Healing is an essential aspect of the LGBTQ+ community’s journey toward self-acceptance and growth. For many individuals, the process of coming to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity can be challenging and full of emotional struggles. The Gilded Heart Cocktail is a great visual representation of the orange stripe on the Pride flag, which symbolizes the healing process that occurs within the community. This acknowledges the wounds inflicted by societal prejudice, discrimination, and the personal struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. It stands as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that healing is not only possible but also an inherent part of the journey toward embracing one’s authentic self.

By coming together, supporting one another, and creating safe spaces, the community fosters an environment that encourages self-expression, self-love, and personal growth. Healing is not a solitary endeavor but a shared experience within the LGBTQ+ community. The orange stripe reminds us of the importance of uplifting and empowering each other, creating a sense of belonging and acceptance that accelerates healing processes for individuals and the community.

The orange stripe symbolizes the triumph over adversity and the celebration of progress made by the LGBT community. It represents the courage to confront and overcome past traumas, embracing a brighter and more inclusive future. Healing is not about erasing or forgetting the past but rather acknowledging the pain and transforming it into personal growth. It is a reminder that every step taken towards healing and self-acceptance contributes to a stronger and more resilient community, paving the way for a more compassionate and equitable society.

Here’s how to make this cocktail: 

• 2 oz Stoli Gold
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz orange juice

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a dehydrated orange 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.