This Friday we will be sponsoring and attending Orlando Martinifest 2008. This has become an annual event in Orlando, where Church Street is closed down for people to come together and try various martinis and choose their favorite to be featured drinks in area bars. We’ll be there pouring some of our favorite cocktails and answering questions.  Also appearing will be celebrity chef, John Ashton who will be putting on displays using our products.  Before you can come check us out at the event, you can listen to us on WTKS Real Radio 104.1 on the Monsters in the Morning on Friday, November 14 some time between 8 and 10 am.

So come out and join us.  We can’t wait to see you there!

Dutch Chocolate Truffle
2 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, 1/2 oz. Dark Creme de Cacao, 1/2 oz. Cream

Dutch Chocolate Truffle
2 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, 1/2 oz. Dark Creme de Cacao, 1/2 oz. Cream

Pixie Stick
2 oz. Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka, 1 oz. Cointreau, 1 oz. Lemonade

Hawaiian Cosmo
2 oz. Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka, 1 oz. Cointreau, Splash of Cranberry Juice

Florida Peach
2 oz. Van Gogh Vodka, 1 oz. Peach Schnapps, 1/2 oz. Orange Juice

Acai-Blueberry Mojito
2 oz. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka, Mojito Mix, Mint Leaves, Club Soda

Double Espresso Shot (served chilled)
2 oz. Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka]

Grape Bomb
2 oz. Van Gogh Grape Vodka, 3 oz. Red Bull

Tonight is one of those special nights here in the United States, where we all come together and exercise one of our most sacred rights as citizens: throw election night cocktail parties! Whether you are from a Red State or a Blue State, we have some great ideas for your cocktails.

Blue State

• 1 oz. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka
• 1/2 oz. Blue Curacao
• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda

Red State

• 2 oz. Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
• 3 oz. Red Grapefruit Juice

If you are voting for Baldwin, Bar, Nader, or McKinney, then we have a ton more ideas, for those of the Constitutional, Libertarian, Independent, or Green persuasions.

Now, don’t forget to vote today before you do!

With more than two decades in the spirits industry, Van Gogh® Vodka founder and President David van de Velde has retired his position. “This was a difficult decision to retire after 25 years in an exciting industry,” van de Velde said. “It is time to retire with a feeling of appreciation to an industry and a country that have given me the opportunity to create two well known brands.”

A former ship officer and port captain for Holland America Line, van de Velde established Luctor International in 1982 to import beer from his native Holland. He founded the Van Gogh brand in 1998 and released its first product, Van Gogh Gin, in 1999.  (more…)

Today, as we celebrate National Vodka Day, we salute the seemingly infinite options that surround this fine, grain-neutral spirit. You see, it is created from a multitude of ingredients like grains, potatoes, grapes, etc. It is housed in many different styles of packaging and it can be found in an array of flavors, colors and “textures.” But its best asset is the many ways you can consume this versatile drink. Please allow me to elaborate… (more…)

While summer may have come to a close, I still crave a refreshing cocktail after a long week and I recently discovered a new favorite: the Acai-Blueberry Mojito. Inspired by the Cuban classic, this version combines Van Gogh’s acai-blueberry infused vodka with fresh blueberries, mint and lime to produce a uniquely delectable drink. In addition its delicious flavor, it’s a fun cocktail to create and its beautiful presentation adds a charming touch to any occasion. Enjoy!

Acai-Blueberry Mojito
2 ounces Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
10 Mint Leaves
10 Fresh Blueberries
Club Soda

Muddle mint leaves, blueberries and lime juice in cocktail shaker. Add simple syrup and vodka and fill with ice. Shake well. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass and top with the club soda. Stir. Garnish with mint sprig or skewer of fresh blueberries.

In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, Van Gogh Vodka is helping salty dogs mix up their favorite grog with pirate inspired vodka cocktails.

Pirate enthusiasts planning to mark the occasion will find Van Gogh Vodka has the map to a treasure chest o’ mARRRRtinis that would appeal to the fiercest of buccaneers. Cool off and kick-back with the “Caribbean Iced Tea,” or man-up and “Swab the Decks.”

Caribbean Iced Tea
2 ounces Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
1/2 ounce Van Gogh Coconut Vodka
2 ounces Iced Tea
1/2 ounce Lemon Juice
Slice of Lemon (more…)

Moms and Dads: Now that the kids are back to school, take a moment to let your hair down, kick up your heals and enjoy a few moments of sweet delight with a dessert cocktail…enjoy!

Tiramisu Martini
1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka
1 oz. Butterscotch Schnapps
1 oz. Frangelico
Splash of Irish Cream

Chocolate Thin Mint
1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1 1/2 oz. White Creme de Cacao
Splash Green Creme de Menthe

Blueberry Cheesecake
1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka
1/2 oz. Vanilla Liqueur
1/2 oz. Irish Cream
Splash Cream

This weekend marks one of the most exciting of the year - football season is here (can you hear the cheering fans?)! Whether you watch college games, the NFL or both, nothing says fall quite like FOOTBALL! And nothing says football quite like tailgating and cocktails. As you kick off the season, show your spirit by matching your drink to your team’s colors or create a signature cocktail inspired by your favorite play. Oh, and don’t forget to spike the wings!  GO TEAM!

Gogh Deep
1 ounce Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka
1 ounce Van Gogh Raspberry Vodka
Splash of Cranberry Juice
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for five seconds. Strain into shot glasses. (more…)

As we approach the “final” weekend of summer, consider including this unique treat in your Labor Day barbecue spread…

Van Gogh Vodka fan Robbie Carter and his girlfriend Alexa are proving that cocktail creativity can extend beyond the glass…way beyond! Every Wednesday this inventive couple soaks a seedless watermelon with their favorite Van Gogh Vodka flavor-of-the-week so it has ample time to absorb the spirit before their weekend trip to a nearby island off the coast of Tampa, FL.

“Your Pomegranate and other flavors have proven to be ‘the bomb’ when it comes to spiking our watermelons,” Carter says.

Drunken Watermelon (courtesy of Robbie & Alexa)
1 Seedless Watermelon
1 750 ml bottle Van Gogh flavored vodka

Carve hole into watermelon and pour in vodka. Allow to marinate in refrigerator 2 – 3 days. Best served COLD!

With tropical storm Fay still churning away in the Atlantic we, at Van Gogh Vodka headquarters in Orlando, are in the midst of our fourth consecutive day of constant wind and rain. With no end in immediate sight and countless storm/hurricane parties taking place across the state, we consulted our recipe book to find the perfect Fay-inspired cocktail - best enjoyed in the company of friends with the endless hours of TV storm coverage as your soundtrack.

Sending positive thoughts to our friends on the coast - stay safe and dry…Cheers!

Tropical Storm
1 ounce Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
1 ounce Van Gogh Mango Vodka
1/2 ounce Van Gogh Coconut Vodka
1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice
1/2 ounce Orange Juice
Serve in a pint glass over ice!