Right from the heartland of Minnesota comes Prairie Organic Vodka. Perfect for breaking out the next time those granola chicks come over to discuss global warming.

Distilled from locally grown yellow corn - the same corn used for corn flakes - what makes it organic is that it's made without any chemical pesticides, herbicides, genetically modified seeds, or artificial fertilizers. This doesn't necessarily make it taste better, or make it better for you, but it definitely doesn't hurt. And it makes for a great story for the granola chicks.

In terms of taste, I sample a lot of vodkas - a lot of them luxury brands - and this one rivals them in smoothness, clarity and flavor. Except at $24.99 a bottle, Prairie runs about half the price. All of which makes it perfectly suited for both a martini, or for mixing up a big batch of tailgate punch. Below is a couple of their recipes, including one for Prairie Bootleg, a good "big batch" to make for your next party. For more recipes and info, head over to www.prairievodka.com

Prairie Bootleg
1 ounce Prairie Organic Vodka
1 ounce Bootleg mix (see below)
Sparkling water

Fill a tall glass with ice, Prairie Organic Vodka, and Bootleg mix. Top off with sparkling water and stir.

Bootleg Mix
Makes 20 ounces, or approximately 20 servings.
In a blender combine the following:
12 ounces frozen lemonade
6 ounces frozen limeade 1/2 cup finely minced, fresh organic mint leaves
1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and cane sugar brought to a boil in a sauce pan and cooled).

Blend together, place in bottle or pitcher and let sit in fridge for an hour or two. Stir or shake before serving.

Makes 20 ounces, or approximately 20 servings.

Red Hawk
2 parts Prairie Organic Vodka
2 parts pomegranate juice
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.


Tallgrass Tea
3 parts Prairie Organic Vodka
4 parts green tea
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.