Of course, the high-volume drinks programs at some gay venues function primarily as social lubricants. But it seems generally that gay bar cocktails are about where nightclub cocktails are in terms of average quality.” “These days, there are some gay bars using fresh juices in their cocktails, at least, and more of the restaurants in gayborhoods are getting it right. “It dawned on me that none of the gay bars were moving in the same direction as other bars - they were just doing the same old flavored vodka drinks, most without fresh juices or even drink menus,” English tells VinePair. Ten years later, he says that’s still the case. In a 2009 article for queer publication Between the Lines, writer Camper English laments the lack of “couture cocktails” at gay establishments, pointing to the stereotype that “we’re supposed to be trendy people.” Having covered cocktail culture since 2006, English believes drinks programs at gay bars have remained remarkably static as the bar and restaurant industry have drastically evolved.
