The Mixology Of Valentine's Day: New Survey Reveals The Spirited Chemistry Of Love

Valentine's Day is only a few heartbeats away, so whether you're frantically swiping right or have a lifelong Valentine, you no doubt have love on the mind. But, if you're like nearly half of millennials, you'll be skipping the reservations and staying in this Valentine's Day, according to a survey* commissioned by Southern Comfort 100 Proof®. So, before you splurge on that expensive bottle of wine or bouquet of roses, check out a few spirited stats about the dating and drinking preferences of millennials.

More millennials will stay in and cook rather than dine out on Valentine's Day.Let's face it…dining out isn't cheap! Perhaps that's why 44 percent of millennials surveyed plan to cook dinner at home on Valentine's Day. And while you're likely to focus your efforts on finding the perfect filet mignon recipe, don't forget how good that steak can taste with a classic crafted cocktail such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Don't be THAT guy. Be THE guy. Looking to take your mixology game to the next level? Well, now you have a reason to put that cocktail shaker to good use. Ninety-three percent of respondents say they are impressed by people who know how to make a good cocktail, which means there's a 93 percent chance that, if you know how to work that shaker, your recipe will be a hit with your Valentine's Day date. Take the odds!

Do you know how to make a really, really, really good cocktail? Pop quiz: what ingredients are required to make an Old Fashioned? If you can't answer that, then you might want to hold off on switching to a career in mixology. That's a shame, because nearly three‑quarters of survey respondents (70 percent) say they would date a mixologist. Talk about game.

It's not me, it's you! Whiskey can be intimidating. While it has become increasingly popular in recent years, it may be surprising that whiskey can be intimidating to some, much like a first date. In fact, nearly 10 percent of survey respondents say they are downright intimidated by the spirit, with women being five times more intimidated than men. Maybe it's high time you opted for a whiskey-inspired spirit with a little more experience under its belt – and a lot less bite. A spirit that has been around for more than 140 years. Something with a sophisticated profile featuring flavors of whiskey, fruit and spices that works perfectly as a base in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned – and ISN'T complicated!

Not to mention, 28 percent of millennials said they wish they knew how to make a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned. So, what are you waiting for? Swipe right with #SoCo100, and toast to Valentine's Day with these charming recipes!

Comfort Old Fashioned1 ½ oz Southern Comfort 100 Proof
½ oz Sparkling Water
1 tsp Sugar
Dash of Bitters

Add bitters, sugar and water in a short glass. Add Southern Comfort 100 Proof and ice cubes. Garnish with lemon twist.

Southern Manhattan®2 oz Southern Comfort 100 Proof
¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Bitters

Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker; shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Holiday Cocktail Punch

Twinkle lights are being hung and it's time again to start planning those holiday gatherings. EPIC Vodka has a couple of punch recipes to help make this season even more memorable.

Made with vodka imported from France, EPIC is inspired by centuries-old distilling traditions and is made with hand-selected wheat harvested from the Champagne region in France. The vodka is distilled in the Cognac region and delivers a clean, crisp taste at an attractive price point.

"It's all about the memories you make with good family and friends during the holidays," said Tracey Clapp, marketing director, vodka. "These holiday punch recipes from EPIC Vodka are an easy and delicious way to make the most out of time spent with the people that you love."

Named for the great moments found in our lives, EPIC Vodka is a favorite during the holidays when there are so many exciting moments to be had. During the season that's all about sharing, what better way to do that than with an inviting punch bowl promising delicious seasonal flavors?

"At an accessible price point, EPIC Vodka takes the pressure off the host to create something special that will have all the guests talking," Clapp said.

EPIC received a 92/Excellent/Strongly Recommended rating at the 2013 Ultimate Spirits Competition.

The brand is available in 1.75 ml, Liter, 750 ml and 50 ml. Suggested retail pricing for EPIC 750 ml is $12.99.

EPIC Holiday Cocktail Recipes:

(Note: High Res Photos of all cocktails are available)

Peach Rosemary Mule Punch.1/2 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary
60 Ounces Ginger Beer
Juice from 2 Limes
8 Ounces Water
8 Ounces EPIC Peach Vodka

Add sugar, water, and rosemary to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat and mix until sugar dissolves completely. Let slightly cool.

Combine ginger beer, lime juice, water and vodka in a large punch bowl. Mix in the rosemary simple syrup. Garnish punch with fresh thyme sprigs and lime slices. Serve over ice.

Pumpkin Pie Punch24 Ounces Apple Cider
12 Ounces Water
16 Ounces Hard Cider
8 Ounces EPIC Classic Vodka
1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin Puree
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl. Use a whisk to mix and break apart the pumpkin puree. Garnish punch with slices of apple and oranges. Serve over ice.

All recipes and photos are by Stefanie Bundalo, http://www.sarcasticcooking.com/.

EPIC vodka is available in a classic unflavored vodka at 80 proof plus nine different flavors in 70 proof each; Peach, Whipped Cream, Kiwi Strawberry, Cherry, Cake, Citrus, Grape, Red Berry and Coconut.  The brand is supported at retail by case cards, large displays, channel cards and recipe booklets.

Mix some spirits into your Halloween festivities with some spooky cocktails

Halloween is eerily close, and a haunting feeling is looming as costumes and parties are being planned down to the last creepy details of the spooky cocktails that will be served.

To help keep the spirited motif alive, WAVE Vodka has some bewitching cocktail recipes that will delight every wizard and goblin at the party, with its flavorful portfolio.

"The variety of flavored vodkas in the WAVE portfolio make it easy to create fun, new creations for every occasion," said Tracey Clapp, marketing director, vodkas. "These yummy recipes are a creative way to lighten the party and entertain guests with a festive-twist."

Here are some terrifyingly satisfying Halloween-themed drink recipes for entertaining the ghouls:

Mummy's Return1 oz. WAVE Vodka
½ oz. WAVE Whipped Cream Vodka
3 oz. Peach Nectar
Add ingredients to iced glass and stir.
Garnish with a peach slice

Cherry-Apple Creeper1 ½ oz. WAVE Cherry Vodka
4 oz. Apple Cider
Add ingredients to iced glass and stir.
Garnish with a stemmed cherry.

Haunted Punch1.5 oz. WAVE Blue Raspberry Vodka
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
½ oz. Lemon Lime soda
Add ingredients to iced glass and stir. 
Garnish with 2 raspberries.

Cream Scream1 ½ oz. WAVE Whipped Cream Vodka
2 oz. Orange Soda
2 oz. Lemon Lime Soda
Add ingredients to iced glass and stir.
Garnish with an orange slice.

WAVE Vodka is available in the following flavors: Classic unflavored, Cherry, Grape, Whipped Cream, Pink Lemonade, Baja, Lemon Lime, Coconut, Chocolate Covered Pretzel, Frosted Cinnamon Bun, Cake, Peach, Tiki and Blue Raspberry.  Available sizes are: 1.75L, 1L, 750 ml, and 50 ml. Suggested retail pricing is $8.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Pumpkin Cocktail Recipes

As autumn arrives, thoughts turn to … pumpkins.  So it's no surprise, then, that Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka has been so well received. This amber-hued expression of Crop Organic Vodka captures the seasonal delight of plump roasted pumpkin and baking spices.

Wherever you are in the country, autumn is the time for Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka. In Boston, where the days quickly turn crisp at summer's end, Top of the Hub's head bartender, Arley Howard, caters to his fellow New Englanders' longstanding taste for ginger with his Pumpkin Ginger Cooler. He notes how well this seasonal vodka pairs with most fall-style dishes.

In sunny Florida, Nick Nistico, Corporate Beverage Program Development Specialist for Florida's Premier Beverage Company, appreciates the combination of Crop's exquisitely spiced vodka and inherently spicy rye to create a seasonal twist on a julep. And since relaxing by the pool in Florida is still an option in the fall, he particularly enjoys refreshing drinks, such as the beer-topped Pumpkin Cocktail with its double dose of pumpkin, and the lemony Pumpkin Collins. Nistico also recommends adding Crop Pumpkin Vodka to a pina colada for a taste of autumn.

As with all of Crop's fresh expressions--Artisanal, Cucumber, Tomato, and Meyer Lemon--Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka is produced to strict USDA organic standards. It starts with the purely finest ingredients available and is distilled from 100 percent American grain, kept free of GMOs, artificial fertilizers and synthetic pesticides.

The following seasonal recipes were created by Arley Howard of Top of the Hub and Nick Nistico of Premier Beverage Company.

Crop Organic Pumpkin Ginger Cooler  (Arley Howard, Top of the Hub)  
1 tablespoon brown sugar  
1 lemon slice  
Nutmeg  
2 parts Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka  
1 part ginger liqueur  
1 part sour mix  
Ginger ale  
In a highball glass, muddle brown sugar with lemon and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Add ice, Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka, ginger liqueur, and sour mix. Shake contents and then top with ginger ale.

Plymouth Rock Julep  (Nick Nistico, Premier Beverage Company)  
2 parts Rye whiskey  
1 part Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka  
1/2 part cinnamon syrup  
5 dashes Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters  
Swizzle all ingredients with ice and then top with crushed ice.  Garnish with a candy-corn pumpkin and grated cinnamon.

Pumpkin Cocktail  (Nick Nistico, Premier Beverage Company)  
1 part Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka  
5 dashes bitters  
Top with pumpkin ale.

Pumpkin Collins  (Nick Nistico, Premier Beverage Company)  
2 parts Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka  
1 part fresh lemon juice  
1/2 part simple syrup   
Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel dusted with cinnamon.

Tailgating Punch

Now that football season is in full swing, it's time to load up the tailgates and get the pregame festivities started with Platinum 7X Vodka.

The ultra-smooth American made vodka is distilled seven times from high-quality Midwest grain, and delivers a super-premium experience without a super-premium price, making it a tailgating favorite.

Platinum 7X, conveniently sold in a lightweight and stylish plastic blue bottle, will ensure all celebrations remain "uncrashable" this football season, and allows consumers more flexibility and portability while enjoying the game with good friends. Never let a broken bottle ruin game day again.

"The uncrashable Platinum 7X packaging is ideal for making the most of a favorite sporting event," said Tracey Clapp, marketing director, vodka. "The smooth taste and convenient packaging combine for a memorable experience every time."

Careful attention throughout the distillation process insures the highest quality for every bottle of Platinum 7X, resulting in a clean, refreshing, ultra-smooth experience that's essential for every successful tailgate.

Winning teams should be celebrated with award-winning vodka like Platinum 7X. The award-winning 80-proof vodka received two consecutive gold medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the vodka category. Additionally, The Beverage Testing Institute has rated it "Best Buy" and "Highly Recommended" for the bold impression the vodka delivers at an attractive price.

Perfect for sipping chilled or for mixing in cocktails, the smooth crisp taste of Platinum 7X will make every game memorable, no matter the final score. Make Platinum 7X Vodka a part of every pre-game ritual.

Try this delicious recipe, as featured on Parade.com, to get the party started:

Overtime Punch

750 ml of Platinum 7X Vodka
2 12-ounce bottles of pale beer/lager
1 12-ounce can of frozen lime juice concentrate
750 ml club soda
250 ml ginger ale
Ice (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and serve.

Patriotically Palette Pleasing Appetizers for Fourth of July

STOCKTON, Calif. -- The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and it's time to start planning your menu. Whether you're hosting or going as a guest, you'll need a few different, incredibly tasty and easy to munch side dishes. In honor of , The Roundup is serving up appetizer recipes that are sure to set-off fireworks for your taste buds. These dishes are the ultimate start to your all-day eating fest. Here's to you, America!

Independence Day

4th of July Potatoes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of mini red, white and blue potatoes
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Wash potatoes and place in a mixing bowl.
• Coat potatoes with the minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Grill potatoes for approximately 20 minutes, until tender, turning frequently
• Top of these delicious potatoes with a dollop of butter and pair them with a perfectly grilled steak or chicken breast!

America's Caprese

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant
• 1, 8-ounce mozzarella ball
• 2 tomatoes
• 1/4 cup basil, whole fresh leaves
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Ground pepper

Directions

• Cut eggplant horizontally into 1/4 inch rounds.
• Toss sliced eggplant with kosher salt and let sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
• Wipe eggplant dry with paper towels and brush both sides of the slices lightly with olive oil.
• Place your eggplant on the grill and cook approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• Cut tomatoes and mozzarella in 1/4 inch round slices.
• Place one slice of eggplant on a plate and stack with one tomato slice, one mozzarella slice and 1 to 2 basil leaves.
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season with pepper.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

• 24 jalapeno peppers
• 24 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 3, 8-ounce Italian sausages, precooked
• 12 pieces of bacon

Directions

• Slice peppers in half lengthwise, down the stem.
• With a spoon, scrape out the seeds and fibers, leaving the pepper clean.
• Stuff peppers with one slice of cheese, folding it inside.
• Cut sausages into four pieces lengthwise and stuff one piece of sausage into each pepper and press closed.
• Cut bacon slices in half, wrap each slice around a jalapeno and secure with a toothpick (grill tip: Soak your toothpicks in water for about 30 minutes prior to putting them on the grill to prevent burning).
• Place poppers on the grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp and peppers are tender.
• Remove from grill and place on a serving platter.

Patriotic Colada Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/2 fresh pineapple
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 cup rum, plus 1 tablespoon
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 cup ice
• Strawberries for garnish
• Coconut flakes

Directions

• Peel pineapple, remove core and cut into spears.
• Place spears in a zip-lock bag with the oil, sugar and 1 tablespoon of rum.
• Toss well and let sit for 15 minutes.
• Grill each side of the pineapple until caramelized.
• Remove them from the grill and put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
• Once the grilled spears are slightly frozen, place them in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Add blueberries, rum, half and half, coconut water and ice, blend well.
• Rim glasses with coconut and garnish with a strawberry.

Platinum 7X Vodka Cocktail Serves Smooth Taste for the Fourth of July

NEW ORLEANS -- Platinum 7X Vodka has created a recipe to put the boom in any Fourth of July celebration this holiday.

The ultra-smooth American made vodka, distilled seven times from high-quality Midwest grain, offers a taste of thoroughly executed tradition, excellent for making a patriotic cocktail as the nation celebrates its 238th year of independence.  

Platinum 7X, conveniently sold in a lightweight and stylish plastic blue bottle, will ensure all celebrations remain "uncrashable" this Fourth of July, and allows consumers more flexibility and portability while enjoying the smooth crisp taste under the fireworks.

"Whether mixing up a cocktail or simply adding it to cranberry juice, Platinum 7X delivers a super-premium experience without a super-premium price," said Tracey Clapp, marketing director, vodka.  

Careful attention throughout the distillation process insures the highest quality for every bottle of Platinum 7X, resulting in a clean, refreshing, ultra-smooth experience patriotic-sippers can take pride in.

The award-winning 80-proof vodka received two consecutive gold medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the vodka category. Additionally, The Beverage Testing Institute has rated it "Best Buy" and "Highly Recommended" for the bold impression the vodka delivers at an attractive price.

In a cocktail or simply chilled, the American-made Platinum 7X Vodka is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day.

Enjoy this cocktail under the fireworks:

(Note: High Res Photo of the cocktail is available)

The Firecracker (makes 1)Rimmer: Before you make the cocktail add a small amount of water to a plate, just enough to coat the bottom. Then add a layer of Tajin (a mixture of salt, lime zest, and chili seasoning) to another plate. Dip the rim of the glass into the water and then into the seasoning. Slightly swirl the glass in a circle to make sure the seasoning coats the rim.
3/4 Cup Lemonade
1.5 Ounces Platinum 7X Vodka
1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a glass. Stir and then sip!

Recipe and photo by Stefanie Bundalo, http://www.sarcasticcooking.com/.