7 drinks to celebrate Pride this month from BC Liquor Stores

This year, many of Vancouver’s most anticipated annual events have been put on hold or called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One celebration that is being reimagined rather than cancelled is Vancouver Pride. For the first time ever, the Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) is hosting a series of online events. The city’s Pride Parade typically sees crowds of 600,000 or more, but this year locals can stay safe at home with a virtual Pride Parade stream.

If you’re hosting a small get-together with your bubble, there are plenty of options for Pride-inspired drinks available at BC Liquor Stores. Whether you’re looking for a summer refresher in the form of a hard seltzer or brew, or perhaps a base for DIY cocktails, you’ll find it on the shelves at BCLS locations.

Crystal Head Vodka – Pride Edition

This summer, Crystal Head Vodka is celebrating diversity and equality with a limited-edition and super creative Pride bottle that’s only available at BC Liquor Stores. As an original blend, the vodka is distilled four times using high-quality and locally-sourced Canadian corn. With clean, neutral grain aromas and a hint of citrus, it allows for a smooth finish. Caesars, martinis, and cosmopolitans are just some of the cocktails you can make with this spirit.

Hey Y’All – Daytona Mixer Pack

Choosing drinks that each of your friends like is often a challenge. To make it easier, opt for a mixer pack with different options. BC-made Hey Y’All has released a 24-pack of hard iced teas right in time for Pride celebrations. Within the pack, there are six of each flavour to cool you down: Hey Y’all Original, Georgia Peach, Iced Tea & Lemonade, and Alabama Passion.

Nude Vodka Soda – Pride Pack

If hard iced tea isn’t your jam, another BC-crafted beverage to consider is Nude Vodka Soda. The brand has dropped a rainbow pack to acknowledge its friends in the LGBTQ community. With six flavours to sip and savour, the pack includes Cran Raspberry, Raspberry Lemon, Classic Lime, Black Cherry, Mango, and Peach.

G&W Distilling – The Distiller’s Pack

Don’t worry if you’re still not sure what drinks you’re in the mood for ahead of Pride. G&W Distilling has designed a mixer pack with something for everyone. It includes NÜTRL Vodka Soda (Cranberry, Red Apple, and Pineapple flavours) and NÜTRL3 Vodka Soda (Green Apple and White Grape flavours). There’s also NÜTRL4 Vodka and Soda and NÜTRL7 Vodka Soda (Black Cherry and Black Raspberry flavours). Tempo Gin Soda Lime, Tempo Gin Smash Grapefruit, Tempo Gin Smash Strawberry Lemon, and HIGHBALL Canadian Whisky Soda are also included.

White Claw – Variety Pack Can

Earlier this year, White Claw Hard Seltzer became available in Canada for the first time. The US-born beverage is an ideal summer drink with just 100 calories and one gram of carbs per can. It’s also now available in a variety pack of 24 cans (only at BC Liquor Stores) with three different flavours: Black Cherry, Ruby Grapefruit, and Mango. Crack open a beverage and put your claws up to celebrate in hard seltzer style.

Strathcona Beer Company – Big Sexy Funk IPA

When it comes to choosing a brew to cheers with, craft beer enthusiasts don’t have to settle for run-of-the-mill packaging. Strathcona Beer Company has launched a colourful Pride-themed four-pack dubbed the “Big Sexy Funk” India Pale Ale. Available in a tall can four-pack, this hazy and dry IPA is packed with aromatic accents of citrus and fresh tropical fruit flavours. Sit out on your balcony or patio and catch the sunset with this crisp brew in hand.

Absolut Rainbow Limited Edition

Cocktail aficionados (or those who enjoy a simple vodka tonic) have another Pride drink option with Absolut’s limited-edition rainbow bottle. This 2020 bottle pays homage to American artist and LGBTQ rights activist, Gilbert Baker. In 1978, Baker created the rainbow flag, which has since become a symbol of inclusion, love, and peace. Absolut’s bottle was co-created with The Gilbert Baker Foundation in his memory.

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To discover more beverages for your Pride celebrations, head to BCLiquorStores.com or visit your nearest BC Liquor Store location for a safe and friendly shopping experience. You can also speak with a Product Consultant in-store to get recommendations based on your drink preferences.

Please enjoy responsibly.