The Queer Alchemist's Kitchen: Crafting Cocktails Inspired by LGBTQ+ Icons

Step into the Queer Alchemist's Kitchen, where the spirits are high (pun intended) and every cocktail tells a story! When you think of our rich LGBTQ+ history, legends such as Marsha P. Johnson, Freddie Mercury, and Harvey Milk come to mind. But what if we could raise a glass in their honor, sipping on beverages inspired by their fierce personas and indelible legacies? Prepare to be stirred (and occasionally shaken) as we mix and mingle with iconic queer cocktails!

Marsha P. Johnson's "Stonewall Spritzer"

In honor of the effervescent Marsha, a drag queen, activist, and one of the prominent figures of the Stonewall uprising:

• 2 oz sparkling rosé

• 1 oz gin

• Splash of elderflower liqueur

• Garnished with a flower crown (edible flowers, of course)

Pour the gin and elderflower liqueur into a glass filled with ice, top with sparkling rosé, and garnish with your floral crown. Sip and celebrate the spirit of resistance!

Freddie Mercury's "Bohemian Rhapsody Brew"

For our flamboyant rock legend who took the world by storm:

• 1 oz vodka

• 1 oz white rum

• 0.5 oz lime juice

• 0.5 oz blue curaçao

• Tonic water

• Garnish with a twist of lime and a faux mustache on the rim

Mix the vodka, rum, lime juice, and blue curaçao in a shaker with ice. Pour into a tall glass, top up with tonic water, and garnish. A drink fit for a Queen!

Harvey Milk's "Harvey Wallbanger Remix"

In tribute to the first openly gay elected official in California, a slight twist on the classic:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 3 oz fresh orange juice

• 0.5 oz Galliano (an herbal liqueur)

• A splash of cream (because Milk)

Shake the vodka, orange juice, and cream with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Float the Galliano on top. It's a toast to political progress and community strength.

James Baldwin's "Literary Libation"

A nod to the eloquent writer and outspoken activist:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz lemon juice

• 0.75 oz maple syrup

• Dash of bitters

• Garnish with a lemon twist and a quote from Baldwin on the rim

Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. A contemplative drink, best enjoyed with a Baldwin novel in hand.

Sylvia Rivera's "Transcendent Tonic"

Honoring the transgender activist and trailblazer:

• 1.5 oz tequila

• 1 oz lavender syrup

• 0.75 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• Soda water

• Garnish with a sprig of lavender

Combine tequila, lavender syrup, and grapefruit juice in a shaker. Pour into a glass with ice and top with soda water. A refreshing reminder of Rivera's dedication to equality and inclusion.

So, the next time you find yourself reminiscing about our vibrant LGBTQ+ history or celebrating a personal milestone, raise a glass filled with more than just spirits, but with stories and legacies. Cheers to our icons! 🍹🌈🥂