How much for a martini?

Did you know that Russia is considering more than doubling the price of vodka?  We have dealt with the ramifications of Communism and the KGB but this may be too much to handle.

ABC news ran this report and it does seem like at least an effort to help combat the alcoholism facing our friends in Moscow.  Not too mention helping the government financially with this tax.  

My concern is a little more personal.  How will higher vodka prices in Russia affect us? Will that mean my drink of choice will cost more?  I just paid $12 for a martini at one of our favorite restaurants.  I'll have to get a job to afford my drinking habit.  Think of how much more it will cost me to host a party.  In the summer I make these fabulously refreshing vodka drinks.  It would ruin the integrity of the cocktail to use substandard US vodka.

Someone needs to keep an eye on this situation.  I propose asking Sarah Palin to manage this potential nightmare of high cost vodka.  Maybe she could look out of her window and see how much the Russians are drinking ad then skiddo over to the authorities.

In the meantime, we should all contemplate a way to combat high vodka prices, with a pitcher of these:

VODKA Cooler (serves 4)
2 cucumbers
1 cup mint leaves
2 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup vodka
ice cubes


Peel and seed cucumbers.  Chop and then puree them until smooth.  Fill cocktail shaker with ice and add mint, sugar and lemon.  Shake and pour. Garnish with mint, lemon slice and cucumber slice.  Enjoy!