Van Gogh Vodka is committed to providing consumers the highest quality cocktail experience. While we strive to produce the best, most delicious products possible, we count on talented bartenders around the world to provide our new and long-standing fans top-notch cocktails featuring our flavored vodkas. In recognition of the outstanding efforts our supporters behind the bar provide, we will periodically spotlight bartenders, mixologists, bar chefs and drink designers who capture the Van Gogh spirit in their cocktail creations. Thank you for embracing the “art of living” lifestyle and sharing Van Gogh Vodka with your patrons…

Cresta Smith, Manager/Co-owner
The Red Door
107 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
www.reddoorportsmouth.com

“A short walk up a flight of sharp and narrow stairs from busy State Street below, The Red Door is Portsmouth’s answer to suave and sophisticated hot spots more often found in cities like Boston or New York. The vibe is mellow cool - accented by wood floors, comfortable couches and brick walls - and is in no way snooty.” Michael Keating, Portsmouth Herald (read more…)

We were recently introduced to Cresta Smith, manager and co-owner of the Red Door in Portsmouth, NH by Massachusetts resident and Red Door patron Jessica, who is a fan of Cresta’s Japanese Sunflower cocktail. “The Red Door has fantastic martini’s, but the combination of Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka and sake grabbed my attention and after tasting it I was hooked,” she says.

Van Gogh Vodka: When/how did you become a bartender?
Cresta Smith: My first job behind the bar was in Quito, Ecuador in 1995, to fund my travel habit.

VGV: Have you studied with or under any professional bartenders/mixologists?
CS: I have made things up as I go along and I watch people who know what they are doing in other venues, listen closely, and read as much as I can. A mentor would be welcome.

VGV: In which restaurants/bars have you tended bar?
CS: Ghoz, Quito, Ecuador; The Stockpot, Portsmouth, NH; King Tiki, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the red door, Portsmouth, NH; cameos at The Dunaway Restaurant, Portsmouth, NH

VGV: What inspires you when you create new cocktail recipes?
CS: New products, traveling and observing metropolitan and international trends

VGV: What is your favorite Van Gogh Vodka flavor?
CS: Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka

VGV: What value/benefits do Van Gogh Vodka flavors bring to your bar/customers?
CS: People LOVE our Japanese Sunflower cocktail. We have guests come in if only for that. Van Gogh has a great bottle, looks great, easy to handle, and when a customer wants “something special,” it is easy to come up with a unique cocktail starting with Van Gogh and going from there.

VGV: Why do you use Van Gogh Vodka in your cocktails?
CS: The scent of the flavored vodkas adds to the experience of enjoying the drink.

VGV: What is your personal bartending philosophy?
CS: Understand what people want, give them something better and be consistent.

VGV: What do you enjoy most about bartending?
CS: Freedom and creativity, the challenge of multitasking with personality and the trends and contemporary possibilities rooted in an established tradition.

The Red Door’s Signature Van Gogh Vodka Cocktails

Japanese Sunflower
Created by Cresta Smith, Red Door, Portsmouth, NH
1 oz. Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
2 oz. Sake
1 oz. Ginger Ale
Splash of Lime

Dubai
Created by Cresta Smith, Red Door, Portsmouth, NH
3 oz. Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
1 oz. Stirrings 60 Petals Rose Essence
1 oz. pineapple juice

Marigold Champagne Cocktail
Created by Abrah Smith, Red Door, Portsmouth, NH
1.5 oz. Van Gogh Mango Vodka
.5 oz. Orange Juice
3 oz. Champagne