If you recall the April PR debacle when Bud Light sponsored an Instagram post by Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender social media influencer, you’ll know the backlash they faced from anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments.
Regrettably, Bud Light failed to support Mulvaney and the transgender community, leaving much to be desired.
However, in response, a more delectable option has emerged: Gay Water, a brand-new line of premium canned cocktails, creatively packaged in eye-catching containers, and named after the well-known vodka and soda water with lemon or lime drink often enjoyed in gay bars.
Gay Water brings you four enticing varieties of sugar-free, gluten-free vodka and soda cocktails, infused with delightful fruity flavors like watermelon, peach, lime, and grapefruit.
This delectable drink is predominantly available online, offering single-flavor six-packs for just $18.25 and a variety pack of twelve 12-ounce cans at a reasonable $36.50.
The packaging boasts a vibrant ’90s-inspired pop art design and logo, skillfully crafted by founder Spencer Hoddeson and talented queer designer Ryan Sagawa.
Riding the wave of the booming canned cocktail trend, Gay Water isn’t directly competing with Bud Light, which remains a beer brand.
Moreover, the brand is specific about its commitment to representation and inclusivity. In an interview, Hoddeson asserted, “Bud Light’s downfall was their lack of understanding about their core audience. In 2023, communication is essential because people expect you to engage with them.”
Hoddeson, a gay man himself, wants Gay Water to cater to LGBTQ+ consumers, but his vision goes beyond that.
He envisions an all-inclusive brand, inviting straight individuals to be part of the community they are building.
The company aims to create spaces where representation is scarce, such as in grocery and liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. Gay Water is not just a drink; it’s a statement of acceptance and unity, appealing to a diverse audience.