Using a gas grill
How to use a gas grill
Santeri Viinamäki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Let’s face it, using a Gas Grill can be…intimidating. For the longest time, it has been the gatekeeper to the world of the straight masculine man’s man.
After all, it’s basically one big gadget! It looks like there’s a lot that goes into it, so usually, we just let someone else handle things.
Honey, it’s time to set the record gay.
Grilling is for everybody, and nobody should feel intimidated by it! After all, it’s Pride Month! So, we’re here to show you how to use a gas grill in as little as three easy steps. THREE. ‘Aint nothing scary about that.
You’re going to need:
- A Gas Grill
- Small Fire Extinguisher
- A Backup Gas Tank
- Long Spatula
- Long Stainless Steel Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Choice of Oil (Grapeseed, Canola, Olive, etc.)
- Wire Brush
- Spray Bottle (optional)
So, grab your cutest booty shorts and a crop-top, and let’s get cookin’!
Step1: Open It Up!
This is really two steps. You’ll want to open the lid so there’s no gas buildup when it’s initially lit and to get acquainted with what you’re working with. Cast iron or stainless-steel grates, all that good stuff.
Then it’s to the gas tank. All you’ll have to do here is turn the knob on the top counterclockwise all the way to let the gas flow to the grill.
Whether your grill uses natural gas or propane doesn’t make much of a difference in this case.
Step 2: Turn it on, and Heat it Up
How to heat a gas grill
Photo by Vincent Keiman on UnsplashThere’s a few knobs on the front of the grill. If you’ve got an ignite button, just give it a push and adjust the knobs to turn the heat up. Or, without the button, just press the knobs in like you’re lighting a gas stove top and adjust the same way.
You can either crank them all up or just one side if you want a little more control over what you’re cooking. The side with less heat is easier for you to move food back and forth, but it’s really up to you!
Now close the lid, and let it heat up to about 400 degrees.
Step 3: Clean and Season the Grates
How to grill food on a gas grill
Photo by Evan Wise on UnsplashYou’re going to want to make sure the grill is clean before and after using it. Which is usually easier to do when it’s already heated up. Get all that gunk off, ya know.
Use the wire brush to give the grates a scrub and get it ready to use.
Then, just like cooking anything else, you’ll need to oil it up so everything doesn’t stick. So, get a cup half full of the oil of your choosing, and use the tongs to dip a few pieces of paper towel in. Apply the oil to the grates. This way is easiest so you can just toss the towels after.
Now you're ready to start grillin'! Honestly…that's all there is to it!
Step 4. Shut Down the Grill
Once you have cooked your food, make to turn off all the knobs on the grill and make sure you shut off the propane tank too. Scrape off the grill with your wire brush, dispose of any trash and shut the lid.
Pro Tips
- Having your grill set up half super-hot and half less is the best way to make sure nothing is overcooked. Most gas grills have a small rack above the grates themselves that you can also use to move your items around. But in the other case, the half and half method is best.
- A backup gas tank will make sure you don’t run out mid-grilling too. ‘Aint no gas gonna slow your roll.
- A spray bottle filled with oil is a good way to re-coat the grill and give a light spritz to the food.
- Don't put on the grill cover until the barbeque has completely cooled down otherwise you run the risk of burning the cover or melting it.
Now get out there and grill like a Queen!
Best Gins for World Gin Day
Celebrate World Gin Day by mixing up your favorite cocktails or by testing out some of these beauties. If you don't know, Gin Monkey organized this international event and it is held every year on the second Saturday of June. If you love to drink gin or if you're new to the botanical spirit, then you have come to the right place.
We love a good gin drink and can't wait to test out all these different flavor profiles. Gin and tonics may not be your thing especially when the tonic has that bitter bite. Luckily we have some friends in the gin business that know how to let their gins shine. It seems the top flavors for gin are cucumber, grapefruit, and mint. We have no doubt you'll find something that will quench your thirst.
Not only will you enjoy some classic cocktails, but a lot of these gin producers support the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just during June and Pride.
Aviation Gin
Backyard Cooler Cocktail
Photo credit: Aviation Gin
If you haven't heard of Aviation Gin, then you'll be super excited to know it's co-owned by Ryan Reynolds. He once said he supports same-sex marriage because he's "not a monster." He goes on further to say he wanted his Deadpool character to explore their sexuality and be more LGBTQ-inclusive. How can you not love that?
Backyard Cooler Recipe
By Aviation Gin
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounce Aviation American Gin
- 1/2 ounce Grapefruit Juice
- 1/2 ounce Lime Juice
- 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
- Club Soda
Directions
- Combine all ingredients except Club soda into cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake, then strain into glass with ice.
- Top with Club Soda and garnish with grapefruit half wheel.
Bombay Sapphire Gin
The Sprout in Pisces Cocktail Kit
Photo credit: Cocktail Courier
The Sprout in Pisces Recipe
by Cocktail Courier
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is known for its beauty as well as its amazing gin. It's a bit far for us to visit but luckily you can pick up The Sprout in Pisces kit and make up to 6 cocktails with it. Don't worry, if grapefruit (or dare we say gin) isn't your thing, Cocktail Courier has you covered. They have several kits with various spirits you can order and have delivered right to your door.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounce Bombay Sapphire
- 1/2 ounce Fino Sherry
- 1/2 ounce Ruby Grapefruit Juice
- 4 ounces Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic
- 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
- 2 Dehydrated Orange Wheels, 2 Dehydrated Lime Wheels
Directions
- Chill glass by placing in the fridge/freezer or by filling with ice water and setting aside for 5 minutes.
- Juice grapefruit and set aside.
- Remove glass from fridge/freezer or empty ice.
- Pour Bombay Sapphire, Sherry, grapefruit juice, and orange bitters into a glass with ice.
- Slowly add Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic and lightly stir cocktail with bar spoon or teaspoon.
- Garnish with 2 dehydrated oranges and 2 dehydrated lime wheels.
- Cheers!
Hendrick's Gin
Cucumber Lemonade Cocktail
Photo credit: Hendrick's Gin
Cucumber Lemonade Recipe
by Hendrick's Gin
Hendrick's Gin has been a long-time supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and has sponsored events year-round. The perfectly smooth gin is infused with cucumber and rose that balances everything together.
Ingredients
- 1 part Hendrick's Gin
- 1/2 part Lemon Juice
- 1/2 part Simple Syrup
- Top with Soda Water
- 3 rounds of Cucumber and 1 wheel of Lemon to Garnish
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice and lightly stir.
- Garnish with 3 thinly sliced rounds of cucumber and 1 lemon wheel and serve.
Cutwater Gin
Eastside Cocktail
Photo credit: Cutwater gin
Eastside Recipe
by Cutwater Gin
Another year-round supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, Cutwater Gin is located in beautiful San Diego California. The Cutwater Gin is made from 11 botanicals including the Torrey Pine, juniper berries, rose, and locally sourced coriander.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Cutwater Gin
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 6-8 leaves mint
- 2 slices cucumber
Directions
- Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
- Lightly muddle the mint and cucumber, but don’t obliterate them.
- Add ice, shake until cold, and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with mint speared through a cucumber.
Madam Pattirini Gin
Madam's Hidden Cucumber Cocktail
Photo credit: Ogden's Own
Madam's Hidden Cucumber Recipe
by Ogden's Own
Ogden's Own Distillery styled the gin after Brigham Morris Young, the son of Brigham Young, the religious leader, and politician. Brigham Morris Young often performed in drag using the name Madam Pattirini, whose persona was an Italian Opera Singer. Madam Pattirini sang falsetto at many events for roughly 15 years.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounce Madam Pattirini Gin
- 0.5 ounce Ancho Reyes
- 1 ounce Cucumber Juice
- 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
- 1 ounce Lime Juice
- 1/4 ounce Agave
- 1/2 ounce Ginger Syrup
- Garnish: Tajin Half Rim, Large Cucumber Slice
Directions
- Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until chilled and strain into a cocktail glass garnished with Tajin on half the rim and a large cucumber slice
Portofino Dry Gin
Negroni Bianco Cocktail
Photo Credit: Portofino Dry Gin
Negroni Bianco Recipe
By Portofino Dry Gin
It's the Italy Riveria in a glass; made from over 20 botanicals that are locally sourced and handpicked. The bottle is an artist's representation of Portofino's harbor which shows colored homes, and rolling hills that meet the turquoise sea.
Ingredients
- 30 milliliters Portofino Dry Gin
- 30 milliliters Dry Vermouth
- 30 milliliters Bitter Bianco
Directions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice, add the three ingredients and stir for thirty seconds.
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube and garnish with lemon peel.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
The Curious Jackalope Cocktail
Photo credit: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
The Curious Jackalope Recipe
by Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
Gunpowder Irish Gin is distilled at the edge of a lake in a small Irish town and is made from 12 botanicals which include dried green tea. There's a lot going on with this gin due to the green tea, lemon, and other aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 50 milliliters Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
- 20 milliliters Fresh lime juice
- 20 milliliters Fresh grapefruit juice
- 10 milliliters Sugar syrup
Directions
- Garnish with fresh mint and a generous grapefruit wedge and shake
Minke Gin
Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe
Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on UnsplashClassic Gin and Tonic Recipe
by Clonakilty Distillery
The Minke Gin from Clonakilty Distillery is as sustainable as they get. The ingredients are handpicked in season and the base spirit comes from whey on their nine-generational family farm. The gin has a smooth and velvety texture and is named after the Minke Whale that is off the coastline where they collect the botanicals.
Ingredients
- 4 large ice cubes
- 1/3 Minke Gin
- 2/3 Tonic
Directions
- Add two slices of lemon or lime and garnish with mint leaf
- Enjoy
Charcoal grilled hamburgers are the best.
The weather is warming up, and that means it’s grilling time. It's time to invite friends over and fire up the grill. If you are new to grilling, it's best to start with the basics, and a charcoal grill is a perfect place to start.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, it's important to learn about the type of charcoal grill you have. Ensure everything is in working order and familiarize yourself with the air vents on the grill because these help you control the heat. If you are looking to buy one, you will need to consider which size is best for your needs. We recommend buying one with an ash container for easy cleanup. Charcoal grills come in different shapes and sizes, and the price range starts at around $100 and can go up from there.
Once you have your grill set up, you will need a couple of things.
- Charcoal
- Chimney starter (optional)
- Grilling tongs
- Pumice stone for cleaning the grill grate
- Heat resistant gloves
Choose Your Charcoal
Charcoal briquettes are the classic choice
Photo by Amin Hasani on UnsplashCharcoal grills, of course, use charcoal as fuel, and there are two types of charcoal you can use. Charcoal briquettes are the most affordable option. You can find them in any supermarket in a big bag. They create consistent heat and burn for an extended time. While they are inexpensive, they don't add much smoky flavor and the slow burn creates a lot of ash.
Hardwood charcoal is the more expensive option, but worth it if you love the smoky taste of grilled food. This type of charcoal burns quickly and leaves little ash for easy clean-up. If you want the best of both worlds, you can use both charcoals together.
Before you get started, you will want to make sure you have enough charcoal. The amount of charcoal needed depends on how much you are planning to cook and for how long. A rough estimate is if you are cooking hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken for a group, 4.5 to 5 pounds of charcoal is best. If you are cooking for 2-3 people, then 2.5 pounds of charcoal should be enough. And, if you are grilling a long-cooking cut of meat or using your grill as a smoker with lower heat but for an extended time then 2 pounds of charcoal is fine.
Light the Grill
Waiting for the grill to heat up is hard when you are hungry.
Photo by Erwan Hesry on UnsplashThere are a few ways to get your grill fired up. The most traditional way is to arrange the charcoal in a small pile on the grill and spray some lighter fluid on the charcoal. Always read the instructions on the bottle for the exact amount of fluid to use. Using too much lighter fluid can affect the flavor of your food. Give the charcoal a minute to absorb the fluid, then light the charcoal with a utility lighter. Once the charcoal is lit, resist the temptation to add more lighter fluid, it's dangerous, and it will be difficult to control the flame.
If you prefer not to use lighter fluid, you can use a chimney starter. Chimney starters are available at any hardware store, and if you grill frequently, they are a great investment. Using a chimney starter is the fastest way to get your charcoal piping hot. Some starters have a place to add either newspaper or fire starter cubes. Follow the instructions, add the charcoal to the starter, and light from there. Once hot, pour onto the grill. Use heat-resistant gloves for safety.
For tech lovers, there is also an electric charcoal starter. Just place the charcoal on the grill and touch the electric starter to the charcoal until it lights.
Another option to light the charcoal is a strike-able fire starter. They are like a large match that you can place in the middle of the charcoal to get the coals going.
However, you get your charcoal started, you will need to wait for your grill to heat up before you start cooking. It can take around 15- 20 minutes to get hot enough to cook your food. Most charcoal grills have a built-in thermometer to help you know when it reaches grilling temperature which is anywhere between 350 to 450 F. While your grill is heating up, you can prepare the grill grate.
Prepare the Grill Grate
Oil up the grill grate to keep juices meats from sticking.
Photo by Andrik Langfield on UnsplashYou should always start with a clean grill. While you don't need to deep clean the entire grill after each use, you should clean the grill grate before and after each use. Use a pumice stone made for grills to clean your grill grates. There are wire brushes on the market for this, too, but there have been cases of metal bristles breaking off and getting stuck on the grill and then sticking to food, so stick with a pumice cleaner.
Once the grate is clean, brush some oil on the grate to keep food from sticking. Save your olive oil for your salad. Instead, use a high heat oil like vegetable or canola.
Arrange Coals for Effective Cooking
Sear some steaks for the perfect grill marks.
Photo by Paul Hermann on UnsplashOnce the charcoal has heated up, you can use your grilling tongs to arrange the coals. Charcoal placement is key to coking with charcoal. As a general rule, you will want to have two cooking areas on your grill—one for direct heat to sear and one for indirect heat for foods that require longer cooking time. Searing is good for steaks, while indirect heat is better for meat on the bone and roasts.
Another option is to use grilling planks on the charcoal grill. Grilling planks are pieces of wood like cedar or alder that you can cook food on rather than placing the food straight on the grill. Soaking the planks in water for an hour prior to grilling ensures they won't burn. Then, place meats, fish, or vegetables on the plank for a smoky dish.
Cleaning Up the Grill After Use
Properly caring for a charcoal grill extends its life.
Photo by Taylor Grote on UnsplashWhen your last burger has been flipped, and it's time to turn off the grill, just close the vents and put the lid on the grill. Without air to fuel the fire, it will gradually burn out. This can take up to 48 hours for it to completely cool and be safe enough to remove the coal and ashes.
If you are in a hurry you can use your tongs and pull out each charcoal brisket and place it in a metal bucket filled with water. Scoop the hot ash into a metal container to let it cool. Never pour water onto a charcoal grill as it can damage the grill and leave a sludge that you will have to clean later. Plus, water directly on hot coals creates dangerous steam that can burn anyone near the grill.
When your charcoal grill is cooled and cleaned, it's ready to be stored for next time. While charcoal grills are sturdy and can be left outside, if you live in a colder climate you will want to ensure it is protected from the elements to extend the life of the grill.
Tips and Tricks for Charcoal Grills
- Resist the temptation to flip your food too much
- Control the heat by using the vents and lid
- Keep the heat around 350° F for most foods or 450° F for searing
- Add a handful of wood chips like hickory or mesquite to the coals for more flavor
Get Creative with Grilled Food
Did you know you can grill more foods than just your standard hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks? Try your hand at grilling different foods like:
- Pineapple rings
- Zucchini slices
- Pizza
- Eggplant slices
- Cabbage steaks
Beer drinkers cheering to each other
So, to really lay things out here: Plenty of people enjoy beer. Doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like, or who you like to determine that. There are plenty of queer people who are not only drinking plenty of amazing craft beers from breweries all over the world...They’re also making craft beer.
And if you’re drinking a beer, you might as well make it one that supports your ideals, right?
Bet you never thought you could have a drink AND be a social renegade at the same time! So here are 7 of the best queer beers we’ve found:
Gay Beer
Gay Beer Golden Lager
photo courtesy of Gay Beer
Coming in HOT! This delicious golden lager is certainly the way to make your beer drinking much more…well, gay. Gay Beer, you ask? Oh, yes.
Brewed with Vienna Malt and Mandarin Hops at their brewery in Garrattsville, NY, founders (and power couple) Jason Pazmino and Jon Moore decided to start changing the beer scene in 2018.
They realized the need to diversify the market. The face of most beer making for the longest time has been straight white men. So, why not have a beer that’s by gay men and for…well, everyone! A lot of their customer base is among straight men, ironically.
“The reality is that there is a consumer that has been ignored. It’s a sector that’s been told that we don’t drink beer. There’s a power in speaking to that customer and creating loyalty” Jason says. And that is exactly what they intend to do.
There has also been word brewing (don’t @ us for the dad joke) they’re working on two additional styles, an IPA and a Blonde Ale. So who’s to say? Maybe it’s time you just “Go Straight for Gay Beer!”
Buy on Drizly
Gender Neutral
Gender Neutral Pale Lager
photo courtesy of Threes Brewing
This beer was a passion project by the team at Threes Brewing (in Gowanus, NY) for a long while. Brewed with German Arian Hops to give it a zesty kick, and a trippy rainbow homage on the label, this beer should not be missed.
The idea behind this beer when it was released for Pride in 2017 was to support the LGBTQ+ community in whatever ways they could. Each year for its release, Threes has donated a portion of proceeds from sales to a charity of their choice in support of LGBTQ+ causes. In the past making a generous donation to the Anti-Violence Project, a foundation based in NYC that works with HIV-infected individuals addressing all forms of violence through various outlets.
They have also thrown several beer release parties when Pride rolls around and raised capital and awareness for various LGBTQ+ groups.
All in all: super tasty beer, even tastier results.
Buy at Threes Brewing
Dyke Beer
Dyke Beer
photo courtesy of Dyke Beer
Y’all…this beer checks all the boxes. It’s absolutely delicious, is brewed by some badass queer women, and has such fun labeling! What more could you want!?
Founders Loretta Andro Chang and Sarah Hollonquist were known in NYC for their monthly Dyke Bar Takeovers. Along with a slew of other fun events like Queereoke, Dyke Cookouts. You name it.
When the pandemic hit, a lot of us were forced to explore more of our creative brain cells in order to make that career change, or explore a new hobby…hell, just to make something that’s not just microwave ramen…again.
These incredible queer activists took it a step further. They wanted to make something so that when it was time to throw some new events, they’d have something that was completely their own.
Dyke Beer was made to promote queer rights and activism, support the LGBTQ+ community, and just shake things up in general! I mean, it’s hard enough being two queer women in a heavily straight male-dominated industry. And it seems like they’re only getting started.
Buy at Dyke Beer
LOVE Hazy IPA
Almanac Beer Co's Love Hazy IPA
photo courtesy of Drizly
This is surely one for bitter beer lovers. Citrusy and lush with notes of melon will have you enjoying this one through Pride Month and then some.
The folks at Almanac Beer Co., located in Alameda, California, have been proudly teaming up with the Oakland LGBTQ+ Community Center for about three years running. Making donations during Pride Month as well to the center to support queer individuals through social outreach, education, and more.
Not only that, their Future Is Fluid IPA (equally as delicious, in our opinion) was made in conjunction with the Pink Boots Society, a non-profit organization supporting women working in the beer industry!
If you ask us, being able to make an impact in so many outreach sectors through beer is pretty awesome.
Buy on Drizly
DC Brau
DC Brau's Pride Pilsner
photo courtesy of Drizly
The Pride Pilsner started in 2017 during (you guessed it) the DC Pride Festival. This crisp and crushable little ditty was made in support of two incredible LGBTQ+ organizations: SMYAL and the Blade Foundation.
The Blade Foundation was basically the Washington Post for the queer community. Written by and for queer people covering lifestyle, events, outreach, and still funds journalism projects focused on the LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented groups.
SMYAL, promoting LGBTQ+ youth, housing, and other resources, has been a pillar for DC Brau’s Pride Pilsner. To which DC Brau has donated over $42,000 through the sale of their Pride Pils to date.
Who knew drinking beer could do so much more than just getting a tasty buzz on. You can even help choose the next can design.
Buy on Drizly
Stonewall Inn IPA
The Stonewall Inn IPA by Brooklyn Brewery
photo courtesy of Brooklyn Brewery
How could we not talk about this one? The official IPA of the historic Stonewall Inn.
Tangy, zesty, easy-drinking, and available year-round; it’s just as the crew at Brooklyn Brewery puts it: “This is a beer for everyone, no exceptions.”
Not only was Brooklyn Brewery ecstatic about teaming up with and supporting the Stonewall Inn, but in 2017 they have become a huge part of the Stonewall Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI).
A movement born of the Stonewall Inn Riots of 1969, with a mission to support grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations, campaigns for awareness, and educate on the issues we face as a community. Brooklyn Brewery regularly makes donations to SIGBI, and the Stonewall Inn IPA was made to send a clear and delicious message: That we ain't going nowhere.
Buy at Brooklyn Brewery
Fremont Brewing
Fremont Brewing's Pride SEÄTTLE KÖLSCH
photo courtesy of Fremont Brewing
We love a Kölsch! Especially when that Kölsch is all about love.
The gang over at Fremont Brewing in Seattle packed all the love they could into brewing this one, and it shows.
Always available in June, a portion of the proceeds for their Pride Kölsch goes to various LGBTQ+ organizations, and they typically throw Pride Kickoff events across the west coast to raise awareness and celebrate with the people who say LOVE!
“It’s about celebrating queerness and standing up for the safety and self-determination of the LGBTQ community.” CEO of Fremont Brewing says. “Be proud of who you are, who you like, and what you drink.”
And really, it’s as simple as that.