NYC Pride: Celebrate with Rainbow Cocktails and Queer-Owned Bars

New York City has long been at the heart of LGBTQ+ history, activism, and culture. Every June, Pride Month transforms the city into a celebration of identity, love, and progress, culminating in the NYC Pride March, one of the largest and most vibrant Pride events in the world.

But Pride is more than just a parade—it is about honoring the community’s history, supporting LGBTQ+ spaces, and raising a glass to joy, resilience, and self-expression. Whether you are looking for a queer-owned bar to celebrate in or a rainbow cocktail to toast with, this guide will help you celebrate Pride with color, flavor, and meaning.

Queer-Owned Bars to Support This NYC Pride

NYC’s queer bar scene is a crucial part of its cultural fabric. These bars are more than just places to drink—they are spaces for connection, activism, and unapologetic self-expression.

1. Julius’ (West Village) – The Oldest Gay Bar in NYC

Before Stonewall, there was Julius’. This historic bar, dating back to the 1860s, was the site of a 1966 “Sip-In” protest, where LGBTQ+ activists challenged discriminatory liquor laws. Today, it remains a cozy, welcoming spot for a classic burger and a well-made cocktail.

What to Sip: A classic Manhattan—an old-school drink for an iconic venue.

2. The Cubbyhole (West Village) – A Legendary Lesbian Bar

One of NYC’s few remaining lesbian bars, The Cubbyhole is a joyfully eclectic space decked out in colorful decorations year-round. It is a go-to for strong drinks, spontaneous dance parties, and an unbeatable sense of community.

What to Sip: A Cubbyhole Margarita, bright, bold, and always a good idea.

3. Ginger’s Bar (Brooklyn) – Park Slope’s Cozy Queer Bar

Ginger’s is Brooklyn’s longest-standing lesbian bar, offering a laid-back atmosphere, great drinks, and a back patio perfect for warm Pride nights.

What to Sip: A Brooklyn Mule, a fresh take on the Moscow Mule, made with local ginger beer.

4. Good Judy (Brooklyn) – Queer Arts and Cocktails

Named in honor of Judy Garland, this queer-owned bar in Park Slope hosts drag shows, live music, and community events, all in a stylish, art-filled space.

What to Sip: The Judy’s Ruby, a hibiscus-infused gin cocktail as vibrant as the venue itself.

5. Club Cumming (East Village) – Alan Cumming’s Iconic LGBTQ+ Hotspot

Actor Alan Cumming’s intimate and rowdy queer bar is a mix of cabaret, dance club, and underground lounge. Expect a night filled with live performances, unexpected guests, and a spirit of inclusivity and fun.

What to Sip: A Cumming Collins, a classic Tom Collins with a hint of lavender syrup.

5 Rainbow Cocktails to Celebrate NYC Pride

Pride is all about bold self-expression, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant, rainbow-hued cocktail? These drinks reflect the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community—colorful, creative, and full of joy.

1. The Rainbow Spritz – A Layered Celebration

This visually stunning cocktail layers colors to represent the Pride flag, creating a bright and refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz grenadine (red layer)

• 1 oz orange juice (orange layer)

• 1 oz pineapple juice (yellow layer)

• 1 oz blue curaçao (blue layer)

• 2 oz Prosecco or club soda

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with ice.

• Slowly pour each ingredient in order, using a spoon to create distinct layers.

• Top with Prosecco or club soda for a bubbly finish.

Why It’s Perfect for Pride: The vibrant rainbow effect makes this a showstopper.

2. The Glitter Margarita – A Dazzling Twist on a Classic

For those who love extra sparkle, this Margarita is made with edible glitter for a shimmering effect.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila

• ¾ oz lime juice

• ½ oz agave syrup

• ½ oz blue curaçao

• Edible glitter (gold or silver)

Instructions:

• Shake all ingredients with ice.

• Strain into a coupe glass with a salt rim.

• Add a pinch of edible glitter and stir.

Why It’s Perfect for Pride: Glitter makes everything better.

3. The Lavender Collins – A Floral, Refreshing Sip

Inspired by the colors of queer resistance, this lavender-infused cocktail is delicate yet bold.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• ½ oz lavender syrup

• ¾ oz lemon juice

• 2 oz soda water

• Garnish: Edible flowers or a lemon twist

Instructions:

• Shake gin, lavender syrup, and lemon juice with ice.

• Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.

• Top with soda water and garnish.

Why It’s Perfect for Pride: The soft purple hue pays homage to the spirit of LGBTQ+ activism.

4. The Fire Island Sunset – A Beachy, Tropical Escape

Named after the iconic LGBTQ+ summer getaway, this cocktail is bright, fruity, and unapologetically fun.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz coconut rum

• ½ oz passionfruit liqueur

• 2 oz pineapple juice

• ½ oz grenadine (to create the “sunset” effect)

• Garnish: Pineapple slice

Instructions:

• Shake all ingredients except grenadine with ice.

• Strain into a glass filled with ice.

• Slowly pour grenadine to create a sunset effect.

Why It’s Perfect for Pride: Fire Island is legendary in LGBTQ+ history, and this drink captures its sunny, carefree energy.

5. The Queer Old Fashioned – A Bold, Timeless Statement

A modern take on the Old Fashioned, using a hint of cardamom and cacao bitters for depth and warmth.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• ¼ oz honey syrup

• 2 dashes cardamom bitters

• 2 dashes cacao bitters

• Garnish: Orange twist

Instructions:

• Stir all ingredients with ice.

• Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

• Express an orange twist over the drink and drop it in.

Why It’s Perfect for Pride: Like the queer community, this cocktail is timeless and full of depth.

Celebrate Pride, Support Queer Spaces, and Toast to Love

Pride is about celebration, resistance, and community. Whether you are enjoying a rainbow cocktail at home, visiting a queer-owned bar, or marching in the NYC Pride Parade, take a moment to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future of LGBTQ+ liberation.

For those looking to host a Pride-themed mixology event, Art of the Cocktail offers:

✔ Custom Pride Cocktail Menus – Vibrant, meaningful drinks inspired by LGBTQ+ history.
✔ Private Mixology Classes – Hands-on experiences where guests learn to craft Pride cocktails.
✔ Bar Catering for Pride Events – Bringing expert mixologists and colorful drinks to corporate Pride events, fundraisers, and private parties.

However you celebrate, raise a glass to love, identity, and the power of community.

Happy Pride EVERYDAY, NYC!