Jennifer Lopez spoke out after being criticized for launching a cocktail brand, despite previously admitting that she doesn't drink.
The "On the Floor" singer announced in April that she would release a spirit brand called Delola. Inspired by her nickname "Lola," the collection includes a variety of "ready-to-enjoy" cocktails in different mixtures and flavors.
J.Lo said she'd decided to create Delola after struggling to find a drink that was "right" for her when she would entertain company. "My goals were better ingredients, better taste, fewer calories than traditional cocktails, and one simple pour," she shared in a press release. "Something easy, fun, fresh, and delicious."
She added: "I knew that if I was looking, others were too. Delola gives people the freedom to enjoy — free from the cutting, squeezing, and mixing, free from the stress of entertaining, free to make ordinary moments extraordinary. Each one is bottled up in a beautiful glass bottle and ready to serve. Just pour over ice and enjoy." J.Lo said she'd been working on the line for two years and was "so excited to finally share Delola with the world."
But the news prompted strong reactions from fans, who noted how J.Lo had previously said that she didn't really drink. Some deemed it a cash grab and also really insensitive, since her husband, Ben Affleck, has spoken before about his alcohol misuse.
Amid the backlash, J.Lo spoke out to set the record straight about her drinking habits.
She said on Instagram, “You know, I know that a lot of people have been talking about like, ‘Oh, she doesn’t even drink?’ ‘What’s she doing with a cocktail line?’ To tell you the truth, that was true for a long time. I didn’t drink."
Jennifer said that this only changed in recent years. "A few years back, as you will see from several photos over the past 10, maybe 15 years. I have been, you know, having the occasional cocktail. I do enjoy the occasional cocktail,” she shared.
Jennifer also noted that she drinks "responsibly" when she does. "I don’t drink to get shitfaced," she added. "I drink to be social and have a good time and just kind of relax and let loose a bit, but always responsibly.”
