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Venetian Bartender Wins Grey Goose Cocktails Contest

Where: 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S. [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109

Rodney Kettler, 39, a bartender at Piero Selvaggio's Valentino at The Venetian, is one of four national winners in the Condé Nast Grey Goose Tastemakers Contest. The winners were chosen based on recipes they submitted in the vodka categories of Grey Goose Vodka, Grey Goose L'Orange, Grey Goose Le Citron and Grey Goose La Vanille.

Kettler won in the la vanille category with his martini-style cocktail, a French Vanilla Swirl.  He submitted drinks in all four categories and hoped his libation, the Valentino Punch made with the l'orange vodka, was going to be the big winner.

"I had developed the Valentino Punch about two or three years ago," Kettler said. "But they called me first to let me know I was (in consideration) for the French Vanilla Swirl. They called me back again two days later to let me know I was a finalist, and then the winner."

Kettler flew to New York City during the summer for a daylong photo shoot for Condé Nast publications, where he, and the three other winners, were photographed with their winning cocktails. The advertisements ran in the August and September issues of Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ.

The winners returned to New York City for a gala in September. Kettler said it was a red carpet event equipped with four bars, featuring the flavors of vodka in the contest. He stood behind the la vanille bar for about an hour, mixing his French Vanilla Swirl, and then was left to mingle with the rest of the guests. He also received two gift certificates, one for $500 at Sax Fifth Avenue, and one for $250 at a New York restaurant. That's it? 250 bucks for a dinner in New York? Come on Grey Goose...this isn't France...splurge a little bit why don't ya.

Recipe for FRENCH VANILLA SWIRL

2 parts Grey Goose La Vanille
1 part Chambord or raspberry liqueur
1 part pineapple juice
1 part sweet and sour mix

Cherry and pineapple wedge, for garnish

Combine ingredients, shake and serve in a chilled martini glass with a cherry pineapple wedge.