Nazdarovia! Signature Cocktail for Ukrainian Festival Created by Algonquin Students

Wild Steppe Zirkova vodka, Lvivskebeer from Ukraine featured at Capital Ukrainian Festival, July 24-26 Revelers at the inaugural Capital Ukrainian Festival taking place in Ottawa this July 24-26 will have a new cocktail to get them in a celebratory mood. Wild Steppe, a blue-and-yellow layered cocktail with a light, citrusy taste, was selected as the Festival’s official cocktail at a pre-festival launch event on Friday, June 19. Ben Paterson and Becca Mackenzie, recent graduates of the Algonquin College bartending program, designed the new cocktail to reflect the history and culture of Ukraine while capturing the spirit of a summer celebration.  Inspired by the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag, reflective of the endless sky and lush fields of the Ukrainian Steppe, the two mixologists used some chemical ingenuity to achieve the bi-level colours and refreshing taste of the drink. Wild Steppe’s sweet, blue top layer is created by foaming Hpnotiq Original blue liqueur over a base layer of tart lemon and lime juices, and rounded out by Zirkova Vodka. Zirkova Vodka is owned by Ukrainian Canadians, imported from Ukraine, and quadruple-distilled in the historic birthplace of vodka. It is uniquely designed to make better cocktails, as it enhances the flavour of all ingredients and smoothes the taste experience.   A non-alcoholic version of the drink, A Small Steppe, is also available. It is created by foaming cream soda with blue Gatorade over a base of lemon and lime juice. For those who prefer beer, the Festival will feature Lvivske 1715 Premium Beer. This light, dry pilsner is brewed in the legendary Lvivska Brewery in Lviv, Ukraine which is celebrating its 300 year anniversary. It’s a must try for those who prefer classic quality and traditions passed down through generations. Festival goers can enjoy these and other beverages starting Friday, July 24 at the kick-off pub night, 1000 Byron Avenue, Ottawa, featuring the Lemon Bucket Orkestra. Drinks, food and entertainment will continue to flow on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at the main festival site, 952 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa.   Whichever the drink, lift them to the Ukrainian toast of Nazdorovia (To your health)! Event details: www.capitalukrainianfestival.com