Organic Hawaiian Vodka Is A Fabulous Find
Another discovery from last weekend’s South Beach Wine & Food Fest, this organic Hawaiian Vodka is a Fabulous Find. I found the folks from Ocean Organic Vodka under one of the massive tents and was drawn to the beautiful display. It’s a family owned, sustainable brand that also partners with The Pacific Whale Foundation for conservation, education and research. I love a company that gives back, has a mission besides making a great product.
I met up with the brand’s director of national marketing, Jennifer Smith, who said the bottles are being collected by fans of the vodka worldwide. They are repurposed and reused for everything from general home décor to refilling and using as water bottles. I mean just look at how gorgeous they are. Way too pretty to toss in the recycle bin. Check out our interview here:
What makes Ocean Organic Vodka a Fabulous Find
She did indeed share the recipe. I have it below. However before we get to the cocktail, we first need to answer a very important question about the vodka itself. How does it taste? I have one word for that–awesome. Really, it has this touch of sweetness to it and is very smooth. Because of that bit of sweet, I think you could get away with less mixers when using it in cocktails, and save a few calories. Bonus.
Thai Berry Cocktail Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- •1 oz. Club Soda
- •1 oz. Fresh Lemonade
- •1½ oz. OCEAN Organic Vodka
- •2 ox Fresh Strawberries
- •4 Fresh Thai Basil Leaves
- Please drink responsibly
First, muddle strawberries and Thai basil in the bottom of a shaker. Next, add OCEAN Organic Vodka and lemonade, and bruise. Pour into a glass and top with club soda. Finally, garnish with a basil leaf, serve and enjoy. It’s super refreshing and a perfect cocktail for Southwest Florida
Always drink responsibly
Highlights From Miami's SOBE Wine And Food Fest
It was held over the weekend and here are some highlights from Miami’s SOBE Wine And Food Fest. This annual festival is one of my favorite events of the year. The show began 22 years ago as a way to raise money for Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality. It’s one of the top ten hospitality programs in the United States. Over the years, the festival has grown to be one of the premier wine and food events in the state. Now sponsored by the Food Network, the star power has exploded.
Television chefs and food personalities fly in for special events. Wine makers and owners from around the United States and around the world also fly in for the Grand Tasting and to host dinners and presentations. And it’s not just about wine. The number of sprits is impressive too. There really is something for almost everyone here. The Grand Tasting takes place on the beach under giant tents and under the hot Miami sun.
There are food demonstrations, pop-up lounges and discos, and all kinds of crazy fun. However, not all action is on the beach. Venues all over Miami host parties, seminars cocktail competitions, and all manner of activities. Many of them sell out well in advance.
More from Miami’s SOBE Wine And Food Fest
One of my most favorite events from the festival each year is the Gerard Bertrand cocktail party. Gerard is a friend, a well-known winemaker from Languedoc, France. Many of the people on his team are friends as well and this is the one time of year they are almost always in from France. I have more photos on my Facebook Page here, but also this fun video:
Finally, here are a few more highlights from Miami’s SOBE Wine And Food Fest. Cheers until next year.
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.
