World-renowned Dancing with the Stars professional and Traitors star Maks Chmerkovskiy is increasing his Napa Valley, California-based premium vodka model, Tetya KAPA, to the east coast.
Pictures by Benjo Arwas
The handmede, boutique-style spirit is crisp, clear with refined hints of grain and a faint sweetness. Right here’s what he needed to inform Chilled.
Inform us in regards to the tasks you might be engaged on.
Proper now, I’m extremely pleased with what we’re constructing with Tetya KAPA Vodka. It’s a deeply private undertaking—named after my aunt, a logo of power and custom in my household. We launched KAPA, which is the one vodka distilled and bottled within the Napa Valley area, not simply to make one other vodka, however to honor the place I come from and the way we join over an excellent drink. I’m additionally nonetheless closely concerned in dance—via our Dance with Me studios and you’ll nonetheless discover me in your TV screens, however KAPA has develop into a inventive ardour that connects my Ukrainian roots with the place I’m in the present day.
With your busy schedule, what do you love to do with your downtime?
Household time is every thing. I really like simply being at dwelling with Peta and the children—taking part in outdoors, cooking dinner, even these chaotic bedtime routines. After I can, I’ll unwind with a very good drink, some music, and conversations that don’t contain schedules or rehearsals. That stability is crucial for me.
If you exit to eat, the place do you prefer to dine?
I gravitate towards locations that really feel actual—good power, a considerate menu, and ideally, one thing with slightly European aptitude. I really like a comfy neighborhood spot the place they know your title, however I additionally recognize a tremendous eating expertise when the event requires it.
What forms of dishes do you sometimes order?
I’m a sucker for consolation meals with soul. Something that’s well-seasoned, hearty, and rooted in custom. I really like Jap European flavors—braised meats, recent herbs, daring spices—however I’ll additionally by no means say no to a well-done pasta or grilled seafood.
Any favourite bars?
There are a couple of speakeasies in L.A. and New York that I really like for his or her vibe and creativity. However actually, a few of my favourite “bars” have been at dwelling—good mates, nice music, and KAPA cocktails flowing. That’s my sort of bar expertise.
What drinks do you order when out? Favourite drink?
I prefer to maintain it easy and clear. A KAPA martini with a twist, or simply vodka on the rocks with a slice of cucumber. It’s easy sufficient to take pleasure in straight, because it’s produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which was precisely the purpose. I need a drink that enhances a second, not masks it.
Do you put together drinks at dwelling?
Completely. I benefit from the ritual of it. Whether or not it’s making a drink for myself after a protracted day or mixing one thing enjoyable for friends, I really like the creativity behind it. I’ve even been experimenting with infusions utilizing KAPA—recent herbs, citrus, spices—it’s develop into slightly little bit of a passion.
Inform us about your property bar. What’s it stocked with?
It begins with Tetya KAPA Vodka however I additionally inventory the usuals with some tequila and wine. However I additionally inventory nice mixers, recent garnishes, and some alternative liqueurs so I could make something from a basic martini to a seasonal cocktail. I maintain it elevated however accessible. No pretense—simply good drinks, nicely made.
Have you ever ever been a bartender?
Not professionally—however I’ve bartended loads of events! It’s really certainly one of my favourite issues to do after we host. I really like taking part in that position—serving mates, telling tales, mixing drinks. It’s social, it’s expressive, and it brings folks collectively. What’s to not love?
Should you may share a drink with anybody, who would it not be?
I’d share a glass of KAPA with my grandfather. He handed earlier than he may see all this. He was a pillar in our household, and I feel he’d recognize not simply the vodka, however the which means behind it. I’d wish to toast to legacy, to household, and to the journey we’ve all been on.
