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Read the press release here.

Chelsea Restaurant Sells Pink Whiskey to Fight Anti-Gay Violence

By Mathew Katz | June 19, 2013 8:35am
  All proceeds from the $5 shot will go towards the Anti-Violence Project
Pounds & Ounces Serves Pink Whiskey to Benefit Anti-Violence Project
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CHELSEA — In the wake of several high-profile anti-gay attacks around the city, Etai Cinader did what he did best.

He came up with a drink.

Cinader's restaurant, Pounds & Ounces, is offering customers a pink shot of whiskey to raise money for the Anti-Violence Project, which fights anti-LGBT hate crimes and supports victims.

The "Shot of Love" costs $5, with all the proceeds going toward the nonprofit organization.

"The increase in anti-gay violence, it's so bothering and troubling, so I wanted to see what I could do myself," said Cinader, whose restaurant opened at Eighth Avenue and West 18th Street last year.

"It wanted it to be positive, the opposite of the violence — rather than just going into the streets and screaming."

According to a recent report, anti-LGBT violence is up in New York, even though it's down nationally. The news came after several violent attacks on gay men, including the fatal shooting of Mark Carson in Greenwich Village.

The "Shot of Love" features Sweet Revenge, a bright pink sour mash made with wild strawberries. Topped with a squeeze of lime juice, the drink is a bittersweet indulgence, but don't let its hue fool you — Cinader said that at 77 proof, this is a shot that will still put hair on your chest.

"It's kind of masculine, and it's not a liqueur," he said. "I was skeptical at first, too, but then I saw how strong it is."

Since launching the shot June 1 with support from the Anti-Violence Project, Cinader said it's swelled in popularity among regulars and visitors, and raised "a good amount" for the organization, though he didn't have exact figures.