The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association (PLBTA) and the Pennsylvania Federation of Fraternal and Social Organizations (PFFSO) along with Holla Spirits, a Pennsylvania-based spirits producer, have named the Carnival Crush as Pennsylvania’s Official Summer Adult Cocktail of 2026.

The two associations, both headquartered in Harrisburg, have been declaring the state’s official adult summer beverage for the past several years as part of a fundraiser to benefit rare disease research through Uplifting Athletes, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit.

“This is an opportunity for bars and clubs to not only help a worthy cause but also give their patrons another good reason to visit their establishments,” said Chuck Moran, executive director of the PLBTA. “We are asking all Pennsylvania taverns and licensed restaurants to participate to help the cause.”

Ted Mowatt, executive director of the PFFSO said, “Our clubs fully support this effort. With summer approaching, this drink will be a great way to make the summer more enjoyable while helping fund research for rare diseases.”

Both Mowatt and Moran urge bar and club patrons to ask their bartenders for a Carnival Crush this summer.

Raising Funds For Rare Diseases
As part of the summer promotion, Holla Spirits, based in York County, will make a donation to Uplifting Athletes for every bottle of their Holla Cotton Candy vodka sold to a bar or club this summer to make the official drink, or ordered online at www.hollaspirits.com from consumers.

Patrick Shorb, founder of Holla Spirits, has personal reasons to participate in this fundraiser. He is a rare disease survivor.

“I’m very thankful for the care I received when I was diagnosed,” said Shorb. “It’s an honor to be able to give back by raising funds for research and patient assistance.”

Rob Long, executive director of Uplifting Athletes based in Doylestown, knows how life changing a rare disease can be. The former Syracuse punter saw his life change after being diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

“Our organization is humbled to know that there are clubs, taverns, and businesses like Holla who want to help,” said Long.

Uplifting Athletes is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that harnesses the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of the more than 30 million Americans impacted by rare diseases today, tomorrow and in the future. Uplifting Athletes has now served more than 2,500 people impacted by rare diseases through the Uplifting Experiences program, funded more than $1.4 million in research grants, and empowered thousands of student athletes with the tools and resources to be lifelong champions of the rare disease community.

Carnival Crush Recipe

• 1.5oz Holla Cotton Candy Vodka
• .5oz Crush Buddy (or any triple sec would work)
• Balance equal parts pink lemonade and lemon lime soda