(Photo by Emily Johnson)Vodka is a smooth yet biting clear liquor that can be easily mixed. As one of the most popular cocktail components, it makes for a versatile tool to craft some of the most iconic cocktails, like vodka martinis, screwdrivers and tonics.
Prefer a taste of silver or gold? Read our Tequila Guide here.
Good distilled vodka often takes on the flavor of the other components while still retaining the subtle hint of the signature vodka taste, mellowing out sweet concoctions and beefing up savory beverages, like Bloody Mary's.
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Although most can name the popular premium brands like Grey Goose, Belvedere and Ketel One, there are a number of emerging brands and distilleries that are offering vodkas so smooth they slip past the palate in deliciously amazing ways.
For an easy-drinking vodka decision, try Tito’s Vodka. While typically a bit of a higher price choice than the average well vodka, Tito’s offers a craft vodka that has been “made in small batches in an old fashioned pot still by Tito Beveridge,” according to the crafter’s website.
If you want to spice up the average vodka and soda or tonic, try a flavored vodka variety for a splash of zest. Many popular vodka brands like Absolut and Stolichnaya, offer flavors like blueberry, raspberry, mandarin orange and vanilla, leading to endless flavor combinations that are relatively easy on the pocket.
Whether you prefer your vodka chilled or on the rocks, try a few of these fun cocktails and combinations that are easily perfected crowd-pleasers.
Sour Apple Martini
This florescent green martini is perfect for holiday parties and can be served chilled or “up” over ice, also known as “on the rocks.” Fans of sweet and sour candies will enjoy this drink that not only looks amazing, but also packs a punch.
Simply pour 1 ½ ounces of vodka into a mixing glass with ice. Add ½ ounce of Midori or sour apple liqueur and ½ ounce of sweet and sour. Finish the drink off with ½ ounce of simple syrup or sweetener and shake 15-20 times. Strain the martini into a martini glass, or simply leave over ice for an “on the rocks” martini. Finish the martini off with a cherry or orange slice garnish.
Moscow Mule
This complex, classic cocktail served in distinctive copper mugs is becoming increasingly popular and is very simple to make.
Pour 1 ½ ounces of vodka into a copper “Moscow Mule Mug” with ice. Add a can of ginger beer and squeeze in fresh lime juice from at least ½ of a lime. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.
Nutty Colorado Bulldog
Creamy vodka cocktails are perfect for an after-dinner drink or a fire-side night cap during the colder months. This twist on the popular White Russian adds a subtly nutty flavor, perfect for the holiday season. It’s also a quick and easy recipe, perfect for cocktail crafting beginners.
Pour 1 ounce of vodka into a short glass over ice. Add ½ ounce of Kahlúa and ½ ounce of Frangelico, a hazelnut-flavored liqueur. Frangelico can be substituted with Amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur, for a different flavor combination. Pour 2 ounces of milk or half-and-half into the glass and top with a splash of Coke or Pepsi.
Reach the reporter at Samantha.Shotzbarger@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @SShotzbarger
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