Step up your Pride Party

Pride Month is here and renowned mixologist Mel Meza and Essentia Water have partnered on some delicious and festive Pride Cocktails. Whether you plan to join a pride parade or picnic or party, you can create some colorful, flavor-forward and hydrating cocktails to celebrate. Meza, Beverage Director at LA hotspot Olivetta and first-generation Mexican lesbian woman, uses Essentia Water when crafting her premium cocktails.

Rainbow Ice Cubes Instructions:

The below recipes will make about 12, 2” ice cubes for each color.

Red 

• • 2 bags of hibiscus tea
  • 1L Essentia Water
  • Combine and steep for 5 minutes (at room temperature), stirring occasionally
  • Pour into a 2-inch silicone ice cube tray and freeze overnight

Blue/Purple

• • ¼ cup dried loose butterfly pea flowers or 2 tsp butterfly pea flower powder
  • 1L Essentia Water
  • Combine and steep for 5 minutes (at room temperature), stirring occasionally
  • Pour into a 2-inch silicone ice cube tray and freeze overnight
  • The ice will start out a vibrant blue. As the ice melts into the cocktail, the blue will slowly change to a gorgeous violet hue. 

Yellow/Orange

• • 0.5L orange juice
  • 0.5L Essentia Water
  • Stir until thoroughly mixed
  • Pour into a 2-inch silicone ice cube tray and freeze overnight

Green

• • 4 large cucumbers, cut into cubes and leaving the skins on
  • 1L Essentia Water
  • Blend cucumber with Essentia Water in a blender until smooth
  • Use a mesh strainer to separate the pulp
  • Pour the liquid into a 2-inch silicone ice cube tray and freeze overnight
  • Repurpose the pulp: compost it, or use it to make veggie burgers, Tzatziki or other fresh summer dips! 

” I wanted to make a drink as vibrant and beautiful as the LGBTQ+ community I am so proud to be a part of. Premium ice made with Essentia’s ionized alkaline water is 99.9% pure, so it maintains the cocktail’s true flavors as it dilutes. Plus, drinking Essentia will keep you feeling well hydrated, whether you’re watching a parade, going to a party, or hanging at home with your vaccinated friends. Cheers to all as we fight for equal rights, dignity, inclusion and love – this month, and always,” say Meza.

THE HARVEY MILKSHAKE 

Cocktail Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• .5 oz Crème de Cacao liqueur (Kahlua alternative)
• .5 oz Simple Syrup
• 2 oz Essentia Cold Brew
• 1 oz Essentia Almond Milk
• 1 scoop Essentia Ice Cubes

Instructions:

Make Essentia almond milk:

1. Soak 1 cup of almonds overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the almonds.
3. Combine Almonds and 3 cups of Essentia Water and blend for 30 seconds.
4. Fine strain.

Make Essentia cold brew:

1. Mix 1 part cold brew concentrate and 2 parts Essentia Water
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a Collins glass.
4. Garnish with rainbow sprinkles and a cherry.
5. Enjoy!