Like a calm and quiet evening, the Lunar Serenity Cocktail could be a great addition to your late-night spa session. Within the rainbow flag, there is an often-overlooked stripe that carries its own powerful meaning: the serene shade of blue. This blue stripe, commonly associated with serenity, holds significance for the community, highlighting the importance of self-care and mental well-being in the face of adversity. 

Serenity, embodied by the blue stripe on the pride flag, serves as a poignant reminder for the LGBTQ+ community to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. As members of a marginalized group, many individuals within the community face unique challenges, including discrimination, prejudice, and the struggle for equality. Whether it involves seeking therapy, engaging in mindfulness techniques, or simply taking time for oneself, the blue shade of serenity encourages individuals to prioritize their mental health, recognizing that self-care is not selfish but necessary for personal growth and overall well-being.

Self-care is particularly vital for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community due to the additional stressors they often encounter. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face a higher risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicide, because of societal stigma and discrimination. By embracing self-care, individuals can actively counteract these negative effects and cultivate a sense of serenity. 

Serenity can be found within community connections. By coming together, sharing stories, and supporting one another, individuals within the LGBTQ+ community can create spaces of solace, understanding, and acceptance. Building inclusive communities that embrace diversity and promote self-care not only benefits individuals but strengthens the overall well-being of the community. 

Here’s how to make this cocktail:

• 1 ½ oz Stoli Blueberry
• ¾ oz limoncello
• ¾ oz blue curacao

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a blue-sugar rimmed coup glass. Garnish with frozen blueberries. 

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.