ORLANDO, FLA. (April 1, 2008) – Summer is a season packed with vacations and celebrations and Van Gogh® Vodka provides the perfect flavor for those fun-filled days and sultry nights. Whether enjoying a beach picnic, poolside barbecue or any other summer get-together, easy cocktail creations and unique cooking recipes are guaranteed to squelch the heat and spice up the party.

Van Gogh’s 17 super-premium flavored vodkas are perfect served chilled, straight or mixed in these simple, but delicious recipes:

Iced Espresso: 2 ounces Van Gogh Double Espresso® Vodka served straight, over ice
Bay Breeze: 2 ounces Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka; 3 ounces cranberry juice
Pink Flamingo: 2 ounces Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry® Vodka; 3 ounces pink lemonade
Pomegranate Sunrise: 2 ounces Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka; 3 ounces orange juice

“Adults can also beat the heat with a new twist to a classic summertime treat,” says Chef Jon Ashton. “Simply pour one ounce of your favorite Van Gogh Vodka flavor over crushed or shaved ice and you’ve got a ‘Gogh cone.’”

Easy summer grilling recipes using Van Gogh Vodka can also add flavor to the occasion. “Vodka has strong tenderizing power and is perfect for marinating shrimp, chicken and meat. A flavor miracle worker, vodka balances everything, softening harsh tastes and accenting others,” says Ashton. “Flavored vodkas add a tasty twist, giving dishes that extra zing. You can go effortlessly from the refrigerator to the grill.”

Pineapple Shrimp Kabobs
1/2 cup Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
2 tablespoons minced ginger
3 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 bunch scallions, 1 inch slices
1 large red pepper, chopped
2 pounds large, peeled shrimp

In a large bowl, whisk together ginger, garlic, Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka, lime juice, olive oil, sesame oil, and cilantro. Add shrimp. Toss to coat shrimp; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Remove shrimp from marinade. Pour marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for one full minute. Remove from heat. Alternately thread shrimp, scallions, and peppers onto skewers.

Grill kabobs until shrimp turn pink and opaque, turning once halfway through cooking time, and basting with reserved marinade.

For more summer holiday cocktail and cooking recipes, visit Van Gogh’s 2008 Cocktail Calendar at www.VanGoghVodka.com or call 888-539-3361.

Van Gogh Vodka produces the most vodka flavors of any brand worldwide including the trend setting Espresso and Double Espresso®, complemented by Acai-Blueberry®, Banana, Dutch Chocolate, Coconut, Pineapple, Pomegranate and Wild Appel vodkas.