Liquor-articles 2020

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In a delightful twist on a classic dish, Mateo Zielonka shares a family-friendly recipe for rigatoni with a "no-vodka sauce." This rendition retains the rich and velvety flavors of the traditional vodka sauce, making it suitable for all ages.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 360g dried rigatoni
• 30ml/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 80g tomato purée
• 1⁄2-1 tsp chili flakes (adjust for spiciness)
• 250ml double cream
• 1⁄2 bunch of basil leaves (about 15g)
• Grated parmesan or pecorino cheese (vegetarian if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, then add the crushed garlic. Sauté for one minute before incorporating the tomato purée and chili flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture darkens and begins to stick slightly to the pan.

2. Lower the heat and pour in the cream, mixing well (a balloon whisk can be helpful). Add the basil leaves, stir again, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside while cooking the pasta.

3. In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil, adding salt. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.

4. Drain the pasta but reserve a ladle of the cooking water. Combine the drained rigatoni with the sauce, tossing to coat, and add some reserved cooking water if the sauce is too thick.

5. Season to taste, serve with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese, and consider pairing it with green beans drizzled with lemon.

For a vegan alternative, substitute the double cream with oat cream and finish with nutritional yeast or crispy toasted breadcrumbs.

This recipe comes from "Pasta Pronto: Simple, Speedy Recipes to Make Again and Again" by Mateo Zielonka, providing a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian dish without the alcohol.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) recently announced the world’s best vodkas for 2025, awarding the coveted Vodka Spirit Trophy to two exceptional brands: Sexy Fish Vodka from England and Gustav Dill Vodka from Finland. These selections highlight the diversity and elegance found in the world of vodka, elevating it beyond its typical neutrality.

Sexy Fish Vodka

Hawkridge Distillers produced the Sexy Fish Vodka, achieving a remarkable score of 98 points from the IWSC. This vodka is crafted through a collaboration with the luxury restaurant brand, Sexy Fish, which has locations in London, Miami, and Manchester. The production process involves small-batch distillation using copper stills to ensure purity and character, enhanced by a multi-stage distillation process.

This vodka is triple filtered, resulting in clarity and a smooth, velvety texture. The natural sweetness contributes to a refined palate, complemented by floral and fruity aromas, particularly stone fruit. Notable flavors include citrus, vanilla, almond, and a hint of spices, culminating in a long, floral finish.

Gustav Dill Vodka

Gustav Dill Vodka, produced by Lignell & Piispanen, also received an impressive 98 points along with the 2025 Vodka & Tonic Trophy. This Finnish distillery, established in 1852, focuses on local botanicals and pristine Arctic water. The vodka of this particular expression utilizes aroma distillation, incorporating fresh Finnish dill to capture the herb’s essence.

The base spirit is a highly purified neutral grain vodka, blended with dill distillate and pure Finnish water, designed specifically for pairing with tonic. The resulting product showcases a distinct aroma and flavor profile of fresh dill accompanied by cucumber and subtle citrus, providing a crisp and balanced finish.

Conclusion

The IWSC’s 2025 Trophy winners showcase vodka’s ability to transcend its traditional perceptions. Sexy Fish Vodka offers a smooth, multilayered experience with an elegant finish, while Gustav Dill Vodka exemplifies how flavor can enhance a classic spirit, making it an ideal choice for those seeking aromatic and refreshing options. Together, these bottles redefine the spectrum of vodka, proving its versatility and sophistication in the world of premium spirits.

For more information on the International Wine & Spirit Competition, visit IWSC.

Wholesale retailers Sam’s Club and Costco have been known for their competitive prices and extensive selection of products, including alcoholic beverages. Among consumers, the Kirkland Signature vodka from Costco has gained attention, leading to rumors about its similarities to the Member’s Mark vodka available at Sam’s Club. It has been speculated that both vodkas are essentially the same product, potentially produced at the same facility as the well-regarded Grey Goose vodka.

However, these claims are not substantiated. The Member’s Mark vodka is labeled as distilled in Louisville, Kentucky, by I.W.A Distilling. In contrast, the Kirkland vodka at Costco is produced by the LeVecke Corporation, which operates out of Mira Loma, California. This distinction confirms that the two vodkas come from different manufacturers.

Despite the differences, consumers have expressed satisfaction with both products, often highlighting their quality relative to their price. On forums like Reddit, customers have praised the smoothness of Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark vodka, with users remarking how it compares favorably to more well-known brands, such as Tito’s, while being significantly less expensive. Similarly, Kirkland vodka has received accolades from consumers for its taste and affordability.

Ultimately, while both vodka brands are not identical, they have carved out a niche for themselves in the budget-friendly vodka market, pleasing many consumers who are looking for quality at a lower price point.

Bird Gang Spirits is bringing a unique twist to Philadelphia Eagles game days by collaborating with Rita’s to introduce a line of water ice-inspired flavored vodka. As fans gather outside the Lincoln Financial Field to celebrate the season opener, the excitement is palpable, and the drinks are flowing.

Among the new offerings are Black Cherry Italian Ice vodka and Mango Italian Ice vodka, each priced at $28 per bottle. Bird Gang is promoting these flavors as perfect additions for tailgating, embracing the festive spirit of Eagles games.

When considering rum mixers, many think of tropical cocktails or the classic rum and cola. However, rum’s versatility allows for a variety of creative combinations. While the flavor of rum can range from sweet to woody, there are several mixers that can either enhance its unique taste or bring a refreshing twist to your drink.

Here’s a list of creative mixers to try with rum that go beyond the usual fruity blends or cola:

1. Club Soda: A simple yet refreshing choice, combining spiced rum with club soda over ice creates a light drink. A lime garnish can add an extra zing. You can experiment with different kinds of rum for varying flavors.

2. Ginger Ale: Mixing ginger ale with rum results in a delightful drink. The milder taste of ginger ale allows the rum’s inherent flavors to shine, making it an excellent combination, especially with spiced or aged rums.

3. Pineapple Juice: A popular mixer for rum, pineapple juice brings a tropical vibe to the drink. Whether you use dark, light, or spiced rum, this combination can be easily enhanced with mint or liqueur for additional flair.

4. Coconut Water: Known for being low in calories and hydrating, coconut water pairs wonderfully with rum, especially on hot days. An amber rum mixed with chilled coconut water offers a light, refreshing sip.

5. Coca-Cola: This duo is a classic that many enjoy. It’s straightforward, with endless variations based on the type of rum used. Adding lime transforms it into a Cuba Libre, which is another fantastic option.

6. Iced Tea: Iced tea serves as a great base for a spiked drink. Mixing it with rum and a splash of lemon juice over ice creates a cooling beverage suitable for any season.

7. Root Beer: Root beer’s unique taste can produce a fun cocktail when combined with rum. It works well in a root beer float, enhanced further with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

8. Apple Cider: This mixer can be enjoyed either cold or warm. When mixed with rum, it becomes a cozy drink, especially when adding spices like cinnamon and cloves for warmth.

These mixers illustrate how adaptable rum can be, providing flavorful possibilities for your cocktails. Whether you’re relaxing at home or hosting friends, these combinations are sure to elevate your drink experience.

Yvonne Cobb’s Vodka Pasta Recipe

This Vodka Pasta recipe is a delightful dish that serves four and is perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 300g penne pasta
• 100ml reserved pasta water
• 3 banana shallots or 1 red onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tsp crushed chili flakes
• 4 heaped tbsp tomato puree
• 50ml cold water
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, chunky chopped
• 100ml vodka
• 100ml double cream
• 2 large fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, loosely chopped
• Olive oil for frying
• Seasoning to taste

For toppings:

• Grated parmesan cheese
• 6 crispy bacon rashers, chunky chopped
• A few basil leaves

Method:

1. Begin by boiling the penne pasta until al dente. Once cooked, drain it while reserving 100ml of the pasta water and leaving the cooked pasta in the pan.

2. Fry the bacon until crispy, then cut it into small pieces and set aside.

3. In a skillet, fry the sliced shallots in olive oil for a few minutes, then add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional couple of minutes. Stir in the crushed chili flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes before adding the tomato puree. Gradually pour in the cold water to create a loosely thick sauce.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes.

5. With the heat still high, carefully add the vodka. Stir gently until it’s reduced.

6. Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the double cream and reserved pasta water.

7. Add the fresh mozzarella cheese, stirring gently until it melts slightly.

8. Finally, toss in the chopped basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish.

9. Serve with grated parmesan, crispy bacon pieces, and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.

Enjoy this delicious Vodka Pasta, perfect for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home!

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille celebrated National Rum Day on August 16, achieving a significant milestone by selling 52 Doc’s Old Fashioned Mojitos and nine rum flights, the highest among its four locations. To enhance the event, customers ordering these drinks received raffle tickets for prizes, including rum barrel infusers and flight boards.

Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, expressed enthusiasm over the success of National Rum Day, noting it as a perfect occasion to showcase their unique rum selections. He aimed to introduce patrons to the idea that premium rums can be savored like fine wines—a concept he hoped would resonate with new rum enthusiasts.

The Fort Myers Beach location’s success was closely followed by the St. Petersburg Pier location, which sold 49 mojitos and eight rum flights. The Doc’s Old Fashioned Mojito is made with premium Flor de Cana aged rum, muddled lime, mint, orange, bitters, simple syrup, and soda.

As part of the celebration, a partnership with Flor de Cana Rum and Republic National Distributing Company led to the creation of custom tabletop rum infusers. These small barrels allow users to age rum at home for an enhanced, personalized tasting experience. Winners at the event included Michael Mendoza from the Fort Myers Beach location and Brad Sitton from Sanibel.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is renowned for its Caribbean Rim-inspired cuisine and offers an extensive range of rum-based cocktails, catering to both casual diners and rum aficionados alike. The restaurant operates daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Rum, often regarded as a quintessential spirit, played a significant role in America’s history, notably influencing the drive for independence long before bourbon became the poster child of American spirits. Long before the Boston Tea Party in 1773, colonists protested British tax regulations on molasses, a key ingredient in rum production.

After the American Revolution, rum’s popularity diminished as whiskey took center stage, but it experienced a resurgence during the mid-20th century alongside the tiki bar culture. Today, rum is enjoying a revival once more, with Bacardi rum recognized as the most popular spirit in the U.S. as of late 2021. The pandemic fueled this resurgence, offering consumers a tropical escape through rum’s diverse flavor profiles.

With its varying degrees of sweetness, depth, and alcohol by volume (ABV), rum serves as the foundation for a wide range of cocktails. For anyone keen on exploring rum or deepening their appreciation, a selection of classic rum cocktails showcases the spirit’s versatility.

Classic Rum Cocktails:

• Daiquiri: A timeless favorite made with rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake these ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a lime wheel.

• Piña Colada: This blend of white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice can be made from fresh ingredients for a more authentic taste. Blend together and serve over ice, garnished with a pineapple wedge.

• Mai Tai: Created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in 1944, this signature cocktail features white rum, orange curaçao, freshly squeezed lime, and orgeat syrup, topped with dark rum.

• Zombie: Originating from tiki culture, this cocktail combines four types of rum with tropical fruit juices. It’s best known for its rich boozy kick.

• Blue Hawaii: A vibrant cocktail of white rum, vodka, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice, shaken or blended for a refreshing drink.

• Rum Punch: Traditionally made with a mix of rum, citrus, sugar, and spice, it’s a perfect party drink.

• Hot Buttered Rum: A cozy choice made by combining spiced rum with a hot mixture of butter, brown sugar, and spices.

• Bahama Mama: A tropical delight featuring rum, coffee liqueur, and pineapple juice, garnished with fruit for extra flair.

These cocktails not only highlight rum’s ability to adapt to various flavors but also embody its historical significance and ongoing revival in contemporary drinking culture. Whether it’s a daiquiri, a mai tai, or something more adventurous like a zombie, the options are plentiful and delicious.

As summer transitions to fall, many New Yorkers are swapping out their Nutcrackers for the classic Honey Deuce cocktail, a staple of the U.S. Open. For those who can’t snag a ticket to the event, numerous bars throughout the city are offering their own renditions of this beloved drink.

The signature Honey Deuce — priced at $23 in special cups at the U.S. Open — has garnered a massive following. Last year alone, the tournament sold over 550,000 Honey Deuce cocktails, generating more than $12 million in sales. Recently, local bars have begun to craft their unique twists on this tennis-themed beverage.

Recipe for a ‘Homey Deuce’

If you’d rather create your own version at home, here’s a simple recipe courtesy of Grey Goose:

• 1 ¼ oz vodka
• 3 oz lemonade
• ½ oz raspberry liqueur
• 3 honeydew melon balls

Instructions: Fill a chilled highball glass with ice cubes. Add vodka, followed by lemonade and raspberry liqueur. Stir the mixture and garnish with a skewer of frozen honeydew melon balls, which resemble tennis balls.

Our calculations suggest that making a ‘Homey Deuce’ will cost approximately $3.50 to $4 per drink, a significant 83% less than ordering one at the stadium.

Grey Goose, the official sponsor, describes the cocktail as a blend of vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and honeydew melon balls. The term "deuce" in tennis signifies a tie at 40 points.

While mini versions may have been available at Grand Central Station, lucky patrons can still find similar concoctions at various bars citywide. For instance, Ray’s Bar in Greenpoint serves their take at $16. Meanwhile, a new bar named Nobody’s Perfect in Hell’s Kitchen markets the drink for $10 during happy hour—much cheaper than the stadium price.

Jack Howard, a US Open regular, has accumulated a collection of commemorative cups and expresses interest in trying the cocktail crafted by skilled mixologists instead of the hurried service at the venue.

In addition to local bars, several upscale venues are featuring their versions. Notably, Keith McNally’s Balthazar offers the cocktail until the tournament’s conclusion, while various hotel bars like Portrait Bar in The Fifth Avenue Hotel and La Marchande at The Wall Street Hotel have their own twists. La Marchande’s “Matchpoint” cocktail includes gooseberry, cantaloupe, lime, and Cocchi Americano.

For those who prefer a beach atmosphere, the Rockaway Hotel has its take on the Honey Deuce. For an extravagant experience, the Baccarat Hotel offers a “Crystal Courtside Dining” experience for $225 per person, inclusive of two cocktails.

Alternatively, LGBT-friendly spots like Singers in Brooklyn and Cubbyhole in the West Village offer their take on the cocktail, allowing patrons to enjoy the games while sipping their drinks.

For a full experience or to create your own version at home, see the recipe provided.

Sabrina Carpenter has made waves recently as she partners with the renowned whiskey brand, Johnnie Walker. This collaboration comes on the heels of her latest album, "Man’s Best Friend," launched on August 29, 2025.

Through this partnership, Carpenter introduces a range of unique cocktails crafted by her, aimed at energizing fans of legal drinking age. The collaboration will showcase exclusive content, reflecting the playful spirit of her new musical direction. Notably, this global campaign features visuals shot by video director JJ Stratford and photographer Bryce Anderson, set to debut during the concluding part of her "Sweet ‘n Short" tour starting in October 2025.

Fans attending select shows will be treated to Carpenter’s signature drinks, including a Manhattan and a whisky sour, designed to complement her performances. Stratford remarked on Carpenter’s evolution, highlighting her transition into a more confident phase while maintaining her inherent charm.

This partnership is distinctive as it marks the first time Johnnie Walker is collaborating in such a way, aiming to redefine the experience of enjoying whisky. John Williams, Global Head of Whiskeys at Diageo, expressed enthusiasm regarding Carpenter’s addition to the Johnnie Walker family, noting her connection with a younger audience and the influence music has on personal journeys.

Carpenter noted this collaboration is a celebration of boldness and purpose as she explores new horizons in her career. Johnnie Walker, a brand celebrated in over 160 countries, remains the most popular Scotch whisky globally, with nearly 19 million cases sold per year.

Alongside the partnership, Carpenter’s new album is also receiving significant acclaim, with fans praising every track. The project, produced by Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, features the lead single "Manchild," which achieved the top spot on Billboard Hot 100 and made waves internationally.

For further details on the collaboration and Carpenter’s new album, check out the following links:

• Sabrina Carpenter’s new album
• Chinese animated film tops box office