Jennifer Lopez Addresses Criticism Of Her Cocktail Brand: 'I Drink To Be Social'

Jennifer Lopez has responded to the criticisms surrounding her new cocktail brand, Delola, clarifying that she does indulge in the occasional drink. In a video, she stated that although she refrained from drinking for a long time, she has enjoyed the occasional cocktail over the past decade or so, always responsibly.

However, some fans expressed disappointment and concern, questioning her decision to promote alcohol, especially considering her previous statements about the negative effects of alcohol and her partner's sobriety. 

Keep on reading to learn more.

In a recent Instagram post, Jennifer Lopez has a powerful message for those criticizing her new cocktail brand, Delola. Addressing the perceptions that she abstains from alcohol, the singer, renowned for her healthy lifestyle and timeless beauty, clarified that she does enjoy a cocktail from time to time.

Lopez, 53, candidly shared her perspective in a video, saying, "You know what, I know that a lot of people have been talking about, 'Oh, she doesn't even drink, what's she doing with a cocktail out?' And to tell you the truth, for a long time, I didn't drink."

Reflecting on the past decade or so, Lopez acknowledged, "Years back, as you will see from several photos of me out, over the past 10, maybe 15 years, I have been, you know, having the occasional cocktail."

She emphasized that she approaches drinking responsibly, stating, "I do enjoy the occasional cocktail. I do drink responsibly, I don't drink to get s**tfaced. I drink to be social and to have a nice time and just relax and let loose a bit, but always responsibly."

In a heartfelt revelation, the acclaimed actress opened up about her struggle to find a drink that aligns with her stringent lifestyle, ultimately inspiring her to create Delola, her cocktail brand.

Expressing her quest for the perfect drink, Lopez explained, "I have to tell you, I've tried a lot of different things, cocktails. I was into White Russians at one point, I was into rosé, but I never found anything that I really loved, like, 'OK, that's what I love, this is what I like to drink when I have a drink."

Driven by her characteristic determination, the "Hustlers" actress decided to take matters into her own hands. She elaborated, "And so like anything else in my life, I made it myself. I created Delola and Delola is really about a healthier way, something that fits my lifestyle to drink the way that I would drink, the way Jennifer drinks."

Lopez went on to describe Delola as a range of beautiful spritzers meticulously crafted to cater to her needs. "Ready to be poured over ice, super easy, something that fits my lifestyle, not something that is gonna have to be belabored, and I have to work on to get the right flavor, and so that's what I created," she added. She also highlighted that Delola boasts "lower calories," "natural flavors," and is gluten-free.

Lopez's initial announcement of her cocktail brand in April sparked a powerful wave of criticism from numerous fans who perceived it as a mere "money grab."

"Oh wow. This is disappointing. Why not create a NA brand considering you've been outspoken about the negative effects of alcohol and that you don't drink? This feels so off-brand for you. Genuinely curious why you're selling alcohol," one user wrote.

Moreover, some expressed their concerns and questioned the reasoning behind her decision to venture into the alcohol industry, given her husband Ben Affleck's well-known struggles with alcohol abuse and multiple stints in rehab to manage his addiction.

One IG user directly called out Lopez in a comment on the promotional video released in April, writing, "Wow. I'm so disappointed and confused by the narrative that she puts out about how she doesn't drink alcohol and all the benefits from not drinking. And her partner is sober?"

They continued, "It doesn't matter what type of 'good for you ingredients' and 'health labels' (glute-free) is in alcohol, it's still a carcinogenic toxin."

Lopez has consistently expressed her abstinence from alcohol. In a 2003 interview with InStyle, she attributed her radiant appearance to the wholesome habits she has diligently maintained over the years: abstaining from caffeine, avoiding alcohol, and prioritizing lots of sleep. 

"I think that ruins your skin," she shared per UsWeekly. "Of course, during celebratory toasts, everybody's like, 'You can't toast with water!' So I'll toast with alcohol and just take a sip."