New Tastes for Twenty Twelve

Thursday, February 16, 2012


A new year means new products hitting the shelf. And there is not an exception at the liquor store. Browsing through my local Wine & Spirits (and its wonderful magazine), here are some of the new launches that I can’t wait to get my lips on.



·         I mentioned before that Cupcake was moving into a new category – Vodka. Its new line features flavors like Chiffon, Frosting, Original and Devil’s Food. Yum!
·         Pinnacle is also expanding its flavored Vodkas with Cake, Gummy (red fish), Tropical Punch and Marshmallow (and did you know Pinnacle is the #1 Imported Vodka in PA? – REALLY??)
·         Moonshine is becoming modern. Companies mass producing this Applichia fav include Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon Cranberry and Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine.
·         The Winter 2012 Fine Wine & Good Spirits TASTE magazine (free in our local PA Liquor Stores) had some great recipes for dessert cocktails, including:

Birthday Cake Martin (from Edward Jones, Darmicia Food and Tonics, Philadelphia)
·         2 oz cake-flavored vodka
·         Slash of Godivia White Chocolate or original
·         Splash of cream
·         Whipped cream for garnish
Shake all ingredients together over ice and strain into a martini glass

Red Velvet Cake Martini (from Pinnacle Vodka)
·         2 oz Pinnacle Cake
·         1 oz. chocolate liqueur
·         Splash of grenadine
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. 
Shake and strain into a martini glass.

Orange Dreamsicle (From Pinnacle Vodka)
·         2 oz Pinnacle Whipped
·         2 oz orange juice
·         Splash lemon-lime soda
·         Orange wheel and / or cherry garnish
Combine vodka and orange juice in a glass filled with ice. Top with soda and garnish with orange and/or cherry
Editor’s Note: Because you are using a fizzy soda in here, that’s why you don’t shake it in a martini glass