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