We're all for finding that signature cocktail that makes you happy no matter where you drink it, but there's also...
  • 5 Kanon Cocktails to Try in Los Angeles Now

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    The Buddha's Prayer at The Hungry Cat

    We're all for finding that signature cocktail that makes you happy no matter where you drink it, but there's also something to be said for getting a little adventurous every now and then. Which is why we love hitting up the following LA spots, now featuring Kanon on their cocktail menus--because things like kumquats, Buddha's Hand puree and jalapeno-infused vodka aren't typically part of our regular drink orders. Are they part of yours? Yeah, didn't think so. This weekend when you're making plans with friends, suggest one of these 5 spots and impress them by ordering up one of the unique libations below. If you're feeling especially adventurous, might we suggest a bar crawl of sorts? You can tell everyone it was your idea.

    The Kumquatini and Buddha's Prayer at The Hungry Cat, 100 West Channel Road, Santa Monica, CA 90402

    Situated directly off of the PCH, The Hungry Cat is our latest go-to for sunset-watching happy hours. Monday through Friday from 5-7 PM, cocktails are half price--and that includes two of the best vodka cocktails in the greater Los Angeles area (we're not biased, we swear). Order up the Kumquatini for a sweet and fruity libation featuring Kanon, kumquats, grapefruit and lime juice. Or give the Buddha's Prayer a try for a super refreshing citrus flavored option with lemon, lime and Buddha's Hand puree (yes, that's a thing). Or, if you're like us? Stay awhile and drink both.

    CONTINUE READING 5 KANON COCKTAILS TO TRY IN LOS ANGELES NOW.

  • Keeping it Sustainable: Kanon's Guide to Farmers Markets in New York and LA

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    Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Market

    Being organic and sustainable ourselves, we understand what it’s like to work with the best ingredients possible to make the best-tasting product available. It’s a process that’s very dear to our hearts here at Kanon (literally–we only bottle the heart in every batch) – thus we try to carry this philosophy throughout our daily lives too. One way to do that is by putting the very best into our bodies (vodka included of course), by shopping and buying local food and ingredients from farmers' markets. With fall underway, we scoured our two major distribution markets–LA and New York– for the best places on both coasts to get your fill of seasonal, organic, and local food. Good for you and good for the earth- can it get any better?


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    Tribeca Greenmarket:
      
    Hot Bread Kitchen serves up fresh baked breads that’ll put your local baker to shame. The $3.50 Ciabatta’s a steal, and the Sephardic Challah has been known to induce religious epiphanies. Greenwich St between Chambers and Duane. Open Wednesdays 4/6 to 12/21 & Saturdays, year-round; 8 AM – 3 PM.

    Union Square Greenmarket:

    McEnroe Organic's tomatoes are almost too beautiful to eat (keyword being almost). Broadway at East 17th St, New York, NY. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 8 AM – 6 PM.

    CONTINUE READING KEEPING IT SUSTAINABLE: KANON'S GUIDE TO FARMERS MARKETS IN NEW YORK AND LA.

  • The Best Cali Hotspots: FOK Edition

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    Los Angeles and the areas surrounding it are quite widespread, so we often ask for recommendations to ensure we have the most fun possible without driving around aimlessly on the 405. Who better to ask about Los Angeles hotspots and favorites than our very own FOKs who live there? Stylish, witty, and in-the-know? Those would be our FOKs, for sure. From hidden beaches, to vegetarian-friendly restaurants and the best views, our FOKs have got you covered the next time you want to explore the Southern Cal area. Check out the recommendations below – no need to thank us later. Enjoy!

    Krystal Simpson (see above):

    Kanon:
    What's your favorite beach in California?

    Krystal:
    My favorite beaches are up North in Santa Cruz, CA. It's a slower pace there, and a million less people. I try to only stay in LA when I work, the rest of the time I like to hide out elsewhere.

    Kanon:
    For someone visiting LA for the first time, what restaurant must they absolutely try?

    Krystal:
    Veggie Grill! I'm obsessed; we go at least three times a week!

    Kanon:
    Do you have a go-to watering hole?

    Krystal:
    I love Cha Cha's in Silverlake – they have a photo booth, and always have the best food trucks parked outside. Ten pound burrito at last call, yes please.

    CONTINUE READING THE BEST CALI HOTSPOTS: FOK EDITION.

  • Meet the Millers: Chrissie, Diana and Susan Take Over LA

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    We can't stress it enough – the Millers (that would be designer Chrissie, music blogger Diana, and astrologer-mom Susan of AstrologyZone) may just be the coolest family. Ever. So when all three headed to LA for Chrissie's month-long Arts & Leisure pop-up shop, we knew we had to get in on the action. Diana spent the night at the shop scouting the creative East Coast talent for us, which comes in the form of awesome wares from NY-based designers, jewelers and artists. Here's a peek at Diana's Arts & Leisure experience–she even tapped Mom for a few astrological shopping tips.

    Read on for Diana's take:  

    Put my friends in a room for long enough, and at some point without fail the conversation will lead to one topic. It's the age-old debate that no matter how many hours we spend talking about, never seems to result in a definitive winner: New York vs LA.

    Now that I have had the opportunity to experience life on both coasts, I've come to terms with the fact that no matter how much I love LA, there are two things i'll forever miss about New York – the culture and my family.

    CONTINUE READING MEET THE MILLERS: CHRISSIE, DIANA AND SUSAN TAKE OVER LA.

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    FÖK: Diana Miller

    Talk about good genes. Daughter to astrologer Susan Miller and sister of fellow FOK Chrissie, Diana Miller has paved her own way in the music scene over the last decade with her blog “I Listen To Everything” and a long-time... more

  • Enjoying Arts & Leisure with Chrissie Miller & The Beastie Boys' Mike D

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    Chrissie Miller (left)

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    Being a bit new to the LA scene, we were especially psyched when FOK Chrissie Miller decided to bring all our New York friends out west. She's officially taken over Los Angeles with her pop-up shop concept Arts & Leisure, which brings together all sorts of wares from New York-based artists and designers under one roof–and she's taken us along for the ride. Home is where the heart is, eh?

    Things kicked off last Saturday with Mike D from the Beastie Boys who hosted a screening of his music videos. Seeing one of our favorite musicians in person with great tunes blasting from the speakers was surreal, to say the least.

    CONTINUE READING ENJOYING ARTS & LEISURE WITH CHRISSIE MILLER & THE BEASTIE BOYS' MIKE D.

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    FÖK: Chrissie Miller

    Chrissie Miller isn’t just a DJ, she’s a designer to boot. You can catch her line of downtown cool pieces, SOPHOMORE, at boutiques across the country, and check out her DJ sets at some of the best parties... more

  • Check out Chrissie Miller's LA Pop-Up Shop!

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    Chrissie Miller

    Oh California, we might not have been here for very long, but we really feel like you get us. In a weird way, it’s like you want us to get acclimated as easily as possible to your sunny disposition. Like having us over for drinks at the Mondrian with NYLON or the crazy Kanon concoctions we had at Comic-Con- we’ve started to get the feel for this place and let’s just say- it’s awesome. Better yet, because it’s so awesome here, people are always coming to visit.  

    Case in point- we get to spend the month with FOK Chrissie Miller at a pop-up shop called Arts & Leisure she’s helping put on featuring all sorts of New York talent. Bringing New York to California? An amazing idea if you ask us. Chrissie will be joined by a range of NY artists and designers (think Charlotte Ronson, FOK Pamela Love, Vena Cava), as well as musicians and DJs to bring a little east coast flavor to the west. Chrissie is even bringing her mom, Susan Miller, to read astrology charts (seriously, is there a cooler family than the Millers?). 

    Check out the schedule here and make sure you stop by!   

    Arts & LeisureSpace 15 Twenty
1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles

    Schedule

    AUG 6th- OPENING: Mike D (Beastie Boys) hosts a screening of his music videos outdoors with DJ Frankie Inglese

    AUG 12th- Liz From OBESITY & SPEED hosts with DJs Greg Krelenstein and Paul Sevigny, plus astrologer Susan Miller gives chart readings  

    AUG 18th- Albert Hammond DJ (The Strokes) with a performance by Adam Green & Binki Shapiro

    AUG 28th- CLOSING: Aron Bonderoff hosts with DJ Leo Fitzpatrick and Oh Wow

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    FÖK: Chrissie Miller

    Chrissie Miller isn’t just a DJ, she’s a designer to boot. You can catch her line of downtown cool pieces, SOPHOMORE, at boutiques across the country, and check out her DJ sets at some of the best parties... more

  • Rachel Nguyen Checks Out Eveleigh's Culinary (and Cocktail) Offerings

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    One of our favorite aspects of That's Chic, the blog written by our latest FOK, Rachel Nguyen, are her Tasty Tuesday features, which make our mouth water every time we click on over. And since she's tried out some of LA's best epicurean offerings, we were all the more excited to introduce her to the delicious offerings of one of our newest Cali-based accounts, the Eveleigh. Located on Sunset Boulevard, they not only serve a rich menu of farm-to-table food, they are masters at crafting cocktails–and there's no better time to go for a bite than on a Sunday night after the restaurant's staff have scoured the local farmer's market for the best fresh produce. Rachel decided to do just that and we're not all that surprised to find that her experience was nothing short of memorable.

    See what Rachel had to say about her Eveleigh experience:

    Daron [her boyfriend] and I were lucky enough to go Eveleigh on a Sunday, aka, right after they pick all their ingredients from the local food market. Even better was that we went early, so the entire photogenic backyard was ours for the picking–and we got the best seat in the house to view the sunset. From the outside, you can barely see the restaurant as it's covered in beautiful vines and greenery that wrap the wooden foundation. Once inside, you're graced by an even more luscious garden and a fountain.

    CONTINUE READING RACHEL NGUYEN CHECKS OUT EVELEIGH'S CULINARY (AND COCKTAIL) OFFERINGS.

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    FÖK: Rachel Nguyen

    Rachel Nguyen is the ever-stylish girl behind “That’s Chic” – a Los Angeles based blog that mixes in delicious eats and home décor inspiration with her always on target stylish musings.  

  • Day-Drinking at Impulse Group's Soaked Pool Party

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    We have learned through hands-on experience that a party with props is a party that we always want to be at. And when it comes to accessorizing your summer drinking, we can't think of better props than a beach ball and sunnies emblazoned with our very own Kanon logo. That fantasy finally came true at yesterday's pool party (aptly named "SOAKED"), headed up by the recently founded gay health awareness organization Impulse, who also happen to be the group behind the well-known AIDS Health Foundation. We love to toast groups of people who are doing good in the world, thus, we were happy to celebrate yesterday's goal of educating the gay community on health issues in a modern way (read: no scare tactics)–especially when said education involves lounging poolside in very close proximity to Perez Hilton and several housewives of Orange County, spiking beach balls at fellow partiers and washing down tacos with a few Kanon Rosemary Lemonades. Check out all the pictures from the day-drinking festivities above!

  • 5 Kanon-Approved Spots To Eat Sustainable and Organic in LA

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    The back of Eveleigh

    Having recently landed in Los Angeles, this vodka has been acclimating to a whole new culture. New York, this is not. But luckily the LA charm is one we’ve definitely gravitated towards–it doesn't hurt that we admire any group of people who love their beach time as much as we do.

    But beyond the beach, a vodka has got to eat (pro tip: eating a delicious meal before a night of drinking is a savior the next morning, trust us) so we’ve been on a mission to find food aligned with our own beliefs of sustainability and organic production. Since we’re made from organic wheat and our production takes place within a three-mile radius in Sweden, we know how effective being good for the Earth can be. We felt like true Angelenos driving around and doing our research to find the best sustainable and organic places in the area. Here are our picks for the latest and greatest over on the West Coast. Happy eating and drinking!

    Eveleigh, 8752 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, (424)-239-1630

    With a menu consisting of seasonal, local produce, and a farm to table belief system, it shouldn’t come as a surprise how much we love to eat at Eveleigh. It’s like a rustic retreat in an urban setting with its barn-like feel and lush greenery that envelops the open air patio. But still, it’s not until you see the twinkling lights in the distance of the city skyline that you realize how special Eveleigh is. Start with the butter lettuce salad served with warm egg and garden herb and try the crisp pork belly for your entrée. To accompany your meal, choose from the amazing cocktail list that uses homemade syrups and fresh juice concoctions–we're smitten. And p.s.–don’t forget to ask for Kanon in your drink too.

    Union Kitchen & Tap, 1108 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, (760)-230-2337

    Even though it’s only a few months old, we could probably eat off the Union Kitchen & Tap menu every day. Think lots of fresh salads, delicious flatbreads and ingredients we love–like their house-made (!) bacon (which is out of this world). The restaurant also uses a slew of local products and even has vegan options. Guaranteeing that everything is made with the best ingredients available, Union is known for their handcrafted specialty cocktails. As if we needed yet another reason to stop by before a jaunt over to the beach, right? Added bonus: 100% of the cardboard and glass here is recycled. Good eats, good for the Earth.

    CONTINUE READING 5 KANON-APPROVED SPOTS TO EAT SUSTAINABLE AND ORGANIC IN LA.

  • Drinking, Shopping, and Planking at Revolve Clothing's LA Trunk Show

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    Kristin Reiter and Rachel Nguyen

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    We usually don’t care much for shopping, unless said shopping involves a stop at a liquor store. But when you add a cocktail into the equation, we’re always more likely to get on board for just about anything. Since we’ve hit the scene in Los Angeles, we’ve been trying to get the lay of the land and introduce ourselves to as many Californians as we can. And when we heard about a trunk show at Revolve Clothing in collaboration with Refinery29, featuring a few cool brands like Luv AJ, Penelope and Coco, and Katie May, it sounded like a good opportunity to give that shopping thing another try. We asked one of our favorite bloggers, Rachel Nguyen of That’s Chic to come along with us, hoping some of her fashion expertise would rub off. We had a great time, and after a drink (or two), our shopping woes were washed away.

    Here’s what Rachel had to say about the night:

    Trunk shows are pretty awesome as is, but when you throw in enticing words like, "summer sale," you have a show. Last Thursday, Revolve hosted one of these said events headlining three different designers. Luv AJ being the jewelry maker of the three, showcased their industrial rings and bracelets– the closest to wearable-weapon crafting as you'll get. A table over, laid some dangerously beautiful Dalmatian printed boots, and there was a sudden spike in my heart rate when I imagined myself towering an extra six inches in those covetable boots. And circumferencing the store were Katie May's glamorous, tailored pieces hanging delicately on suspended rods. It also hurts more that a lot of the stuff was half off. All in all, technically cooler and better than a normal trunk show. Thankfully, I had one too many Kanon drinks, so my starry-eyes didn't think to open my wallet and spend 30 minutes convincing my boyfriend of why I need to expand my summer wardrobe… when I clearly don't.

    CONTINUE READING DRINKING, SHOPPING, AND PLANKING AT REVOLVE CLOTHING'S LA TRUNK SHOW.

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    FÖK: Rachel Nguyen

    Rachel Nguyen is the ever-stylish girl behind “That’s Chic” – a Los Angeles based blog that mixes in delicious eats and home décor inspiration with her always on target stylish musings.  

  • Keeping Up With Kanon: Where To Find, Cali Edition!

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    The Ace

    Sometimes a change of scenery is necessary. It’s hard not to drift off, after a cocktail …or three, and imagine our feet in the sand, surrounded by palm trees and Pacific  ocean water. After visits to the West Coast to hang out with FOKs like Lykke Li and Krystal Simpson, well, we’ve officially been inspired.

    We’ve long been California dreamin' and finally it’s all coming true for your favorite organic vodka (that would be us). You can now find us in various locations, (including Whole Foods markets in SoCal!!), having a blast soaking up the sun, enjoying the laid-back vibe, and hanging out with California girls–they don’t make songs about them for no reason, we’ll say that.

    CONTINUE READING KEEPING UP WITH KANON: WHERE TO FIND, CALI EDITION! .

  • Midsummer Lovin' in LA

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    Jeremy Scott, Rosson Crow, and Eli Roth

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    The best thing about being a vodka is that we can be EVERYWHERE at once. And why wouldn’t we want to be wherever anyone is craving a refreshing organic cocktail? The best part about Midsummer (let us count the ways), is that we were able to have a great time not only in New York this year, but across the country in LA too. Yes, we're taking our favorite Swedish holiday bi-coastal. It’s really only a matter of time before we take over the world.

    Because we’re such responsible drinkers (always eat before you drink!), we held a lunch at the Sunset Marquis with friends and FOKs of the California variety. We were joined by an eclectic, standout crowd– people like designer and FOK Jeremy Scott, Krystal Simpson, actor and director Eli Roth, blogger Geri Hirsch and one of our favorite music bloggers Diana Miller, who tweeted, “I love summertime, day-parties, music and vodka”–all we can say is, you’re not alone, Diana.

    The girls from Honestly WTF, Erica and Lauren, even got us into the DIY spirit with some amazing flower crowns– one of our favorite Midsummer traditions (you can make one for yourself, here). California girls with wild flowers in their hair? Pretty much a dream come true.

    All in all, our Midsummer LA party was a new milestone for us. But don't take our word for it. Take a look at our photos from the luncheon above– don’t you wish Midsummer happened every weekend? Sigh.

    All photos by Nathaniel Wood. To view the rest of the photos from the night, check out our Facebook album.

  • SHFT.com Celebrates Two Webbys!

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    Krystal Simpson and Adrian Grenier

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    You’d think we were racking up major airline points this week with all the events we have going on both coasts. Yes, we are EVERYWHERE. Magical, right? We had such a great time with Krystal Simpson at Lykke Li's concert earlier in the week that she came along with us to celebrate our favorite new website, SHFT.com's, Webby Award wins last night. A house in the Hollywood hills, a pool overlooking the view (KANONballs anyone?), a strong cocktail in hand, and wing-woman Krystal by our side– what more could a vodka ask for? Krystal shares her night hitting the Hollywood scene with us. California love, indeed. Here's what she had to say:


    CONTINUE READING SHFT.COM CELEBRATES TWO WEBBYS!.

    Krystal

    FÖK: Krystal Simpson

    Krystal Simpson is a writer, DJ, and bi-coastal fashion plate whose website, What Is Reality Anyway?, is a must-read. You may recognize her from MTV’s series I'm From Rolling Stone, or her appearances in Elle, Nylon, Purple Diary,... more

  • Krystal Simpson and Lykke Li Rock On

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    Krystal Simpson and Lykke Li

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    While we love frequenting the West Coast, it’s not often we get to head out there, so when we do, we make sure it’s for a really good reason (see: Coachella). What brought us out here this week is none other than our favorite Swedish singer and FOK Lykke Li (told you it was a good reason). When we heard she was performing at the Wiltern Theater, we jumped at the chance to celebrate another fantastic show with her, and maybe even see if we could turn her last music video into a reality (see: shots of Kanon). We turned to one of our favorite bloggers, Krystal Simpson of What is Reality Anyway to give us a different perspective on the show from what we saw in New York. Known for her killer Penny Lane style, we knew she’d give us an appropriately rock ‘n' roll take on the night.

    Here’s what Krystal had to say about her night with Lykke and Kanon as the Swedes took over LA:

    Last night's sold out Lykke Li concert at The Witern in LA was packed with fans dancing on their tiptoes to see their favorite Swedish singer. They waited patiently through the opener Grimes, a one-woman act who only needed a synthesizer and her microphone to wow the crowd. When Grimes left the stage, the energy went into high gear, and a patient silence fell over the crowd. After a nearly five-minute long intro of smoke and strobes highlighting the long black sheets of fabric pillars that hung around the stage, the band started to appear from behind the cloud to unbridled screams. Lykke Li glided onto the stage in an all-black ensemble, very much the eye of the tornado, and opened with "Jerome" from her new album Wounded Rhymes. She followed with "I'm Good, I'm Gone" off her first album that had everyone in the theater dancing in unison.

    CONTINUE READING KRYSTAL SIMPSON AND LYKKE LI ROCK ON.

    Krystal

    FÖK: Krystal Simpson

    Krystal Simpson is a writer, DJ, and bi-coastal fashion plate whose website, What Is Reality Anyway?, is a must-read. You may recognize her from MTV’s series I'm From Rolling Stone, or her appearances in Elle, Nylon, Purple Diary,... more

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