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.