Walk into any gay bar—whether it’s a divey neighborhood spot or a thumping dance club—and you’ll see it: the vodka soda. Uncomplicated, dependable, and with a reputation as solid as the drink itself. It’s been a backbone of queer nightlife for decades, showing up on trays of drinks ordered for friends and in the hands of countless patrons from Pride brunches to last call.
But vodka’s role in LGBTQ+ culture isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s about the history of queer spaces as sanctuaries for connection and belonging. It’s about the brands that made us feel seen when others looked the other way. And it’s about a shared culture of showing up, ordering rounds, and celebrating who we are.
Jason Castillo, bartender at
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