Superlative Vodka for the Discriminating Palette

By Mike Newford
Hammer + Sickle delivers a vodka worthy of its Russian heritage with a smooth flavor, iconic emblem and stark, icy packaging. Characterized by its round, smooth taste, subtle vanilla sweetness, and flawless finish, it can be enjoyed in its purest form over ice or as an ideal cornerstone for cocktails. Russian vodka always embodied the spirit of celebration and was traditionally the drink of choice for weddings, birthdays and holidays. Now, it is a staple of the modern bar.

Hammer + Sickle was introduced here in the US in FebrPUuary of 2007 and is distributed in MA, RI, CT, NJ, NY, DC, and DE. It’s produced in very small batches and is imported by Klin Spirits, LLC, in Lowell, MA

Although absolutely perfect for savoring on its own, Hammer + Sickle elevates any cocktail from tasty to extraordinary.  Here are just a few of our favorite cocktail recipes that showcase Hammer + Sickles’ clean, refreshing taste:

The Russian Tart
-refreshing, tart, summer martini-
By Kathaleen O’Malley, Shakago’s Martini and Piano Bar

1 1/2 oz Hammer + Sickle
1 oz Chambord
1 oz X-Rated Liqueur
1/2 oz white cranberry juice
Splash of lime juice
Garnish with lime

The Strawberry Sickle Tickle
-a very pink drink-
By Jon Bombach, Cobblestones, Lowell, MA

2 oz Hammer + Sickle
1 oz Strawberry Liqueur
1/2 oz White Chocolate Liqueur
Large dollop of Whipped Cream

The Hot and Dirty
By Kenny Corbett, Mardi Gras, Springfield, MA
Hammer + Sickle Vodka

Splash Dry Vermouth
Splash of Olive Juice
Splash of Pepperoncini Juice
Garnish with 2 olives and one pepperoncini

The Green Dragon
By Patricia Harrington, Flash’s Cocktails, Boston, MA

2 oz Hammer + Sickle
Zen Green Tea Liquor
Splash of Ginger Beer
3 Squeezed Lemons

For more on Hammer & Sickle ~ including a bunch more delicious cocktail recipes, head to www.hsvodka.com.

Midori and Corzo
Keeping Summer Going Strong!

By Mike Newford
Alright, summer may be coming to an end, but we’re not going to let it go without a fight.  Here are some delish recipes that will help us keep the summer vibe going a little bit longer.

Midori Berry Bliss (By Eric Fura of California)

1.5 parts Midori Melon Liqueur
1 part Vanilla Vodka
1/2 part Skyy Raspberry Infusions
Splash of Pineapple juice
Splash of soda water
Garnish:  Strawberry slices.

Fill a punch bowl half way with ice.  Add Midori, Vanilla Vodka, Skyy Raspberry Infusions, Pineapple juice and a splash of soda water. Garnish with strawberry slices.

Midori Pina Punch (By Michael Malone of Texas)

1 part Midori Melon Liqueur
1 part Cabo Wabo Silver Tequila
1 part Mango Juice
3 parts Pineapple Juice
Splash of Sprite

Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl over ice.  Stir well and garnish with a pineapple and mango slices.

Midori Float (By Michael Malone of Texas)

1 parts Midori Melon Liqueur
3/4 parts Rum (orange flavored)
2 parts Pineapple juice
1/4 part Cranberry Juice
Half a scoop of Lemon sorbet muddled
Juice of half a Lime
Slice of Pineapple

Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake to froth.  Pour over ice and garnish with pineapple wedge and a scoop of lemon sorbet.

CORZO Basilica Mexicana (By NYC mixologist Jonathan Pogash)

1 1/2 parts Corzo Reposado Tequila
1/2 part Green Chartreuse
1/4 part Agave Nectar
1 thin slice jalapeno pepper
1/2 part fresh lime juice
3 large basil leaves

In a mixing glass, muddle the pepper and basil in the agave nectar and lime juice.  Add remaining ingredients and shake well with ice.  Strain over ice into a rocks glass.  Garnish: basil leaf “flag” and jalapeno pepper.

CORZO Bliss (By NYC mixologist Jonathan Pogash)
2 parts Corzo Silver Tequila
3/4 parts Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
5 one-inch chunks of watermelon
5-7 mint leaves

In a mixing glass, muddle the watermelon and mint.  Then add remaining ingredients and shake well with ice.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with watermelon rind twist and watermelon slice

Evolutionary CORZO Margarita (By NYC mixologist Jonathan Pogash)
2 parts Corzo Reposado Tequila
1/2 parts Grand Marnier
1/2 parts agave nectar
3/4 parts fresh lime juice
6-8 small chunks of your choice of pepper (yellow, red, or orange)

In a mixing glass, muddle the pepper in the agave nectar and lime juice.  Then add remaining ingredients and shake well with ice.  Strain over ice into rocks glass.  Garnish with pepper “flag” and lime “bow-tie” & optional salt-rim.