Queer Cocktails & Cozy Nights: Inclusive Drinks, Games, and Good Vibes

Rainbow Queer Swagger Sizzle - Source: craftandcocktails.co

Hosting an inclusive game and drink night is a wonderful way to bring friends together in a cozy setting. Let’s look at some yummy cocktail and mocktail recipes along with gaming suggestions to enhance your evening.

Rainbow Queer Swagger Swizzle

This is a delicious cocktail that requires some pre-event preparation. The pineapple infused vodka requires a week of fridge time, and the simple syrup with cinnamon needs an hour or so in the fridge to cool.

Ingredients:

1 oz pineapple infused vodka

  1. 1 cup vodka

  2. 1 cup chopped pineapple

  3. Add vodka and pineapple to a sealed jar and shake. Place in the fridge for 7-10 days. Remove from the fridge and strain into another jar to remove solids. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

1 oz demerara or Jamaican rum

1 oz lime juice

1/2 oz simple syrup with cinnamon

  1. 1 cup sugar

  2. 1 cup water

  3. 2 cinnamon sticks

  4. Add all ingredients into a sauce pan on high. Bring to a boil and take off the heat. Let cool for 1 hour. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a sealable jar. Store in the fridge for up to one month.

6-8 mint leaves

4 dashes Angostura bitters

Garnishes: 3 slices strawberries, orange peel rolled, lemon peel rolled, blueberry, blackberry, mint sprig

Crushed ice

Instructions:

Gently muddle mint in the glass. Add crushed ice to fill the glass. Add the rum and infused pineapple vodka to the glass. Taking a swizzle stick (or chopstick) add into the glass and “swizzle” back and forth between your palms. The glass should get nice and frosty! Dash the bitters on top. Cut garnishes. Add the ingredients in rainbow order (ROYGBV). Smack the mint sprig to release the oils and add to the glass.

craftandcocktails.co

Kansai Kick

Ingredients:

  1. 1½ ounces Japanese whisky (such as Suntory Toki)

  2. ¾ ounce fresh lime juice

  3. ¾ ounce Bual Madeira (wine)

  4. ¾ ounce orgeat syrup*

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine all ingredients.

  2. Fill with ice and shake for 15 seconds.

  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

*Orgeat is a sweet, nutty syrup made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water.

reddit.com

Mocktail Recipes

In today’s world with the advent of the Sober Curious movement and recent dire warnings about consumption of alcohol, many friends want the experience of a yummy cocktail but not the booze. Here are a few delicious mocktail recipies.

Lavender Lemonade Sparkler

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup fresh lemon juice

  2. ½ cup lavender-infused simple syrup

  3. 2 cups sparkling water

  4. Ice

  5. Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, combine lemon juice and lavender simple syrup.

  2. Add ice and top with sparkling water.

  3. Stir gently and garnish with lemon slices and lavender sprigs.

This refreshing mocktail offers a floral twist on classic lemonade, perfect for inclusive gatherings.

Cucumber Mint Cooler

Ingredients:

  1. ½ cucumber, thinly sliced

  2. 10 fresh mint leaves

  3. 1 tablespoon honey

  4. 1 cup coconut water

  5. Ice

  6. Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Muddle* cucumber slices, mint leaves, and honey in a glass.

  2. Fill the glass with ice and add coconut water.

  3. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig.

This mocktail provides a hydrating and flavourful option for guests preferring non-alcoholic beverages.

*Muddling is the process of “smushing” fruit, herbs, or sugar into a cocktail to infuse their flavors.

Incorporating Gaming into Your Night

To enhance the evening, consider integrating games that encourage interaction and fun:

  • Board Games: Classics like Codenames or Cards Against Humanity can accommodate multiple players and keep the energy lively.

  • Video Games: Party games such as Mario Kart or Just Dance are inclusive and entertaining for diverse groups.

  • Live Casino Online: Why not join fellow gamers online for some live casino fun?

Or maybe you just want to get OUT!

For inspiration or to experience professionally crafted drinks, consider visiting these queer-friendly establishments in Vancouver.

  • The Fountainhead Pub: Located in Davie Village, this pub offers a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse clientele.

  • Numbers Cabaret: As Vancouver's oldest gay club, Numbers provides a lively environment with multiple levels and entertainment options.

  • The Junction: This venue blends the best of a pub and nightclub, featuring regular entertainment ranging from drag shows to live music.

What's On Queer BC