Italian Inspired Vodka Cocktails Hit NYC Kicking Off Italian Heritage Month

NEW YORK, NY, October 03, 2012 (Press-News.org) Punzone, the first line of Italian ultra-premium imported organic vodka spirits in the U.S., was celebrated last night at the infamous Long Island City cocktail saloon, Dutch Kills, where owner and drink extraordinaire Richard Boccato showcased an exquisite arrangement of seasonal, Italian inspired vodka cocktails designed to highlight the smooth taste of Punzone Vodka. The event was timed to coincide with the start of Italian Heritage Month, which is nationally recognized in October.

Punzone, which means 'punch' in Italian, made its debut in New York City and New Jersey in July 2012. It was single handedly brought to market by Frank Guerrera, a New York based Italian-American entrepreneur who had a vision to create an all organic and pure line of Italian vodka. Punzone, which is distributed by MHW Ltd, is comprised of three organic beverages: Punzone Vodka and two Ready-to- Drink vodka cocktails: Punzone Originale and Punzone Lemoncino. All of the products have USDA Organic and EU Organic certifications and are available in multiple on and off premise locations across NYC and NJ including Whole Foods in Red Bank, NJ and Corrado's in Clifton, NJ. In New York City, Brooklyn Wine Exchange, World of Liquor and City Wine Cellar are among several retailers that stock Punzone and can ship nationwide. Punzone can also be found at renowned Italian eateries such as Valbella in the Meatpacking district; Da Mikele, one of the Luzzo's group of restaurants, in Tribeca; and Da Noi restaurants across the area.

"To demonstrate the unique profile and refined smoothness of our vodka, we knew it was integral to our brand to develop high quality cocktails. Richard Boccato was the perfect partner to help us. He is a class act who is passionate about his business, has a sophisticated palate and truly understands Punzone's heritage," said Frank Guerrera, President and Founder, Punzone, Inc. "We are excited to work with him and to have some amazing signature Punzone cocktails."

Richard Boccato, who was born in Florence Italy, has carved a distinct niche for himself in the New York bartending community. As the owner of Dutch Kills; PKNY aka "Painkiller"; and a partner in Weather Up (Tribeca and Austin, TX locations), he has helped to elevate the cocktail experience with the use of artisanal ingredients and unsurpassed hospitality. Additionally, in 2011 Richard started Hundredweight Ice, a block ice production and delivery service for cocktail bars and beyond.

"Punzone and I both share a common passion - making beverages with fresh ingredients that preserve the integrity of the spirit. I was interested in a partnership because the vodka is extremely versatile and has a respectful boldness that you don't usually find. This made it easy to work with and allowed me to make it the star of each cocktail," said Richard Boccato. "I focused on a string of flavors that paired well with the vodka's softness and I also wanted to highlight the Italian heritage while offering a variety of drinks for every occasion."

The following Punzone Vodka cocktails will now be available at Dutch Kills for imbibers to try. All cocktails are priced at $11 each:

Punzone Stagioni
A refreshing and fruity drink for all seasons. Punzone's signature cocktail features fresh squeezed pineapple juice, Curacao and chocolate bitters served with a lemon twist.

Il Separatista
"The Separtist" is a refreshing play on a punch with muddled blood oranges, lemon juice, simple syrup and Amaro (CioCiaro) served over a bed of crushed ice.

La Saraghina
A playful cocktail that takes a cue from a Vesper martini, it is made with Lillet Blanc, Sambuca and Maraschino and is named after a unique and sultry character from Fellini's film "8 1/2".

Punzone Fizz
This is a unique creation bound to give you a sweet jump start. It features coffee liqueur, ginger syrup, egg white, lemon juice and espresso grinds.

Zabaglione Sbagliato
A holiday in a glass named after an Italian sweet dessert, made with fresh orange juice, cane syrup, heavy cream, egg yolk, nutmeg and a Luxardo Marasche Cherry.

Photos of the cocktails and recipes are available upon request. For more information about Dutch Kills, please visit: www.dutchkillsbar.com

Punzone Product Details:
Imported directly from Piemonte, Italy's preeminent food and wine geography, the unprecedented and remarkably smooth vodka products are comprised of three organic beverages:

Punzone Vodka - Ultra-Premium Punzone Vodka is uniquely crafted in a five-column distillation system from organic Italian wheat grown in North West Italy. After distillation, the vodka is precisely blended with pristine waters from the Italian alps to ensure superior organic excellence. Unmistakably smooth, Punzone Vodka's nose is subtle, the taste distinctively soft and the finish cool and refreshing. SRP: $42.99

Punzone Originale - An exquisite fusion of our ultra-premium Punzone Vodka enlivened with a delicate blend of red Sangiovese sangria and natural blood orange essence. It is best consumed shaken and chilled as a martini, on the rocks, or as a shot. SRP: $37.99

Punzone Lemoncino - A delicate blend of its ultra-premium Punzone Vodka refreshed with a unique fusion of white Chardonnay sangria and natural Sicilian lemon essence. It is best consumed shaken and chilled as a martini, on the rocks, or as a shot. SRP: $37.99

Punzone's products are produced by renowned family run winery, Cantine Sgarzi Luigi, one of the world's leading wine specialists since 1933. This is the first line of spirits to be formulated and produced at the winery.

About Punzone Inc.
Punzone Inc. was founded in 2007 and is based in New York City. The company owns, produces and markets a line of products under the name Punzone. More information can be found at http://punzone.com. Punzone can also be followed on Twitter @punzone and Facebook at facebook.com/punzonevodka.