ROTTERDAM, 15 July 2025 – A new cocktail served at The Usual supports LGBTQIA+ rights while celebrating Pride in Rotterdam. Half the proceeds are donated to a buddy programme for queer asylum seekers.
Cocktail served at The Usual supports COC Nederland project
A new limited-edition cocktail is being served at The Usual Rotterdam to mark Pride Rotterdam and support LGBTQIA+ inclusion. The drink, named Sip With Pride, was introduced as part of an internal initiative led by the DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility) team and Culture Club of The Usual Hotels group.
The pink-coloured cocktail is made with Ketel 1 jenever, pink grapefruit soda, and a hint of strawberry syrup. It is finished with edible flowers and is now available at The Usual on Westblaak 10–14, priced at €12.50. According to the organisers, the cocktail will remain on the menu for at least one year.
Half of the profit from each cocktail will go towards Cocktail, a social support project by COC Nederland. The initiative aims to connect LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in the Netherlands with Dutch members of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering companionship and helping to counter social isolation.
COC Nederland and the Cocktail project explained
COC Nederland is the oldest LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisation in the Netherlands, founded in 1946. The organisation promotes equal rights and acceptance for queer people through political lobbying, education, and support services.
One of its key initiatives is Cocktail (also known as Cocktailmaatjes), a volunteer-led buddy project that connects LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers with local LGBTQIA+ individuals. By organising informal social activities, the programme helps newcomers build supportive networks and navigate their new surroundings with greater ease.
The pink-coloured cocktail is made with Ketel 1 jenever, pink grapefruit soda, and a hint of strawberry syrup. It is finished with edible flowers and is now available at The Usual on Westblaak 10–14, priced at €12.50. According to the organisers, the cocktail will remain on the menu for at least one year.
The Usual joins Pride Rotterdam celebrations
The launch of Sip With Pride coincides with Pride Rotterdam, which takes place this year from 19 to 28 September. The theme for 2025 is Queertopia, with the Pride March and Pride Festival scheduled for Saturday 27 September.
The Usual will participate in the celebration by hosting various events throughout Pride Week. Details of these events are expected to be shared via The Usual’s Instagram account in the lead-up to the festivities.
How to get there
The Usual is located at Westblaak 10–14, right next to Cinerama in the heart of Rotterdam’s city centre. The area is well connected by public transport and is a short walk from Beurs metro station. Street parking and nearby bicycle racks are also available for those travelling locally.
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