We don’t usually equate boozing with reducing world hunger, but that is Ultimat Vodka’s goal this summer with their summer-long fundraising campaign with Action Against Hunger aptly named, Ultimat Lemon-AID.
Launched in May and continuing through August 20th (National Lemonade Day), the public is invited to text LEMONAID (50555) to donate $5 to Action Against Hunger. Donations from the campaign will be used to support the non-profit’s efforts to distribute Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs), which are nutrient packed pastes that help fight childhood malnutrition. They don’t need to be mixed with water, have a long shelf life and can withstand the elements – fool-proof food supplements! Each pack costs about 33 cents so $5 translates to five days of treatment, helping a child to a full recovery (which takes about 45 days)
If you aren’t familiar with Ultimat vodka it is a part of the Patron Spirits Company (Tequila!) and is crafted with wheat for smoothness, rye for complexity and potato for richness. Made in Poland, you can spot this premium vodka by its cobalt blue decanter.
In Manhattan this summer, every Friday at Truman’s Gentleman’s Groomers guys can enjoy two complimentary grooming services and an Ultimat Lemon-AID cocktail, with the purchase of a haircut. A portion of proceeds from every treatment will go to Action Against Hunger. There is also a plethora of summer sun quenching vodka cocktail ideas on the Ultimat site. Some of our favorites we have included below.
Ultimat Smash
Created by – Katie Stipe, NYC Mixologist
The smash is a style of cocktail that can be made with all different spirits. It entails muddled lemons & mint & sugar along with featured spirit. Refreshing, easy drinking and always a crowd pleaser.
Muddle 4 lemon wedges (1/2 a large juicy lemon) and 7-10 mint leaves in one oz. of honey syrup*. Add 2 oz. Ultimat Vodka.
Add ice and shake aggressively. Fine strain over crushed ice in a Rocks or Collins glass. Finish with 2-3 twists of finely cracked pepper and a sprig of mint.
*Honey syrup is 2 parts honey (wildflower or clover suggested) mixed with 1 part hot water. Stir until honey and water have combined. Will keep for two weeks refrigerated.
Chelsea Fizz
Created by – Walter Easterbrook, Bowery Collective
1 1/2 oz. Ultimat Vodka
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Agave Nectar Grated Ginger
3 Strawberries
Combine first three ingredients over ice in a mixing glass. Shake and strain into a tall glass. Top with seltzer. Garnish with a strawberry.
Umami Lemonade
Created by – Julie Williams, NYC Mixologist
2 oz. Ultimat Vodka
2 oz. Lemon cucumber shrubb (made with Kirby cucumbers, lemon peels, champagne vinegar, apple cider vinegar and sugar)
Stir ingredients together. Serve in a Highball glass. Garnish with a pickle or a lemon twist.
