They say you're legit when you have a newsletter...Each month, Notes will feature a Do It Yourself (DIY) Pairing and Cocktail by leading chefs and bartenders that you can make at home (or visit them and try the originals). You'll also find upcoming events, actual notes from the Fruit Lab (our factory) and other "must know" things about us. Read on and become a Modern Spirits insider.

Upcoming Events

Daily OCT.06
Pairing Dinner at
The Raymond (Pasadena)

10.19.06 + 10.20.06
Pairing Dinner at
Bistro 561 (Pasadena)

10.24.06
Cocktail Pairings at

Ecco (Atlanta)

10.26.06
Pairing Dinner at
Eleve (Phoenix)

10.28.06
Vodka Sampling at
Morrell Wine (Manhattan)

Notes

Think artisanal...

Have you noticed an increase in handmade spirits on store shelves? You're not alone. An evolution in spirits is on the way -- the same "industrial to artisan" shift that ushered in quality U.S. wine 30 years ago, gourmet coffee 25 years ago, microbrews 20 years ago, fine dark chocolate 10 years ago...you get the idea.

How can you tell what's artisanal and what's just a small new brand? See if it's made in the same town as the company is located.

Here's what we tried this month and loved: Ralph Erenzo's outstanding apple vodka from Tuthilltown Spirits (NY).

DIY Pairing | Ahi Tuna + Candied Ginger vodka
Craig Strong, Executive Chef | Ritz-Carlton (Pasadena)
"I like the pairing because this full-flavored vodka goes well with the tuna, matches the vinaigrette and can hold up to the spices in the lentil salad."

RECIPE FOR Ahi tuna on lentil salad, micro greens, Asian vinaigrette and spicy mayonnaise

Lentil Salad
1 cup green lentils fully cooked
1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
2 shallots finely chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
1 tsp chopped ginger
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sambal hot sauce
pinch cumin seed

Spicy Mayo
2 egg yolks
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 cup grapeseed oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sweet soy sauce
1/2 tsp sambal sauce

DIY Cocktail | Ginger Breeze
Paul Wallick, Bartender | Pearl Oyster Bar (Oakland)

"The Ginger Breeze is the ultimate East meets West riff on the Moscow Mule."

RECIPE

1 1/2 oz Modern Spirits Candied Ginger vodka
Juice of 1 medium lime
3/4 oz simple syrup
1 1/4 oz Bundaberg ginger beer (or another brand)
Shake with ice and pour into tumbler over crushed ice
Pour tiny amount of raspberry liqueur and let sink to the bottom
Top with small amount of pickled ginger (sushi style)

Swanky Modern Spirits Gift Box
Who doesn't need a swanky gift? The Modern Spirits Gift Box holds four of our most popular flavors -- Chocolate Orange, Candied Ginger, Grapefruit Honey and Tea -- in an outrageously designed cigar box. It will sell for around $100. Look for it at your nearest retailer this November.