Hey, We Make Vodka Now

When the Drink Wisconsinbly Week in Review assignment desk requested a feature story about the new Drink Wisconsinbly Vodka, we got right down to business brainstorming ideas. A smooth vodka made by locals for locals? The piece would practically write itself—except that it didn’t.

After an extended time sitting in silence, paralyzed by writer’s block, we put on some music in hopes it would shake loose a unique angle to cover. And it wasn’t long before the Universe obliged via John Prine.

In his song When I Get To Heaven, Prine sings about his signature cocktail. A vodka drink that’s uniquely his own, known as the Handsome Johnny.

With tomorrow marking four years since the prolific singer-songwriter’s death, it seems fitting to share the recipe, with one notable substitution.

You see, his original recipe called for a specific brand of vodka. But after some backchanneling by our colleagues at the Drink Wisconsinbly Psychic Hotline, we were able to get clearance to substitute new Drink Wisconsinbly Vodka from the man himself on the Other Side.

Here’s how you make a DW Handsome Johnny:

Ingredients
1 to 2 oz – Drink Wisconsinbly Vodka
Ginger Ale – Enough to top off the glass
Lemon – In the Summertime
Lime – In the Wintertime

Instructions
Fill a cocktail glass with ice
Add Vodka
Add Ginger Ale
Stir and drop the lemon or lime in from approximately 6″ above. Do not squeeze it.

You can find it here and then give it a try. And, while you’re at it, put John Prine on the box. His music has been known to cure what ails you. Cheers!