Weekend Cocktail corner:

25 November 2016, 12:00AM

We started the Weekend Cocktail Corner two weeks ago. In collaboration with Sheraton Samoa’s cocktail feast, it is designed to let you try something special for the weekend. Today, we are talking about the Passion fruit Mule (Moscow Mule): 

Vodka fest is about to begin at the Sheraton; for the past three weeks we have played with gin. Thanks to Sheraton bartenders we discovered spectacular cocktails based on that botanical spirit.  Time has come to become acquainted with another spirit, the timeless vodka.

The birthplace of vodka has been debated, with both Russia and Poland laying claim to its invention. Some sources advocate the initial production of vodka to have occurred in Russia around 9th century while others convey that it may have happened in Poland around 8th century. This legendary spirit was originally used as a medication. 

 “In Poland we do believe that vodka keeps the skin healthy, promotes hair growth, has antibacterial qualities and most importantly reduces stress,” says Magdalena, Sheraton’s F.&B. Assistant Manager, who happens to be Polish. 

 “It is produced by the distillation of any plant, rich in starch or sugar including various grains such as corn, rye, wheat and other materials like potatoes, grapes and soybeans. But every self-respecting Pole will tell you, that you can produce vodka out of almost anything.”

She says vodka is the perfect solution for absolutely everyone, even calorie diligent counters. According to Magdalena, vodka is sugar free, low in calories and has no harmful fats whatsoever. It goes well not only with diet, but with gym routine as well. And it seems that many agree with Magdalena. 

 “I have a punishing workout regimen. Every day I do 3 minutes on a treadmill, then I lie down, drink a glass of vodka and smoke a cigarette,” Anthony Hopkins says.

In the traditional European household vodka is commonly consumed as a shot. It’s served from a freezer, which gives the liquid thick and creamy texture. 

“We won’t be forcing anyone to shot it though,” says Magdalena. “Amazingly anything goes well with vodka as a base, and I plan to take an advantage of that fact! My imagination is already running wild. There is so many options, and I want you to truly delve into the world of vodka.”

Vodka fest continues this Friday at the Sheraton Samoa with the drink that made vodka the “it” spirit in the U.S. back in the 30’s and 40’s, the “Moscow Mule”; is the perfect summer cocktail. 

They’re light, refreshing and uncomplicated. Since the base of the drink has simple ingredients it goes well with any additions. You can change it to a more complex cocktail, that is still just as refreshing.

Sheraton mixologist will introduce you to the Passionfruit Mule, enriching a very simple base with a little bit of local flavours. A Moscow Mule, also known as a Vodka buck, is a cocktail made with vodka, spicy ginger beer, and limejuice, garnished with a slice or wedge of lime. It’s so simple that it never goes out of style and just by adding a few fresh elements you can transform it into a real feast for the palate.

 “It is very important for me to use a lot of traditional and locally available ingredients. My intentions are to show our beautiful guests the flavours of the world by using fresh fruits and herbs from local farmers. I want them to leave Sheraton with a smile on their faces and a few memories to treasure,” says Magdalena. 

Someone once said; “There are only two absolutes in life: friends and vodka. And the best times usually involve both.”

The Friendly Sheraton team is waiting for you this Friday, and I’m sure that we have enough vodka. Visit the team at Sheraton Samoa and ask for it.

 

25 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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