Considering the nearly unbearable temps outside, it feels like summer is in full swing. What’s the best way for us to Floridians celebra… err, OK, cope with the seasonal switch? Well, refreshing bevvies full of booze sure do help.
Pinnacle Vodka has wisely teamed up with Ro Patel — one of Tampa’s most celebrated bar gurus — to create a series of specialty libations that embrace summertime. The first two cocktails Patel has helped create so far: French Floridian and Spirit Valley Martini.
Both ridiculously simple recipes (great for locals in need of a quick cool down), Spirit Valley combines the French vodka brand’s original unflavored vodka with brine and pickled vegetables, while the Floridian — which also calls for a bottle of the OG Pinnacle — features lemon juice, orange marmalade and an orange twist.
Patel and Pinnacle joined forces on May 22, and the duo plan to continue their spirited partnership through September. Check out the recipes for French Floridian and Spirit Valley Martini below.
French Floridian
Makes 1
2 parts Pinnacle Original Vodka
1 part fresh lemon juice
1 bar spoon orange marmalade
Shake all ingredients and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Spirit Valley Martini
Makes 1
2 parts Pinnacle Original Vodka
1/2 part brine
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with pickled vegetables.
This article appears in Jun 14-21, 2018.