05 Jul A Cup of Love: Vodka, Coffee & Philanthropy with Robert De Niro & Grace Hightower

It’s been almost a year since legendary actor and entrepreneur Robert De Niro launched his vodka brand, VDKA 6100. The trendy spirit, made from the freshest seasonal whey and natural spring water, has made its way into some of the star’s restaurants and hotels, as well as some of the chicest clubs around the globe.

Meanwhile, last summer we witnessed the release of his lovely wife Grace Hightower’s coffee line: Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda. In an effort to educate about her philanthropic mission to empower African communities, Hightower De Niro has helped craft an exquisite line of products. Featuring medium, dark and espresso roasts with subtle hints of flavors like chocolate, caramel, raisin, cherry and citrus, Grace Hightower De Niro’s namesake coffee line provides a generous selection for java enthusiasts in search of a new flavor experience.

Also, the company does more than satisfying coffee lovers; it honors and benefits the farmers behind it. The product line celebrates the rich, diverse flavors found throughout the region while also promoting direct sourcing, fair trade and ethical, environment-friendly practices. Each year, Grace makes frequent trips to Rwanda where she visits the coffee farmers who work so diligently to help produce her namesake line.

A TREAT FOR COFFEE LOVERS

De Niro and his spouse have fused the two fabulous brands harmoniously to create a craft cocktail called Quik Pik Me Up. This refreshing vodka-infused coffee cocktail served over ice with hints of lemon juice and maple syrup is the perfect drink to cozy up to this February.

QUIK PIK ME UP:

2 oz. Coffees of Rwanda Light Medium Roast Infused VDKA 6100
0.5 oz. Lemon Juice
0.5 oz. Maple Syrup

GLASSWARE: Rocks.

GARNISH: Serve like a traditional Italian Shot of Espresso (Lemon Slice).

INFUSION PREPARATION: Infuse VKDA 6100 with fresh coffee beans for 12 hours (1 bottle = .25lb) or flash infuse by grinding .25lb of coffee beans and then throwing ground beans into a bottle of vodka and shaking it vigorously.

PREPARATION: In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add lemon juice, maple syrup and two ounces of the coffee infused VKDA 6100. Add fresh ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice or wedge of lemon.