You're My Best Friend: Tom of Finland Vodka

Prior to seeing Bohemian Rhapsody, I would describe my interest in Queen as “robust.”

After? I became freaking obsessed, and specifically, and predictably so, with Freddie Mercury for a thousand reasons I may outline in a forthcoming tome which include but are not limited to the fact that he loved cats.

So, yes my extreme bias toward all things Queen highly influenced this latest pick for The Pandemic Pantry.

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka is so named for the creator of the 1950s gay male iconography that inspired Freddie Mercury, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and others. In return for use of the license and imagery, the vodka manufacturer donates 5% of sales to the Tom of Finland Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving free use of the erotic arts. Cheers to chainmail, and, um, chained males!

Why Tom of Finland Vodka Deserves A Place In Your Pandemic Pantry

This vodka boasts a fresh, clean taste and has a finish that is just as tight and silky as one of Mercury’s form-fitting jumpsuits. It’s pleasant to sip on its own with a slice of lime but also unsurprisingly works terrifically in cocktails (see recipe below).

2020 is a particularly fitting time to indulge in this spirit as Tom of Finland would have celebrated his 100th birthday and this year also marks the 50th anniversary of Queen. I can’t think of a more appropriate gift for LGTBQ friends and allies as well as the die-hard fans of Brit rock.

A vodka tonic was Mercury’s post-prandial beverage of choice (he also enjoyed champagne and Swiss wine), so in accordance to his preference and in honor of his Parsi-Indian heritage, I give you this recipe for a vodka tonic with a twist (but not the olive kind). Because rosewater features prominently in many Parsi beverages and desserts, I have added a sweet floral element to the traditional vodka tonic via the addition of rose-flavored syrup. It’s called Mercury in Prograde because no matter what life challenges he faced, my dear Freddie looked forward, never back.

Ooh, you make me live, now honey!

Mercury in Prograde

• 2 ounces Tom of Finland vodka

• 1/2 ounce Rose syrup (I prefer Ahmed)

• 5 ounces tonic water

• Lime wedge

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, and rose syrup; shake vigorously. Drop approximately 5-6 ice cubes into highball glass and strain contents of shaker over the ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with lime wedge.

Sip slowly. This drink may become the love of your life.

Forget Flowers: Buy Your Woman Some Whiskey This Valentine's Day

And, specifically Laphroaig.  I have long been a whiskey fan and very loyal to Laphroaig due to its impeccable, consistent quality at a reasonable price point. Since the distillery in charming Islay has been in operation for over 200 years, I guess they know what they're doing by now.  Their PR will not confirm that leprechauns count among the magical employees but I have my suspicions.

Pineapple of My Eye

 However, it has come to my attention over the years that some gals unfortunately are intimidated or put off by this spirit as they associate it with old boys' clubs, i.e., not-so-safe-spaces for women. This stereotype is certainly based on some degree of truth as many ROWDs (Rich Old White Dudes) who frequent private societies do display a particular predilection for single malts, but as a proud Irish woman I know whiskey is the people's drink!  And, despite what this administration might have you believe, women are people, too. So, this February the 14th gift your female partner in crime a bottle of whiskey.  Laphroaig Select is a terrific for the whiskey newbie due to its subtle sweetness and mild smoky notes.  However, should your inamorata already be a whiskey lover, I recommend indulging in some Laphroaig 10 Year Old. Either way, enjoy the first round neat (Bridey's preferred preparation), then mix up some cocktails, like this terrific one created by Ivy Mix.

Pineapple of My Eye

• 1 & 1/2 parts Laphroaig 10 Year Old

• 1/2 part pineapple rum

• 3/4 part lime juice

• 3/4 part simple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon pomegranate molasses

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime.

Happy National Vodka Day!

Today (October 4th) is National Vodka Day and if you're looking to raise a glass, consider this delicious recipe from Prairie Organic Spirits:

Roasted Grape Bounty

·         2 oz. Prairie Organic Vodka

·         1 oz. grape juice

·         ½ vanilla bean, scraped

·         Vanilla sugar rim

Directions:

1.    Place 2 oz. of Prairie Organic Vodka and 1 oz. of grape juice in a shaker. Mix vigorously.

2.    Pour the mix into a tall glass rimmed with sugar previously.

3.    Top with ice and the vanilla bean

Yellow Rose Whiskey Cocktail: Peachy Keen Punch

Last week, Wyatt and my friend DJ. D (WorldWide Playa) took a terrific tour of the Yellow Rose Distillery, Houston's only whiskey distillery. #drinklocal

You can actually purchase one of the barrels.

Samples were abundant and we even had the opportunity to try a super-proof (but don't call it 'moonshine') white whiskey.

I'll take three of each, please.

Yellow Rose also graciously gifted Bridey with her own bottle, which she has been using purely for research purposes. Most recently, her fieldwork experimentation yielded a novel drink she likes to call,  "Peachy Keen Punch."

The Peachy Keen

Peachy Keen Punch

• 2 ounces Yellow Rose Straight Rye Whiskey 

• 2 ounces peach juice

• 2 ounces Sparkling Ice Strawberry Watermelon

• Strawberry Garnish

Fill a chilled mason jar with 2-3 ice cubes. Add Yellow Rose whiskey and peach juice, then top with Sparkling Ice Strawberry Watermelon. Garnish with strawberry slice. Sip as the sun goes down.

Like other stone fruit, peaches provide an even sweetness that wonderfully complements the rougher smoky undertones of the whiskey.  Berry-flavored bubbles add effervescence as well as a more piquant sugary note, making for a punch that pulls a softer punch.

Prairie Organic Spirits

I first learned about Prairie Organic Spirits at the 2015 Tales of the Cocktail, where they won me over with their colorful garden-inspired displays and friendly mixologists. Also, they were giving out free muddlers!

Prairie Organic at Tales of the Cocktail

Prairie Organic specializes in small-batch, organic (duh) clear alcohols (gin, vodka, etc.), whose uniformly pure taste makes them scarily sippable and wonderful ingredients for cocktails.

I'll take two!

Recently, POS and I had another rendezvous in preparation for the Austin Food & Wine Festival (later cancelled) and they were generous enough to provide me with a sample of their Cucumber Vodka for some home experimentation.

Thus far my research has yielded two more-than-quaffable creations:

Blackberry Ginger Cucumber Highball (pictured above)

• 1 1/2 ounces Prairie Organic Cucumber Vodka
• 3 ounces ginger ale
• blackberries for garnish

Pour vodka and ginger ale into a chilled glass. Garnish with blackberries, which are best consumed after you have finished your drink so they have time to absorb the boozy juices.

C.G.C (Cherry-Grape-Cucumber) Martini

• 1 1/2 ounces Prairie Organic Cucumber Vodka
• 2 ounces 100% pure grape juice
• fresh cherries

Pit approximately 4-5 cherries. Muddle at the bottom of a shaker; add grape juice, vodka, and ice. Shake vigorously, and strained into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a fresh cherry.

The Blackberry Ginger Highball's slightly spicy notes are mellowed out by the cucumber and I love the way the errant blackberries add the occasional punch of sweetness. Harder-hitting albeit just as refreshing is the C.G.C Martini, whose berry overtones almost mask the alcohol...which is why, 'whoopsy-daisy, did I just drink two in under 45 minutes?'

Mixology Math: BAI + Effen Vodka = Early Summer Bliss

If there were a formal term for someone exceptionally well-versed in the world of zero- or low-calorie beverages (akin to sommelier for wine), I would hold that title.  In fact, and again I write this with utmost humility, I might be among the world's best.  For indeed I challenge you to find someone else who has spent as much time as I have surveying, evaluating, and testing artificially-sweetened libations.

Yes, my parents are very proud.

EFFEN Vodka is available at Spec's and most other liquor stores

Since I associate BAI with post-workout refreshment, I hadn't considered using it as a mixer (sorry, folks, my recovery hydration drink ain't booze); however, when  learned that EFFEN Vodka teamed up with BAI to create a line of low-calorie cocktails for the Tribeca Film Festival and Coachella, the wheels started turning. Here is my first creation:

Thyme Is On My Side Sparkler

• 1 ounce sparkling water
• 2 ounces EFFEN Vodka
• 3 ounces BAI Sulawesi Limon
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Pour sparkling water into a chilled glass with 1 spring thyme. Muddle until thyme infuses water; strain out leaves. Add vodka and top with BAI. Garnish with sprig of fresh thyme.

Thyme Is On My Side is airy, crisp, and boasts salient botanical notes that balance well with the mild citrus flavor of the BAI.  Sip slowly and pair with grapes, cheese, and crackers.

Another great BAI cocktail that makes wonderful use fresh herbs, though one not created by me, is the Pretty In Pink.

Attractive drink. Gorgeous hardwood table.

Pretty In Pink

• 3 ounces Bai Bubbles Gimbi Pink Grapefruit
• 3 ounces champagne
• Fresh sage

Pour ice-cold champagne into a chilled flute. Top with BAI and garnish with sage leaves. Drink while gossiping with your manicurist.