If you’ve been to a party, watched a hockey game, or scrolled through TikTok lately, chances are you’ve heard someone mention Pink Whitney. But what exactly is it? Pink Whitney is a pink lemonade–flavored vodka created by New Amsterdam Vodka in collaboration with Barstool Sports personalities Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette.
Launched in 2019, this hockey-inspired drink quickly became a sensation among fans, athletes, and casual drinkers. Known for its sweet, refreshing taste and approachable price point, Pink Whitney has carved out a unique space in both sports culture and the spirits industry.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: its origin, what it tastes like, alcohol content, how it became so popular, and the best ways to enjoy it.
What Exactly Is Pink Whitney?
At its core, Pink Whitney is a flavored vodka. It combines New Amsterdam’s classic vodka base with the sweet and tangy flavor of pink lemonade.
Unlike stronger vodkas that are often consumed with mixers, Pink Whitney is known for being smooth and easy to drink straight — almost like a premixed cocktail in a bottle.
Quick Facts About Pink Whitney:
- Brand: New Amsterdam Vodka
- Introduced: 2019
- Founders: Collaboration with Ryan Whitney & Paul Bissonnette from Barstool Sports’ “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast
- Flavor: Pink lemonade
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 30% (60 proof)
- Category: Flavored vodka
The Origin Story: From Podcast Joke to Vodka Phenomenon
The story of Pink Whitney begins with the Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast, hosted by former NHL players Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette.
- On one episode, Whitney mentioned that his favorite drink was vodka mixed with pink lemonade.
- Fans loved the idea, and soon after, New Amsterdam Vodka partnered with Barstool to release an official bottled version.
- What started as a casual comment quickly went viral, especially in the hockey community.
According to Forbes, Pink Whitney became one of the fastest-growing flavored vodka launches in the U.S., with millions of bottles sold in its first year.
What Does Pink Whitney Taste Like?
The defining feature of Pink Whitney is its sweet and tangy taste.
- Flavor Profile:
- Sweet pink lemonade upfront
- Slight citrus tang
- Smooth vodka finish
Compared to regular vodka, it’s much easier to sip straight, making it popular with casual drinkers who may not normally enjoy strong alcohol.
Many describe it as a “fun summer drink” because it’s refreshing, light, and pairs well with simple mixers.
Alcohol Content: How Strong Is Pink Whitney?
Pink Whitney has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 30%, or 60 proof.
For comparison:
| Drink Type | Average ABV |
|---|---|
| Regular Vodka | 40% (80 proof) |
| Pink Whitney | 30% (60 proof) |
| Wine | 12–15% |
| Beer | 4–7% |
This makes it weaker than standard vodka, but stronger than wine or beer. That balance is part of its appeal — strong enough for a buzz, smooth enough to sip casually.
Why Did Pink Whitney Become So Popular?
Several factors fueled Pink Whitney’s meteoric rise:
- Hockey Culture: With roots in the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, it became a staple drink among hockey fans and players.
- Barstool Sports Influence: The brand leveraged Barstool’s massive following, ensuring strong initial demand.
- Viral Appeal: The pink color, sweet taste, and easy mixability made it a hit on social media, especially TikTok.
- Accessibility: Affordable pricing and wide distribution made it easy to find across the U.S. and Canada.
- Crossover Appeal: It’s equally popular with sports fans, college students, and casual partygoers.
How to Drink Pink Whitney: Best Serving Ideas
1. Straight Shots
Because it’s sweeter than regular vodka, Pink Whitney is often enjoyed chilled as a shot.
2. Mixed with Soda
- Pink Whitney + Club Soda = refreshing and light
- Pink Whitney + Sprite = extra sweet twist
3. Over Ice
Pouring it over ice with a lemon slice makes it a quick summer cocktail.
4. Cocktail Recipes
- Pink Whitney Lemonade: Mix with regular lemonade for an extra citrus kick.
- Pink Whitney Mule: Replace vodka in a Moscow Mule with Pink Whitney for a tangy twist.
- Pink Whitney Iced Tea: Combine with iced tea for a sweet-and-tart mix.
FAQs About Pink Whitney
Q1: What is Pink Whitney made of?
It’s New Amsterdam vodka infused with natural pink lemonade flavor.
Q2: Is Pink Whitney strong?
At 30% ABV, it’s slightly weaker than regular vodka but still stronger than wine or beer.
Q3: Why is it called Pink Whitney?
It’s named after Ryan Whitney, who mentioned his love for pink lemonade vodka on his podcast.
Q4: Is Pink Whitney good for shots?
Yes, it’s smoother and sweeter than traditional vodka, making it popular for chilled shots.
Q5: Can you mix Pink Whitney with other drinks?
Absolutely! Common mixers include club soda, lemon-lime soda, iced tea, or even energy drinks (though drink responsibly).
Cultural Impact: More Than Just a Drink
Pink Whitney isn’t just alcohol — it’s become a pop culture symbol.
- It’s frequently seen at hockey tailgates and watch parties.
- It has inspired countless memes, TikTok videos, and viral challenges.
- Some bars now even create specialty Pink Whitney cocktails to draw younger crowds.
In many ways, it represents the fusion of sports, social media, and lifestyle branding.
Conclusion
So, what is Pink Whitney? It’s more than just a flavored vodka — it’s a cultural phenomenon born from hockey, podcasts, and social media buzz. With its sweet pink lemonade flavor, approachable alcohol content, and strong ties to Barstool Sports, it has become one of the most recognizable flavored vodkas in North America.
