ORLANDO, Fla. – (June 07, 2007) – Fireworks will not be the only thing guests are “oohing” and “ahhing” over at summer festivities this year. Whether it is the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or any other summer get-together, unique cocktail creations and grilling recipes are guaranteed to turn heads. Flavored vodkas can help party planners with both.

With 19 flavors, Van Gogh® Vodka provides a flavor for every palate. With the range of flavored vodkas on the market today, guests are sure to enjoy the essence offered in the unique vodka based recipes that are perfect for this summer’s blowouts. Party goers can cool off from the summer heat with the Pomegranate Sparkler Martini, kick-back and relax while sipping on the Vodka Colada, or watch fireworks while enjoying the Blue Sky Martini, made with Van Gogh’s new Acai-Blueberry Vodka.

Pomegranate Sparkler Martini: 2 oz. Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka, 1 oz. Roses Pomegranate Twist Infusion Liqueur, 1 oz. lemon lime soda, garnish with a cherry.

Vodka Colada: 1 oz. Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka, ½ oz. Van Gogh Coconut Vodka, 1 oz. pineapple juice, splash cream.

Blue Sky Martini: 1 ½ oz. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka, 1 oz blue curacao, 2 oz. lemonade, garnish with four skewered blueberries.

While enjoying the weather and the cocktails, easy summer grilling recipes using Van Gogh Vodka complete the occasion. Vodka has strong tenderizing power and is perfect for marinating chicken, fish and meat.

“As a flavor miracle worker, vodka balances everything, softening harsh tastes and accenting others,” says celebrity chef Jon Ashton. “Flavored vodkas add a tasty twist, giving dishes that extra zing. You can go effortlessly from the refrigerator to the grill, while everyone marvels at your wonderful talents as a cook.”

For example, Chipotle Glazed Chicken Skewers are quick and easy making them the perfect complement to a day of fun in the sun.

Chipotle Glazed Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: Eight minutes. Marinate: One hour
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, each about 7 oz, cut into thin strips
24 8-inch bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes then drained
2 ripe but firm golden delicious apples, cored and cut into 12 wedges
1/2 cup olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Dash of hot pepper sauce

Chipotle Vodka Sauce
1/2 cup Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
1 chipotle chilles en adobo
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Weave each chicken strip completely onto one of the skewers. Place skewers in large glass baking dishes. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Marinate at least one hour, turning occasionally.

For Chipotle sauce, bring the orange juice to a boil. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka. Cover and remove from the heat. Let stand, until softened. Puree tomato mixture in a processor. Place in a bowl, add limejuice and cilantro.

Grill skewers on a preheated grill until no longer pink inside. Baste with sauce as you grill.

With the largest line of flavored vodkas on the market – 19 - Van Gogh Vodka is perfect for summer bashes. The imported flavors include the new trendsetting Espresso, Double Espresso™, Acai-Blueberry and Banana, complemented by the well-known Chocolate, Pineapple, Pomegranate and Appel Vodkas. For more information and 2,000 complimentary martini recipes, visit the Web site www.VanGoghVodka.com.