ORLANDO, Fla. (August 7, 2008) - With the thermometer setting record highs and the final days of summer approaching, Labor Day will present a welcome opportunity to raise a refreshing glass to fall. Whether enjoying a beach picnic or poolside barbecue, Van Gogh® Vodka provides easy cocktail creations and unique cooking recipes that are guaranteed to squelch the heat and spice up the party.

In addition to producing delicious cocktails, Van Gogh Vodka can also add flavor to food favorites. “A flavor miracle worker, vodka provides balance, 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 table.”

Labor Free Punch
3 cups Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
1/2 gallon fruit punch
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 quart ginger ale
3-4 scoops orange sherbet (optional)
Mix vodka, punch and orange juice in pitcher or punch bowl until orange juice is dissolved. Add ginger ale and sherbet just prior to serving.

Espresso Ice Cream Treat
2 ounces Van Gogh Double Espresso® Vodka
2 scoops vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
Pour vodka over ice cream and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Coconut Soaked Ambrosia
1/2 cup Van Gogh Coconut Vodka
1 1/2 cups grapefruit
1 1/2 cups pineapple or 1 (13 ounce) can of pineapple chunks, drained
1 (11 ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup mini marshmallows
Peel and cut fruit into small pieces. Place fruit into a serving dish and add coconut, marshmallows and vodka. Stir well and chill overnight.

Spiked Mango Salsa
1/4 cup Van Gogh Mango Vodka
2 fresh, diced mangos
1/2 cup fresh, diced pineapple
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper
Combine ingredients in bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Serve over freshly grilled seafood or as a snack with tortilla chips.

For more party planning tips and recipes, visit Van Gogh’s 2008 Cocktail Calendar at www.VanGoghVodka.com or call 888-539-3361. Van Gogh Vodka produces the most super-premium flavored vodkas of any brand worldwide including the trendsetting Espresso, Double Espresso®, Banana, Pomegranate and Acai-Blueberry® vodkas, complemented by Classic 80-Proof Vodka and Gin.