Another June has come and gone which means the droves of companies who dole out generic pride merch have officially receded back into hibernation for another eleven months. However, there is one product that's breaking the mold on canned cocktails and shining through — introducing Gay Water, a new canned vodka soda.
Social media star Spencer Hoddeson (@hoddsuspenders) realized that there were so few products that truly represented pride and the queer community outside the confines of Pride Month and decided that needed to change. While Gay Water is the universal colloquialism for a vodka soda in the queer universe, the brand itself is looking at becoming a household staple.
"Gay Water is more than just a vodka RTD — our mission isn’t product-focused or beverage-focused; it’s community-focused," Hoddeson told Foodbeast on launch day. "We definitely foresee ourselves expanding into new categories and products in the coming months."
We have seen in recent news how certain alcohol brands have acted and responded to criticisms against their LGBTQIA+ branding — hint hint Dylan Mulvaney — so it's refreshing to see a completely queer-branded company like Gay Water make waves.
"I started Gay Water because of the realization that the spirits industry, including Bud Light, lacks queer representation," Hoddeson revealed. "I really appreciate all brands that raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community, but I have to admit their campaigns lacked consistency. Overall, they felt more like a one-time thing, and that's not enough. We need something bold and ongoing to ensure proper community representation throughout the year. That's what inspired Gay Water — the need for authentic queer representation. This is something that isn’t going to go away — we’re here, and we matter."
As a curious consumer, I had to ask Hoddeson where he came up with the ingenious idea to market the ever-popular vodka soda:
"Gay Water has been in the making since 2022! It all started about a year ago when I went on a trip with a girl friend who had just begun working at a major beverage company. We were chatting about her new job, and I casually ordered my go-to drink, a vodka soda (which also happens to be a favorite among queer folks). I playfully mentioned to her that the gay community affectionately calls this drink "gay water." Surprisingly, she was already familiar with the term. That simple conversation sparked something within me, and I was immediately inspired to take action. The very next day, I began crafting a business plan to create a community and mission-driven company aimed at making a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community."
The new line of canned cocktails includes four different flavors: lime, peach, watermelon, and grapefruit. Unlike most seltzers on the market today, Gay Water is made with real vodka and simple ingredients, clocking in at only 80 calories. I can confidently say that I tried and loved them all but lime will always be my #1. Products are sold as a six-pack of lime or in a variety pack of twelve.
If you'd like to find your closest retailer, get product shipped directly to you, or snag some cute merch, click here and get your Gay Water ASAP. You don't want to have FOMO on this one, y'all.
Feature photo: Gay Water
