Fun with Flavored Vodkas

Flavored vodkas add a little extra zing to many cocktails, increasing the drink's palate range and giving us some interesting and impressive cocktails. Two premium brands, SKYY and Smirnoff, are increasingly concentrating their market to include as many flavors as they can and for the price ($13-20 per bottle), you can afford to try them all and keep your favorite flavors in stock. Mixing with any of the flavored vodkas gives you the freedom to mix flavors you may not normally combine (Melon Cucumber-tini) or recreate the flavor of a favorite food (Key Lime Pie Martini). Here are some more new recipes to help inspire you to experiment with these vodkas on your own: Ninotchka Cocktail, Vanilla Vixen, Natural Selection, Orange Jaxx.

Summer Picnic Ideas:
To add some delicious Mexican flavors to your next picnic or potluck, our Guide to Mexican Food suggests these seasoned Black Beans with garlic, onion, chile and cumin. And the ultimate summer treat is cool and refreshing Shrimp Ceviche “cooked” with lemon and lime juice with a little spicy kick from Serrano chiles. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a dip for veggies or corn chips.

Photo Credit: © SKYY Spirits