support of Ukraine and is steadfast in denouncing Russia’s aggression on the sovereign nation. Stoli’s spirit continue to inspire to create a better future for all.