Cooking with vodka...There's more to using vodka in the kitchen than in pasta sauce...or as a disinfectant for knife wounds. Our vodkas are as versatile in the kitchen as the Frenchiest of wines.

Here are a few ideas to try in your own: in broths (Candied Ginger), to poach fish (Grapefruit Honey or Tea), to soak pound cake (Pear Lavender). But if you're really in the mood for vodka sauce, try spaghetti alla vodka with our Black Truffle vodka.

Upcoming Events

Daily Feb 07
Pairing Dinner at
The Raymond (Pasadena)

Wed Feb 21 | 7 pm
Pairing Dinner at
Henry's (New York)

Thurs Feb 22 | 6-9 pm
Vodka Seminar at
Ambassador Wine (New York)

Notes
Ode to the Oregon Black Truffle
Ah, Picoa Carthusiana! Why are you such a misunderstood Fungi Ascomycota?

It's black truffle season. And you know what that means? The Fruit Lab is gloriously stinky. We only make our black truffle vodka once a year when our friends in Oregon put on their gum boots, ditch any hanger-ons and go on the hunt for Picoa Carthusiana.

Yeah. Yeah. We know the Oregon black truffle is a different specie from the Perigord black truffle. But that doesn't mean it's less delicious. (We meet many who look down their noses at our favorite mushroom.)

In fact, we consciously use Oregon Black Truffle in our vodka for its complex bouquet--ranging from port and pineapple to chocolate and caramel--ideal for pairing with risotto, lobster and savory souffles. A feat more challenging with truffles from Perigord.

So don't be a Picoa Carthusiana hater. In fact, don't compare European to Oregon. Think of them as differently delicious.

DIY Pairing | Wild Bass + Candied Ginger
Scott Snyder, Chef | Henry's (New York City)
"Sometimes, it's the littlest things that spur you to create new dishes and pairings. For me, this pairing was inspired by the broth of a wedding course dish I had in New York City's Chinatown."

RECIPE FOR Sauteed Wild Striped Bass Vegetable Lo Mein, Shiitake Mushrooms, Soy-Ginger Broth (Serves 4)

1 Qt Water  |  4 oz Soy Sauce
1 oz Fish Sauce
1T Coriander Seeds
6 Whole Black Peppercorn

GARNISH
4 oz Dry Soba Noodles (Julienne)
1 Carrot  |  1 Zucchini
1 Napa Cabbage (Mince)
1t Garlic  |  1t Ginger
1 Shiitake  |  1 Yellow Squash
1 Red Pepper (Slice)  |  2 Scallions

METHOD -- BROTH
Can be prepared day before, refrigerate
Sweat cut vegetables, dried mushrooms, spices
Add fish bones, vodka, vermouth
Reduce by half
Add water, soy, fish sauce
Simmer for 45 minutes
Strain

METHOD -- FISH
4 6 oz filets, skin on
Salt, Pepper
Pan sear skin side down
Roast in 375 degree oven for approx. 7 minutes

METHOD -- PLATING
Pile noodle/vegetable mixture in center of pasta bowl
Pour broth over noodles
Plate fish skin side up on noodles
Garnish with cilantro, sesame oil, sesame seeds (if desired)

DIY Cocktail | Monrovia
Larry Nicola, Chef & Owner | Nic's (Beverly Hills)

"I approach cocktails the same as food -- combining exciting ingredients with a fine balance. Monrovia marries the perfumey Modern Spirits Grapefruit Honey vodka with the exotic allure of lychee."

Meet Oinkin
It's the year of the pig and, thanks to Ashley O., our little truffle pig finally has a name. There were many close seconds -- Sir Oinksalot, Trufflepiglet and My Sweet Bacon -- but we liked Oinkin best. Ashley, a cozy Modern Spirits t-shirt is on its way.