When life gives you lemons, you make limonicello. So when life hands you coconuts, why not imbibe UV Coconut Vodka.

In the Twin Cities, the Fourth of July is as close as we get to a tropical vacation. We love that UV flavored vodkas are made by the Minneapolis-based Phillips Distilling Company and that the latest addition to the line tastes like a smoother, cleaner version of coconut rum.

To go with your barbecue, we recommend mixing up a pitcher of this:

UV Pina Colada
1 part UV Coconut
1 part pineapple juice
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice.

You can also use the one-to-one ratio and mix the vodka with lemonade or limeade.

You'll finally be able to say you put the lime in the coconut and drink them both up.

COCONUT UV Vodka, available at Surdyk's, 303 E Hennepin Av, Mpls, 612-379-3232.

E-mail Cuckoo for Coconut to your friends