Celebrate 4th of July with Smirnoff Red, White & Berry

How quickly time flies by! I can't believe it's already July 4th! Smirnoff Red White & Berry is the perfect way to celebrate 4th of July festivities! 

Right before Memorial Day I went on a boat cruise hosted by Smirnoff and "The Bachelor" star Nick Viall to kickoff the summer and celebrate the patriotic flavors of summertime variants - Cherry, Blue Raspberry & Citrus. I wanted to share these Smirnoff specialty cocktails featuring Red, White & Berry.

'Merica Mule

2 oz Smirnoff Red, White & Berry, 3 oz Ginger Beer, 0.5 oz Lemon Juice, Garnish with a Lemon

Sippin' On Summer

Smirnoff Red, White & Berry, Lemonade, Basil Syrup

Berry American

Smirnoff Red, White & Berry, Club Soda, Garnished with Berries

- Kim Weling

Devotion Vodka and Exhibitionism - The Rolling Stones

On Friday, January 6th, I attended a Devotion Vodka tasting at Sugar Factory at 835 Washington Street, followed by a visit to Exhibitionism - The Rolling Stones exhibit. The Sugar Factory was the perfect setting for Devotion Vodka to showcase signature cocktails in Sugar Factory's large goblets, garnished with lollipops and candy necklaces. In case you haven't experienced Devotion Vodka yet, it's the world's first gluten free and sugar free Vodka. It amazes me that my face doesn't turn red and I do not wake up with a hangover when I drink Devotion Vodka!

The signature cocktails during the vodka tasting included Sugar & Stones (Blue Cotton Monin, Coconut Monin, Splash Lemon Spritzer, and Devotion Vodka), Sunshine Tea (Devotion Tiki Tea, Limoncello and Devotion Citrus), and Lollipop Passion (Devotion Citrus, Coconut Rum, and Boulaine Melon).

Exhibitionism - The Rolling Stones at Industria at 775 Washington St. is an incredibly cool exhibit, with a style & fashion gallery that spans from the 1960s to the present, with clothing from Alexander McQueen, Prada, Dior, Gucci, L'Wren Scott, Jean Paul Gaultier and more. There is also a vintage guitar gallery, a reconstruction of 'Edith Grove,' their first shared flat in London, original artworks from Andy Warhol, David Bailey, John Pasche and more, interactive displays, a backstage recreation, and a 3D concert finale. Exhibitionism -The Rolling Stones ends on March 12th so see it while you still can!

Thank you Devotion Vodka for an awesome night of cocktails and The Rolling Stones!

Above imaged courtesy of Devotion Vodka

Check out the images below I took at the vodka tasting and at Exhibitionism - The Rolling Stones exhibit. 

- Kim Weling

Devotion Vodka Party at Son Cubano

My recap of October events continues, with a Devotion Vodka party at Son Cubano in West New York, NJ.  The party was filled with guests, Cuban food, and a sampling of Devotion Vodka with 10's, 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's-themed signature cocktails to celebrate the 50th birthday of Founder/CEO of Devotion Vodka. 

It's not everyday you stumble upon a vodka that's different from all the rest. What makes Devotion Vodka unique? 

• It's propriety brand that is the first and only sugar-free and gluten-free Vodka family on the market. 
• Distilled from 100% high grade USA Corn.
• 100% Non GMO
• The world's smoothest six times distilled, multi-filtered, 80 Proof Vodka. (All flavors 80 proof).
• Uses de-ionized water to ensure the industry's highest quality water source.
• partnered with Allen Flavors (makers of Arizona Iced Tea) to create FDA & FEMA GRAS approved allergen-free flavors.

What amazed me the most is that after several drinks, my face did not turn red or start to feel warm. I usually get the Asian glow after a half a glass, and I didn't feel that happening at all. I also didn't feel hungover the next morning or get any headaches! 

Devotion Vodka's flavors include Tiki Tea, Wild Cherry. Blood Orange, Black & Blue, Cosmo, and Coconut. I'm really excited about Tiki Tea, since I'm a tea drinker. It didn't even taste like it had vodka in it. My favorite of the signature cocktails was definitely the 10's: Little Andy - Devotion Coconut, pineapple juice, and a splash of club soda. 

Check out these signature cocktails with Devotion Vodka's different flavors:

Blood Orange Crush

• 2 oz. Devotion Blood Orange
• Squeeze fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz of triple sec
• Fill half with 7-Up
• Fill other half with orange juice
• Garnish high-ball glass w/ orange 

Wild Cherry Pop

• 2 oz. Devotion Wild Cherry
• Fill with Diet Coke
• Garnish with cherry

Sugar Free Cherry Bomb

• 2 oz. Devotion Wild Cherry
• Fill w/ sugar free energy drink

Coco-Loco

• 2 oz. Devotion Coconut
• 1 oz. of pineapple juice
• Fill with club soda
• Dash of grenadine
• Garnish highball glass w/ cherry

Black & Blue Lemonade

• 2 oz. Devotion Black & Blue
• 4 blueberries & blackberries
• 4 basil leaves
• Muddle gently & add ice
• Fill with sugar-free lemonade
• Garnish highball glass w/ basil

Perfect Cosmo

• 2.5 oz. Devotion Perfect Cosmo
• 3 oz. sugar-free cranberry juice
• Fill into a shaker with ice
• Shake thoroughly 
• Pour into martini glass
• Garnish with lemon twist

Tiki Tea

• 2 oz. Devotion Vodka Tiki Tea
• Fill with lemonad (preferably sugar-free lemonade)
• Garnish highball glass w/ lemon wedge

- Kim Weling

Disaronno wears Versace Limited Edition Bottle

Disaronno has teamed up with Versace for the ultimate stylish one-of-a-kind gift for any fashion or spirits lover - the Disaronno wears Versace Limited Edition Bottle ($27.99)!

Versace takes its inspiration for the bottle from the famed Versace Home Collection print, Tresor de la Mer. With its striking blue design and opulent white and gold motif embellishment, the print showcases the abundant treasures of the Sea God Neptune - complete with gorgeous shells, pearls and golden statues. 

A portion of the proceeds from the bottles' sales will go towards the well-known charitable organization Fashion 4 Development. The bottle is currently available at retailers nationwide while supplies last. 

Here's the recipe for Disaronno wears Versace Sour, the specialty cocktail created specifically for the collaboration:

1 part Disaronno

2 parts Bianco Vermouth

2 parts lime juice

Shake and pour over crushed ice

Top with Prosecco

Drizzle with Blue Curacao

Optional: Top with gold flakes and serve in a Versace Home Collection glass.

- Kim Weling

Rosa Regale and Vosges' Exotic Truffles for Valentine's Day

Castello Banfi's Rosa Regale light, sparkling red wine ($20, 750mL) is perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day. It has a delicate bouquet of rose petals and offers sensuous flavors of fresh raspberries and strawberries. 

Rosa Regale is created in one of Italy's smallest production zones and is crafted from 100% Brachetto grapes grown exclusively at the La Rosa Vineyard in the town of Acqui Terme located in the Piedmont region of Italy. The palate is sweet and aromatic, with a well-balanced acidity and hints of wild berries in the aftertaste making it an ideal match for chocolate. 

Rosa Regale has expertly paired with Vosges' Exotic Truffles for a fabulous, limited edition gift set ($50). Included are guided tasting notes to help you unlock the stories of each truffle parfum and discover the chocolate and wine pairing experience. 

To learn more, visit RosaRegale.com.

- Kim Weling

Celebrating the New Year with American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

American Born Moonshine Apple Pie is perfect for celebrating the new year, whether you are hosting a party or looking for a gift to bring your host. Drink it as a chilled shot or mix it with soda. As a shot, it goes down smooth and I just love that apple pie flavor. American Born Moonshine Applie Pie is made from a corn base with natural apple and cinnamon flavors, with a hint of caramel. 

Check out these recipes below for some different ways to mix up American Born Moonshine Apple Pie. 

APPALACHIAN CIDER

2 OZ American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

4 OZ Apple Cider

Directions: Pour into a glass and stir well

AMERICAN PIE

1 OZ American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

1 OZ Peach Schnapps

1 OZ Lemon-Lime Soda

1 OZ Cranberry Juice

Directions: Mix equal parts ABM apple pie and peach schnapps with lemon-lime soda and cranberry juice. Serve over ice.

CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH

1 OZ American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

1 ¼ OZ Rumchata

Directions: Shake and serve chilled

GINGER SNAP

2 OZ American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

4 OZ Ginger Ale

Directions: Pour in glass, over ice and stir well.

HARVEST MOON

2 OZ American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

4 OZ Apple Juice

Directions: Pour ingredients into a mug and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

MOONSHINE SANGRIA

1 Bottle American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

1/2 Bottle American Born Moonshine Original

1 Bottle Dry Red Wine (750 ML)

2 Bottles Of Orange Juice (750 ML Each)

Chopped Fruit Of Choice (Lemon, Lime, Orange, Apple)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in large glass pitcher, and let refrigerate overnight (or about 12 hours). Serve over ice. Makes 10-12 servings.

RATCHET ROSE

2 OZ American Born Moonshine Apple Pie

1 OZ Lemon Juice

¼ OZ Grenadine

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a glass filled with ice.

American Born Moonshine Apple Pie Shot

American Born Moonshine Apple Pie & Apple Juice

American Born Moonshine Apple Pie & Soda

- Kim Weling