The LGBTQ+ community has a reputation for being a bright, vibrant, and lively space for those that come from all walks of life. This reputation is properly earned, as we persevere and move on in the face of adversity. The Elixir of Life Cocktail is a great visual representation of the love and sweetness this community holds. Pride month is our opportunity to express this vibrancy and be our true authentic selves! loudly and proudly.

The first color of the flag is red, a color that represents life. A strong example of the LGBTQ+ community coming together and pulling through hardships together can be seen in the HIV and AIDs crisis in the 1980s. This was a devastating global epidemic that particularly affected the LGBT community. It was characterized by widespread fear, stigma, and the loss of countless lives. However, amidst this turmoil, the LGBTQ+ community displayed remarkable strength and resilience. It’s important that we recognize the lesbians that sat at the side of sick gay men who would have otherwise had no one during these sad and uncertain times. They came together to support and care for those affected, establishing community organizations and support networks to provide assistance, information, and advocacy. 

Despite facing discrimination and marginalization, the community showed amazing solidarity, fighting for better medical treatment, raising awareness, and challenging societal prejudices. Their unwavering determination and resilience in the face of immense tragedy stand as a testament to the human spirit and serve as an inspiration for overcoming adversity and promoting inclusivity and understanding in society. This is the life and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community!

Here’s how to make this cocktail: 

• 1 ½ oz Stoli Gold  
• 2 oz raspberry juice  
• ½ oz vanilla liqueur

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a sugar-rimmed rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with frozen raspberries.

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.