Cocktails for Pride

In honor of Pride Month, we are toasting to the LGBTQ+ legends. Cheers to the brave and the fabulously free. Cheers to the ones who pushed the boundaries, destroyed walls, defined androgyny and spoke out for those who had been silenced.

Stormé DeLarverie

An American woman best known for igniting the Stonewall Uprising, a series of demonstrations in 1969 to end police raids attacking Gay and Lesbian bars in Lower Manhattan. This protest helped open the door to allow people to be open with their sexual orientation without fear of being arrested. Other than being an icon in the gay civil rights movement, she was also an entertainer who performed and hosted at the Apollo theater, embraced the look known as “butch lesbian” and would probably bounce your ass at any club. She is the true first drag king.

To honor Stormé, we choose a Perfect Storm. A classic but spice forward cocktail. This is a reinvented Moscow mule with rum and extra bitters.

Perfect Storm

2 ounces spiced rum
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ginger beer, chilled, to top
Garnish: lime wedge

Jackie Shane

Jackie Shane, originally born and raised in Nashville Tennessee, escaped from what she called “Jim Crow South,” eventually flourished in Toronto, Ontario Canada in the 1960s. A soul and rhythm and blues singer, she is best known for their hit single “Any Other Way,” produced in 1962. Full of surprises, this singer even toured with Frank Motley and his Motley Crew. Jackie was described by journalists as a male singer who performed and dressed in “such femininity.” Looking back at interviews, she only referred to herself as male on two occasions and generally avoided the discussion of gender. Although she never identified herslef as a Transgender Woman on record, she inspired others to be who they truly are. The first Transgender pioneer.

Listening to Jackie sing, I’m craving a sidecar. A strong yet refreshing cocktail, properly balanced between sour and sweet.