To celebrate Pride Month, 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, the Rainbow Rumba and Harvey Milkshake will help you celebrate and hydrate in style. 

Mel, Beverage Director at LA hotspot Olivetta and a first-generation Mexican lesbian woman, exclaimed, “Pride Month is here! I teamed up with Essentia Water to create the Rainbow Rumba – a colorful, flavor-forward and hydrating cocktail to celebrate and uplift LGBTQ+ voices in style. I wanted to make a drink as vibrant and beautiful as the LGBTQ+ community I am so proud to be a part of. Unlike tap water, ice made with Essentia’s premium ionized alkaline water is 99.9% pure, so it maintains the cocktail’s true flavors as it dilutes more slowly. Plus, it will keep you feeling hydrated all day, 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.”

Happy Pride Month!

THE RAINBOW RUMBA 

Cocktail Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Tequila, Vodka or Gin – this recipe pairs well with your favorite clear liquor 
• 0.5 oz Coconut Rum or Liqueur
• 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• 3 oz Essentia Water
• 2 dash Cardamom Bitters

Note: You can also skip this step and opt for your favorite cocktail – such as a Vodka Soda, Gin and Tonic, Tom Collins, etc. Clear cocktails are recommended to show off the vibrant Rainbow Ice. 

Instructions: 

• Combine all ingredients in a small carafe
• Stir thoroughly
• Serve in a Collins Glass filled with Rainbow Ice Cubes (recipes below)
• Optional garnish with a lemon wedge
• Enjoy!

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! 

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:

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