“In reference to Vodka you stated “you get what you pay for”. Not true. Vodka is a neutral spirit because it is distilled at such a high temperature. It has no natural flavor or odor. So, when buying Vodka you should always buy the cheapest brand as long as it is the same proof as other brands.”
Sure, Karl, it is true that vodka is a neutral spirit devoid of flavor. However, just like anything, refinement makes for a better product. Typically, cheap spirits are single distilled, which is the quickest and cheapest way to get your product out the door. More expensive brands, double, triple even quadruple distill their product. This multiple distillation process removes impurities at every pass. These premium vodkas are then filtered with charcoal or other means. Premium vodkas are also made of quality ingredients such as potatoes or wheat while cheap brands are made with corn, sorghum and other cheap starches. Of course, all this costs more to produce, as does the packaging and marketing.
Our friends at Campari, the makers of SKYY, Campari and Cabo Wabo created a collection of refreshing new cocktails for Independence Day.
All American Blue - Vodka, Blue Curacao and white grape juice. Refreshing! Americano - This cocktail put Campari on the map when hardly an American had ever heard of Campari. Cherry Patriot - Cherry Infused Vodka, whiskey, Cointreau, sweet vermouth and a touch of lemon juice. Firecracker AKA Pomegranate Margarita. Tequila and some other stuff, need we say more. Yankee Doodle - Grape Infused Vodka, ginger, sugar and more grapes.
Despite many cities and states banning smoking in bars, drinking and smoking still are fast friends. To remind us all, the folks at Bic recently created this these fun cocktail themed lighters. So as you are lighting up, you can remember your favorite cocktail. Some of the drinks included are the Martini, Screwdriver and Mojito.
This past Saturday, June 21, the eve of summer solstice, ABSOLUT Vodka and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino turned off the lights at 9:30pm for 60 seconds during the Outernational Music Festival featuring Gnarls Barkley, Thievery Corporation and special guest Bebel Gilberto. All marquees at Mandalay Bay, including all concert lights, shut down for one minute.
Kicking off a series of “Lights Out” bar promotions across the country, Lights Out Las Vegas was a symbolic gesture to call attention to the vision that “In An ABSOLUT World” – if every consumer committed to turning off their lights, the effects of global warming could be reduced and the planet would literally be a cooler place. (more…)
After a scorching few days in NYC and the same once I got back home to SF, the fog rolled in giving me much need relief from the heat. This long summer cocktail can have much the same effect!
ABSOLUT Relief
2 parts Absolut Mandrin
1 part Fresh Blood Orange Juice
1 part Cranberry Juice
1 part Raspberry Liqueur
Mix all ingredients in shaker with ice; shake vigorously.
Strain into cocktail glass and garnish a slice of blood orange
Created at: Byblos
114 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Reader Karl writes in about vodka quality:
Our friends at Campari, the makers of SKYY, Campari and Cabo Wabo created a collection of refreshing new cocktails for Independence Day. 
OMFG! 
Dad is a Classic and so are his cocktails. 
ABSOLUT Relief