Champagne Perrier-Jouët releases
the 2002 vintage of Perrier Jouët Fleur de Champagne
Champagne Perrier-Jouët has unveiled the new 2002 vintage of Perrier-Jouët Fleur de Champagne, the first great vintage of the new millennium.
To celebrate the launch of the House’s inaugural vintage of the 21st Century, Champagne Perrier-Jouët opened its cellar doors and organised a legendary tasting with ten of the world’s top wine and champagne experts. These aficionados tasted 20 historic vintages from the House’s own cellars, from the oldest vintage in Champagne (Perrier-Jouët 1825) to the first vintage of the new millennium. The private event, which took place earlier this year, demonstrated the consistency of the house style and excellence of craftsmanship spanning over two centuries.
Commenting on this latest addition Herve Deschamps, cellar master at Champagne Perrier-Jouët says: “The 2002 vintage is intense yet delicate with a fine balance between structure and acidity. It is truly the epitome of charm and elegance, reflecting the Chardonnays of Cramant and Pinot Noirs of Mailly that have progressively become the markers of the House style.”
Perrier-Jouët Fleur de Champagne 2002 is a very elegant cuvée: the quality and finesse of the Chardonnay shines through the power and structure of the Pinot Noir. Citrus notes of grapefruit and pineapple are sustained by a little vanilla on the palate, which is beautifully balanced and rounded with a long, elegant finish. The champagne was aged for six years before disgorgement to maintain great balance and freshness.
The House is world-renowned for its ‘avant-garde’ spirit, which finds its purest expression in the iconic prestige cuvée ‘Fleur de Champagne’ and its legendary Emile Gallé 1902 anemone bottle. Champagne Perrier-Jouët constantly seeks to maintain an aesthetic and artistic dimension to the House and the champagnes.
Again, to mark the release of the 2002 vintage, talented Japanese art photographer Makiko Takehara, inspired by the art House story, has brought her own artistic vision. She interpreted each vintage through the artistic aspects that marked each exceptional year, turning champagne into a work of art.
Makiko Takehara comments: “Champagne Perrier-Jouët is the only House to combine the art of Champagne making and artistic creation with such striking success. With its impressive history, having supported the Arts since the House was created in 1811, Perrier-Jouët has a highly regarded artistic heritage.”
It was proposed that, following the legendary tasting, a book reflecting the historic and aesthetic odyssey through 20 legendary Perrier-Jouët vintages should be compiled. Let by Serena Sutcliffe MW, Head of the International Wine Department at Sotherby’s, ‘The Art of Vintage’ is being published by Jacqui Small (Aurum press) with Perrier-Jouët’s assistance.
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BLACKHEART PREMIUM SPICED RUM NOW AVAILABLE
BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is now available from Heaven Hill Distilleries. Blackheart is a high-proof spiced rum that embodies an edgy, hip lifestyle with a unique brand story.
Blackheart Rum is named for the sultry seductress of the high seas. Blackheart is bold and bawdy, cunning and cutthroat, sexy and seductive and left a trail of broken hearts wherever she traveled – that is how she came to be known as Blackheart. This is her rum.
“With the strength of the rum category, we recognized a great opportunity to deliver a product with a really engaging story,” said Brittany Blevins, Blackheart Brand Manager. “The core target for this rum embodies the rebellious nature of the Blackheart Rum. As the high-proof segment of the category grows, we believe Blackheart will be ideally positioned.”
Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is available in 750ml and 50ml sizes and bottled at 46.5 percent alcohol by volume (93 proof). The depiction of the infamous Blackheart character is reminiscent of historic pin-up girl artwork. Her seductive pirate attire is a reflection of the rum’s sassy attitude. Collectively, the bottle, label art and marketing appeal to a new generation of rum drinkers.
Available nationally, brand support consists of a comprehensive marketing plan that includes on-and off-premise point-of-sale materials, website (www.blackheartrum.com), and social media activities that embody the brand tagline “Seduction in a Bottle.”
Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.
Heaven Hill Brand Drink Links of Interest
Evan Williams Bourbon: Kentucky First - Sexy Bourbon Cocktail: Stiletto
Bourbon Classic Cocktail: Blinker – Bucking the System – Boston Girlfriend
Burnett’s Franchise Adds Cosmopolitan, Margarita and Mojito Ready to Serve Cocktails
Ruby Twist – Colorado Cherry - Ante – Soul Kiss
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
Beverages do not always have to include liquor as requirement for refreshment. Nor does every gathering lend itself to alcohol consumption. Yet, everyone wants that extra zip and zing that adds the touch of flair and unique to their summer get-together. Everyone wants to serve the cocktails or mocktails that will be remembered. It is the ‘remember when’ moments that get us by during the mundane times.
Mighty Leaf Tea takes refreshment to new heights with stimulating recipes for spring and summer getaways. Whether it is a barbeque, afternoon by the pool or on the go, Mighty Leaf Tea mixes things up with a unique spin on traditional tea. You may drink tea for the taste alone or for the many health benefits, but either way, now is an excellent time to begin experimenting with this fun mixer in cocktails and mocktails. Tea adds sharpness and depth to drinks that otherwise cannot be found with fruit juices and sugar additives single-handedly.
Begin by trying two mocktails the Mighty Leaf Tea way. Mighty Leaf Organic Spring Jasmine turns the refreshing Green Tea Granita into something special by giving it a light and healthy feel. By placing the Granita in a cocktail or margarita glass with special garnish this frozen concoction goes from ho-hum to heavenly. The refreshing factor is sure to please with its chipped ice feel.
Green Tea Granita – created by Chef Jacinto
6 Mighty Leaf Organic Spring Jasmine Tea Pouches
3 Cups water
4 Tablespoons honey
1/4 Teaspoon ginger powder
A pinch of salt
Pour boiling water over tea pouches. Steep for 5 to 6 minutes. Add honey, ginger, and salt to taste. Stir until dissolved. Pour into an 8 by 8 shallow pan and place in freezer. Fluff mixture with a fork every 30 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and icy. The Granita should be ready to serve in 2 to 2-1-2 hours. Serve individual portions in margarita glass. Serves 3 – 5.
The Mighty Leaf African Nectar Arnold Palmer goes for a spin with its ease of preparation. Frozen tea ice cubes and your favorite lemonade is all it takes to turn this tea cooler into an on the go favorite. Whether you choose to serve this one by the pitcher or in a champagne flute it will be a crowd pleaser every time.
Mighty Leaf African Nectar Arnold Palmer – created by Chef Jacinto
2 Cups water
4 Mighty Leaf African Nectar Tea Pouches
4 Cups of homemade or your favorite lemonade
Bring water to a boil and pour over tea pouches. Brew for 5 to 7 minutes and let cool. Pour tea into an ice cube tray and set in freezer. Fill Tea on Tap carafe with iced tea cubes and lemonade. Serves 3 – 5.
Find the Mighty Leaf Tea collections and more online at www.mightyleaf.com.
Find many more Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes in article form and listed individually by name within the last weekly wrap-up post on The Intoxicologist Is In site. Living Grand & Teenie: Low Calorie Cocktail & Drink Recipes contains cocktails and non-alcoholic Mocktails for low calorie living.
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
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Three Olives Bubble Vodka practically smacks with delighted fun entertainment. The aroma is that of fruity bubble gum youth. Consumers chill it and shoot it, mix it with cream soda or add splashes of fruit juice to vamp it up to cocktail worthy status. For more delicious treats and delectable goodies wrapped in a cocktail glass try a few Three-O Bubble Vodka shots and cocktail recipes served Intoxicologist style. The cocktails and shots found below were whipped up during the course of the Three-O Bubble review along with the Blowing Bubbles cocktail. Be sure to join Three Olives Vodka on Facebook to keep up with all the commentary, contests and recipes.
Blueberry Bubble – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1-1/2 ounce Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1/2 ounce Hiram Walker Blueberry Passion Schnapps
1/4 ounce Homemade Grenadine
1-1/2 ounce Club Soda
Garnish: Blueberries Skewered
Combine Three-O Bubble Vodka, Blueberry Passion Schnapps and Grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a cocktail glass. Top with 1-1/2 ounce Club Soda. Garnish with skewered blueberries.
Blueberry Bubble is quite bubbly delicious with blueberry flavor and candy-like appeal. It is sweet of course, but this parties to the beat of a carefree crowd. Fun, fruity, sporting good fun. Makes a great Girl’s Night Out cocktail with it’s beautiful hue and girlishly fun appeal.
Boo-Berry Bubble – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1-1/2 ounce Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1/2 ounce Hiram Walker Blueberry Passion Schnapps
1/4 ounce Homemade Grenadine
3 ounces Club Soda
1/8 ounce Blue Curacao
Garnish: Blueberries
Place layer of ice in bottom of glass. Add three or four blueberries. Continue layering process until glass is full of layered ice and blueberries. Add liquids to glass in order given leaving the Blue Curacao as last ingredient to pour as the ‘float’ for the ‘Boo-Berry’ effect.
The look of the Boo-Berry Bubble drink reminds me of the Boo-Berry cereal from the days of childhood with the monster on the cereal box. It’s whimsical, playful, fun; but don’t choke on the blueberries! The Boo-Berry Bubble drink recipe is perfect for Halloween themed drink recipes with the name, but anytime with ease of preparation and flavor. It is merely a slight variation on the Blueberry Bubble drink recipe above; however this one goes long for lasting refreshment since it is built in a tall glass.
Pink Peach Bubble – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1-1/2 ounce Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1/2 ounce DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps
1-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice
1 ounce Club Soda
Combine first three ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into cocktail glass. Top with 1 ounce Club Soda.
Great combination aroma of bubbly peach! Pink Peach Bubble contains great Bubble flavor with a touch of peach in the background rounding out any hard edges cranberry juice can sometimes leave behind. Beautiful pink color is perfect for Pink themed parties and October Breast Cancer Awareness month when that rolls around again later in the year. Another cocktail winner for Girl’s Night Out and Bachelorette parties.
Bubble Delicious – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1 ounce Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice
2 ounces A&W Cream Soda
Garnish: Maraschino Cherries
Build in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Remember the sugary syrup rush of those first few chews of delicious bubble gum before the flavor died away? Bubble Delicious tastes exactly like the first fifteen seconds of fresh bubble gum. This time the flavor lasts through the entire drink. That might roll off a little too sweet for some, but there is a reason there are so many sweet drinks served from cocktail menus (and bubble gum for that matter).
Bubble Blow Pop Shots – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
Directions: Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a shot glass. Shoot it or sip it, but taste it just the same. These treats will take you back to the days of childhood candy, but the result is all grown up.
Jolly Apple Bubble Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1 part Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1 part DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker
Tastes like an apple flavored Jolly Rancher without the sour.
Mad Melon Bubble Gum Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1 part Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1 part DeKuyper Mad Melon
A bit like watermelon bubble gum. It makes the mouth water.
Grape Bubble Burst – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1 part Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1 part Hiram Walker Blueberry Passion Schnapps
Leans a little toward grape flavor with a little edgy kick.
Smart Bubble Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist
1 part Three Olives Bubble Vodka
1 part Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps
Smarties candies flavor with small hint of tart at the finish.
Blowing Bubbles: Three Olives Bubble Vodka Review & Drink Recipe
Three Olives Vodka Chooses ‘O’ Face Finalists and Bounces Back with New Bubbles Vodka
Three Olives Grape Vodka: Stirring Up Memories - Three Olives Root Beer Vodka
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
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During the holidays I held an informal Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea cocktail contest on The Intoxicologist Facebook fan page. Participants were asked to create a cocktail using any of the following four Jeremiah Weed flavors: Country Peach*, Sweet Tea, Sweet Tea & Lemonade Half & Half and Sweet Tea Vodka & Bourbon Whiskey. These drink recipes needed to fall within the category of fall, Thanksgiving or Christmas worthy cocktails and there was no need for fancy cocktail creation. As participant Aaron Yeats aptly stated, “Easier should be the mantra of J Weed Sweet Tea.”
One might think a pre-mix like Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea and its various flavors needs no more than water and ice to make it delicious or sip worthy. Yet these entries prove consumers love a good premix and then love dabbling beyond the bottle for flavor variety even more. The cocktails Facebook fans came up with are quick and easy making cocktail construction for the holidays a snap when friends and family gather around. Choosing a festive glass, simple garnish and harmonizing flavor add-in turns the ordinary favorite drink into a celebratory cocktail. That simple. That easy.
Cocktail Winners:
Holiday Tea Nog – Katy Vaninger
Cobey’s Cran Tea – Cobey Flynn
Chris’ Cran Lemonade – Chris Chamberlain
Orange Swell – Aaron Yeats
The recipes listed below are links to the winning cocktail recipes and two more Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea recipe entries for your holiday entertaining and every day sipping pleasure. Follow along on The Intoxicologist Facebook fan page for more cocktail contests and giveaways.
1. Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Cocktail: Chris’ Cran Lemonade
2. Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Cocktail: Cobey’s Cran Tea
3. Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Cocktail: Holiday Tea Nog
4. Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Cocktail: Julep Tea Spin
5. Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Cocktail: Orange Swell
6. Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Cocktail: Sweet Lemon
Holiday in a Glass: Fall to Thanksgiving Cocktails, Martinis & Drink Recipes
Jeremiah Weed -vs- Firefly Sweet Tea
Drink Recipes & Photos –Holiday Cocktails
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
*Country Peach flavor was dropped from selection due to unavailability of fig for fig syrup infusion.
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Every man needs a mission and Bob Stafford found one a hundred cocktails deep and accomplished it with five minutes to spare. The Anvil Bar & Refuge out of Houston, Texas, compiled a list of 100 cocktails they thought everyone should try (for better or worse) at least once. Bob stirred, shook and poured each and every one of them dutifully and offers tasting notes on a few of his findings at The Crusty Loaf. Even more recently Bob had the opportunity to sample authentic Hungarian spirits Unicum, Unicum Next and Zwack and is graciously sharing the notes with readers here. To round out the tasting fairly Jagermeister has been included in the lineup, since it is a comparable spirit in some ways to Zwack.
Tasting Notes - January 2010
Bob Stafford, The Crusty Loaf
General: Zwack is the brand (and family) name, which has produced Unicum since 1790. Means “unique”, after description by Kaiser Joseph II after tasting it for the first time. Mix of over 40 herbs and spices (proprietary secret), aged in oak barrels for more than 6 months. Unicum was the original spirit, then Zwack was created as a US import. Unicum Next is the latest product.
Jagermeister – smell is predominantly anise, but with an almost root beer sweetness on the nose (by the way, root beer mixed with Jagermeister is yummy). Very dark brown in color. Light, not very bitter, and also not as big of an anise flavor as you might expect from the aroma. Lingers on the palate for a little while, but again not as long as you might expect.
Unicum – same dark brown color as Jagermeister. More of a medicinal smell, lots of herbs but no real anise smell to it. More viscous than Jagermeister and with a hit of bitterness up front. This has a LONG finish, lingering on the palate for a good long time. Unlike Jagermeister, there is no anise flavor. Oak doesn’t really come through the other flavors. 80 proof
Unicum Next – Newer product from Zwack. pale amber color (lightest of the 4), no herb smell on the nose, faint orange aroma. Very smooth, lightly viscous on the palate. Pronounced orange flavor (some describe it as cherry, but I didn’t detect any cherry notes in it). Very short finish, doesn’t linger long at all on the palate. 70 proof
Zwack – ultra herbaceous, very little orange / citrus on the nose. Same color as Unicum next. Thicker on the palate than Next, with a lighter bitterness to it than Unicum, and a light orange tinge to the finish, which is fairly short. 70 proof
If Zwack can be described as an “Americanized” version of Unicum (i.e. tailored to American tastes – not as bitter, lighter), then Unicum Next could be described as the Hungarianation of the Americanization of Unicum (not as heavy or bitter as Unicum, not as light as Zwack and with more herbaceous / orange flavor).
Zwack Drink Links of Interest
Kávéházi (Coffeehouse) - Reinventing the Zwack Shooter – Zabdara Cookie Lövés
Education is Key as New Spirits Launch: 5 New Zwack Cocktails
“Baby” Zwack & the Zwack/Jager Showdown - Zwack Now on Facebook
Zwack Attack’s: Takes U.S. By Storm - Zwack Arrives in U.S.
“We Owe It to Buffalo”…Zwack Is On Its Way - Zwack Information
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
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U.S. MIXOLOGIST PLACES FOURTH IN INTERNATIONAL DRINKS COMPETITION
Vegas bartender mixes it up with the world’s best bartenders in the Arctic Circle
Levi, Finland (Feb. 5, 2010) – In what could be called the Olympics of Mixology, 31 of the world’s best bartenders from around the globe braved arctic temperatures high atop the world here on Tuesday in hopes of capturing the 12th Annual International Finlandia Vodka Cup.
Among them was Patricia Richards from Las Vegas, Nevada. Patricia won the right to represent the U.S. after beating out six other bartenders from around the country. Though Patricia did not win the Finlandia Vodka Cup, she finished fourth, the highest finish ever for a U.S. contestant in the 12-year history of the competition.
“The Finlandia Vodka Cup was a phenomenal experience, unlike anything I have ever done in my entire life,” said Richards. “The competition was like a mini-United Nations as you have bartenders from all over the world with one thing in common, the love of mixology.”
One of the more unique components to the competition is it is held in the IceBar at the Snow Village in Levi, Finland. The environment is not only physically challenging for the competitors but normal ingredients, such as syrups and juices, react differently in the minus zero Celsius temperatures.
“After the first cocktail, my fingers were numb,” she said. “My strawberry garnishes on my first drink were literally frozen to the ice bar and I had to scrape them off. Plus, the dilution… you normally get 20-25 percent dilution from the ice in a regular setting, but because it was so cold, it did not happen.”
During the Finals, each competitor had to demonstrate his or her range of mixology talents by crafting three unique creations in the aperitif, long drink and the “Quick Mix” categories. In the “Quick Mix” category, contestants were given a mystery basket of drink ingredients 10 minutes prior to the competition. During that time, each contestant was to invent a new drink recipe and then given five additional minutes to mix the concoction. Any extra time resulted in losing valuable points. This category was meant to challenge each competitor’s mixology skills.
The ingredients in the Quick Mix basket this year included Finlandia Classic, Finlandia Tangerine Fusion, Finlandia Blackcurrant Fusion, and an assortment of fresh juices and fruits from which the bartenders could select up to four. Patricia selected Finlandia Tangerine Fusion, lime juice, a mango puree and simple syrup to deliver a well-balanced drink, which tied for 4th place in the category.
Patricia original recipes for the competition were:
Nirvana Sour- Aperitif
1-1/2 oz. Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka
1/2 oz. Aperol Aperitivo
1 small, fresh strawberry (washed & hulled)
3/4 oz. Darbo Elderflower Syrup
1 oz. Homemade Lemon Sour
Strain into a chilled martini/cocktail glass. Garnish with thin slice strawberry and small mint sprig.
Forest Berry Cooler- Long Drink
2 oz. Finlandia Wild Berries Fusion
1/4 oz. Clear Creek, Eau de Vie of Douglas Fir
2 oz. Ocean Spray White Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
3/4 oz. Darbo Lingonberry Syrup
In a Collins glass, spear peeled rosemary sprig with several defrosted cranberries.
As often happens, mixologists are called upon to improvise in situations. Because of a broken bottle, Patricia had to substitute St. Germain Elderflower liquor, which was graciously donated by the bartender from Ireland, in her first cocktail during the Finals.
“I really enjoyed the competition and would love to come back next year,” she said.
With Patricia’s talents, she just may. Congratulations to her on an impressive finish in the 12th Annual International Finlandia Vodka Cup Finals.
About the 12th International Finlandia Vodka Cup Finals:
In order to compete in the Finlandia Vodka Cup Finals in Finland, competitors had to win regional competitions in their home countries. These winners were invited to Finland for the chance to represent their country in the International Finals. During the Finals, each competitor had to demonstrate his or her range of mixology talents by crafting three unique creations in the aperitif, long drink and the “Quick Mix” categories.
Every drink the bartenders crafted had to be a new creation based on Finlandia Vodka, or a member of its flavor family: Cranberry Fusion, Lime Fusion, Redberry Fusion, Mango Fusion, Wild Berries Fusion, Grapefruit Fusion Tangerine Fusion or Blackcurrant Fusion. After each round, the drinks were judged by an international jury on the aroma, appearance, and most importantly, taste of each cocktail. The winner was determined by the most cumulative points in all three categories.
After all the mixing was done this year and the scores tallied, Slovakia’s Anton Velich was nominated as the best of the best. The winning cocktails were:
CU-MARTINI – Aperitif
4 cl Finlandia Vodka
2 cl Lime juice
1.5 cl Peach Tree liquor
1.5 cl Pomelo syrup
4 x Fresh cucumber slice
Garnish: Fresh slice cucumber
FINLANCIA ICECREAM – Long Drink
4 cl Finlandia Mango Vodka
2 cl Coconut syrup
2 cl Lime juice
5 cl Mango juice
5 cl Strawberry juice
Garnish: Fresh mint & strawberry
RED DREAM – Quick Mix
4 cl Finlandia Blackcurrant Vodka
2 cl Fresh Pomegranate juice
1 cl Simply syrup
Float Champagne
Garnish: Lime peel
About the Location:
The Snow Village of Levi, Finland is a majestic winter oasis, and was the setting for the 12th Annual International Finlandia Cup Finals. The Snow Village features The Snow Hotel, a bar & restaurant appropriately called IceBar, and hosts a plethora of winter activities. The Snow Village is located approximately 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. Constructed out of nearly 1.5 million kilos of snow and an additional 300,000 kilos of crystal clear ice, the Snow Village could be described as the eighth wonder of the world.
About Finlandia Vodka
Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd (FVW) is owned 100% by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bonterra wines, and Korbel California Champagnes.
Enjoy The World’s Finest VodkaTM Responsibly.
www.finlandia.com or http://www.facebook.com/finlandiavodka
©2009 Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd., Helsinki, Finland. Finlandia Vodkas, 40% Alc./Vol. Imported by Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, Kentucky USA
Finlandia Drink Links of Interest
Finlandia Vodka Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Cinnamon Whip Shot - Tippling Pink: Atlantique Cocktail – White Russian
Tangerine Fusion Sunburst, Grand Tangerine Fusion & Summer Solstice
Review: Tasting is Believing with Tangerine Tropics & Tangerine Peach Appeal
Vodka Martinis to Cocktails – Finlandia Imparts Quality
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
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Mekhong changes all that with two tempting cocktails for Valentine’s Day; Burning Love created by mixologist John Freeman and Red Light District created by Ali Dedianko for The Back Room, one of New York City’s fashionable Speakeasy style lounges.
Burning Love
Created by John Freeman, Elizabeth Lounge & Restaurant
2 ounces Mekhong Thai Spirit
1/2 ounce Burnt Drambuie
1 ounce Simple Syrup
1/2 ounce Lemon Juice
1/2 ounce Lime Juice
Peychaud’s Bitters
Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
Garnish with a saddled red tulip bulb
Combine all ingredients in a tall mixing tin, including the bitters, excluding the Drambuie. Shake 
vigorously and set aside. Pour Drambuie in a doubled mini tin and ignite with a match or lighter. (A match is preferable to avoid gas expose. A doubled mini tin is important to protect the hands against heat.) Pour ignited Drambuie directly from the mini tins into a coup or cocktail glass. The spirit should remain aflame inside the glass. Briefly re-shake and Hawthorn strain cold mixture on top of flaming Drambuie, dousing the flames. Garnish with a saddled red tulip bulb or lime slice.
Red Light District
Created by Ali Dedianko, The Back Room (NYC Speakeasy Lounge)
1-1/2 ounce Mekhong Thai Spirit
1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
1 ounce Simple Syrup
1 ounce Strawberry Liqueur
1 Large Fresh Strawberry
1 Medium Red Chili Pepper
Muddle fresh strawberry and red chili pepper. Combine in shaker with Mekhong, strawberry liquor, lemon juice and simple syrup and shake vigorously. Pour over large ice cubes in teacup or short glass. Fresh strawberry garnish optional.
Mekhong Drink Links of Interest
Fall in Love with The Spirit of Thailand this Valentine’s Day
Mekhong Mixing Well in Germany - Mekhong: The Spirit of Thailand Enchants the U.S.
Mekhong – The Spirit of Thailand: Spirit on the Rise - Mekhong Cocktail Competition Recipes 2008
Mekhong Spirit of Thailand: Face to Face Taste Experience
Love & Romance: Cocktails for Valentine’s Day & Beyond
Cocktails of 2010: Recipes, Images & Slideshows - Drink Recipes & Photos
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
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Everyone knows one good kiss deserves another. Delicious kisses often lead to much more exciting and adventurous things. Barefoot Bubbly offers a ‘Bubbly Kiss’ from their Rosé Cuvée variety bringing a blush to the glass that just might extend further into the evening this Valentine’s Day. Redbookmag.com compiled a Top 40 list of their steamiest tips for couples from bubbly kiss to sparkling bliss. Tuck a few secret recipes for success in your pocket including the easy Kiss from a Rosé
Barefoot Bubbly’s Kiss from a Rosé
1/2 ounce Raspberry Liqueur
1/2 ounce Créme de Cassis
4 ounces Barefoot Bubbly Rosé Cuvée
1 Raspberry & 1 Blackberry
Place liqueur, crème de cassis and berries in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well to blend and chill. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with Barefoot Rosé Cuvée.
Barefoot Bubbly offers a variety of sparkling champagnes that easily pair well with luscious cocktail creations or from bottle to champagne flute. Brut Cuvée works rather nicely as the champagne topper for cocktails such as the Bellini or the Champagne Agavero. Moscato Spumante is wonderful chilled and served straight to the champagne flute or as sparkling topper in the Naughty Negroni.
More Barefoot Bubbly Cocktails of Interest
Patron in My Cup – Santa’s Sparkling Sleigh – Barefoot Brunch
Bit ‘o Bubbly Champagne Cocktail Recipes - Marilyn Monroe Champagne Cocktail
Birth of Champagne Cause for Cocktail Celebration
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
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Finlandia Vodka celebrates 40th anniversary
First premium imported vodka in the United States
Louisville, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2010) – Forty years ago, from a land of unsurpassed purity, Finlandia Vodka® was born and brought to the United States as the first imported premium vodka.
“Although, we can trace our roots back to 1888 with the founding of the original distillery by Dr. Juslin Wilhelm in the small Finnish village of Rajamaki, Finlandia Vodka was officially first imported into the United States in 1970,” said Maureen Brekka, managing director for Finlandia Vodka. “The tradition of 
Finlandia Vodka and its production tradition is such an important part of Finnish history and culture that today, some of the original distillery buildings in Rajamaki are protected as part of the national heritage.”
Dr. Wilhelm could not fathom how large his creation would become. Today, Finlandia Vodka has grown into the 2nd largest premium vodka brand in Europe and 5th largest premium vodka brand globally, selling more than three million cases annually and available in more than 130 countries worldwide.
The secret to Finlandia’s success is its pure ingredients and the highest possible production standards. Finlandia Vodka is crafted from entirely natural ingredients including pure glacial spring water and the finest six-row barley, grown under the long days and white nights of the Finnish Midnight Sun. Then, we use a highly energy efficient distillation process to reduce our environmental impact while delivering unsurpassed quality.
“As a Finnish brand, we combined our respect for nature with our knowledge of spirits to create a process that not only produces the world’s finest vodka but considers its environmental footprint,” Brekka said.
Another part of Finlandia’s heritage and its 40 years of history is its iconic bottle. The bottle has always embodied the clarity and freshness of the vodka inside, as well as embraced the spirit of the arctic country from which it came. Sculptor Tapio Wirkkala created the first bottle. The design of the Finlandia bottle was among his most famous designs inspired by his fascination with ice. The design had similar elements of Wirkkala’s famous collection of Iittala glassware Ultima Thule, course icy edged glassware inspired by the elements of his native Finland. Through the bottle’s evolution, Finlandia remains grounded in the same the principles of natural purity as it did 40 years ago.
“The current bottle, introduced in 2003, was created in cooperation with world renowned Finnish designer, Harri Koskinen,” said Tomas Manasek, director of global marketing for Finlandia. “Our current bottle, with its clean simple lines and dimples that appear as though nature itself sculpted the bottle from melting ice, pays homage to the people of Finland and their sensibilities.” Finlandia remains committed to maintaining our strong connection to Finnish design.
To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, Finlandia Vodka is offering special gift packages throughout the year and holding anniversary celebrations to commemorate its introduction into the United States.
“The past 40 years have been tremendous for Finlandia Vodka, and we look forward to celebrating our next 40 years in 2050,” Brekka said.
About Finlandia Vodka
Finlandia Vodka is a product with a global reputation for its unique Nordic heritage. Finlandia’s unparalleled quality can be attributed to only the finest ingredients: pure glacial spring water, a legacy of the Ice Age, and six-row barley, which offers the highest quality starch and the lowest possible content of natural oils, delivering a crisp, clean taste.
Finlandia Vodka was one of the first premium vodkas to introduce flavors from nature in 1994 with the launch of Cranberry Fusion. Since then, Finlandia has introduced more fresh tasting flavors to the portfolio: Finlandia Lime Fusion (1999), Finlandia Mango Fusion (2004), Finlandia Redberry Fusion (2004), Finlandia Grapefruit Fusion (2007), Finlandia Tangerine Fusion (2009), Finlandia Blackcurrant Fusion (2009)
Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd (FVW) is a joint partnership owned 100 percent by Brown-Forman Corporation. FVW is responsible for the Finlandia trademark and marketing and distribution assets. Brown-Forman handles all global marketing activities for the Finlandia Vodka brand. For more information about Finlandia Vodka, please visit www.finlandia.com.
About Brown Forman
Brown-Forman Corporation is a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, Woodford Reserve, and Bonterra. We globally market and sell various categories of beverage alcohol products, such as Tennessee, Canadian, and Kentucky whiskies; Kentucky bourbons; California sparkling wine; tequila; table wine; liqueurs; vodka; rum; and ready-to-drink products. For more information about Brown-Forman and our brands, please visit our website at www.brown-forman.com.
Enjoy The World’s Finest VodkaTM Responsibly.
©2009 Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd., Helsinki, Finland. Finlandia Vodkas, 40% Alc./Vol. Imported by Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, Kentucky USA
www.finlandia.com or www.facebook.com/finlandiavodka
Finlandia Drink Links of Interest
Cinnamon Whip Shot - Tippling Pink: Atlantique Cocktail – White Russian
Tangerine Fusion Sunburst, Grand Tangerine Fusion & Summer Solstice
Review: Tasting is Believing with Tangerine Tropics & Tangerine Peach Appeal
Vodka Martinis to Cocktails – Finlandia Imparts Quality
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
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