SKYY Vodka just announced an exclusive partnership with Chef Marcus Samuelsson as he is the brand’s first-ever culinary ambassador. They have teamed up to create “Captivating Cocktails”, a program designed to alleviate consumers’ fears about creating sophisticated cocktails at home. By utilizing classic, beloved recipes and giving them simple, sophisticated twists, Marcus created a roster of cocktails and dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients inspired by his exotic travels. Marcus teaches consumers through these recipes—there is nothing to be afraid of. These recipes are a great way to gather with your friends and family to enjoy the fall season and might I add -- they look rather tasty! The ingredients are ultra-fresh using basil, grapes, coriander and other interesting twists. What a great new take on fall drink recipes! Cheers, everyone!

MARCUS SAMUELSSON’S SKYY VODKA COCKTAIL RECIPES

Basil Gimlet

Makes 1 cocktail

2 ounces SKYY Vodka

1 ounce lemon juice

3/4 ounce honey solution (1:1 honey and hot water)

5 small basil leaves

Fill shaker with ice and all ingredients. Shake vigorously. Strain and serve in a martini glass garnished with basil.

The Savoy

Makes 1 cocktail

2 ounces SKYY Vodka

3 red grapes

3 bunches of white grapes

1 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce agave syrup

In a rocks glass, muddle two red grapes and two white grapes.  Shake vodka, lemon juice and agave together with ice and strain over muddled grapes.  Garnish with a skewer of 4-5 grapes.

Ginger Hibiscus Punch

Makes 1 cocktail with enough base for 16 cocktails

2 ounces SKYY Infusions Coconut

2 ounces hibiscus base (recipe to follow) or chilled hibiscus tea

1/2 ounce lime juice

Lime for garnish

Mix and serve on the rocks.

Hibiscus Base

1 quart water

1 cup hibiscus flowers

1/2 cup sugar

3 tablespoons grated ginger

Bring to a boil then remove from heat and let sit overnight. Strain into airtight container.  Allow to cool.  Garnish with lime.

Earl of Harlem

Makes 1 cocktail with enough base for 28 cocktails

2 ounces SKYY Vodka

2 ounces Earl of Harlem syrup (recipe to follow)

1/2 ounce lemon juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Orange rind (for garnish)

Shake with ice then strain into rocks glass. Garnish with orange rind.

Earl of Harlem Syrup

5 cups water

2 cups loose Earl Grey tea or 30 Earl Grey tea bags

1 batch Coriander Syrup (recipe to follow)

Boil water then steep tea for 20 minutes.  Combine tea with Coriander Syrup. Let cool.  Strain into a container.

Coriander Syrup

6 arbol (or any dried red chili such as cascabel, chipotle or guajillo)

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

1 cup sugar

1 cup honey

4 cups water

Dry roast peppers and coriander until fragrant, about 5 minutes.  Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.  Strain into airtight container and allow to cool.

White Sangria

Makes 1 cocktail/pitcher

2 cups SKYY Vodka

2/3 bottle white wine

2 ounces lime juice

8 ounces orange juice

8 ounces apple juice

1 mango, cut into cubes

2 pears, cut into cubes

Pear and strawberry for garnish

Soak fruit in juices and vodka for two hours to overnight (feel free to add more SKYY for a stronger drink).  Stir together in a pitcher and serve in wine glass.  Garnish with pear and strawberry.

Apple Spiced Martini

Makes 1 cocktail and enough base for 20 cocktails

2 ounces SKYY Vodka

1/2 ounce lime juice

1/2 ounce Apple Spiced Simple Syrup (recipe to follow)

2 dashes angostura bitters

Ice

Slice of apple (for garnish)

Put all ingredients in shaker.  Add ice and shake.  Strain through Hawthorn shaker into chilled coupe glass garnished with apple.

 Apple Spiced Simple Syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

1 teaspoon ginger, ground

1 teaspoon allspice, ground

1 teaspoon nutmeg, ground (freshly ground if possible)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 slice of a red apple, ¼ inch thick

1/2 cup water

Place all ingredients in small saucepan.  Bring to boil. Strain into airtight container.  Cool. Refrigerate.  Will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks