Vodka 101

This week Wine Supervisor David Rudd, mixologist extraordinaire, gives us the low down on one of the most popular distilled beverages, Vodka!

"I <3 Vodka"

Dear Readers:  Thanks for checking out the blog!  I appreciate your questions and comments and it is always good to know you're enjoying some of the ideas we share here.  Today I have a shout out for a new reader in Maryland.  She writes that she's curious about vodka cocktails after flirting with rum for a while; however she is apprehensive about the spirit.  After hearing some horror stories about headaches and hangovers she is concerned that this hard liquor might be too hard.  Is it okay to switch?  Heck yeah, Sondra!  It's time to expand your horizons!  I'm sure you know, as with any spirit you need to know your limits.  A good rule of thumb to follow:  enjoy a glass of pure water along with every adult beverage you try.  Remember, any spirit may contain some trace impurities, so go slowly and pay attention to the way you feel.  If I could put a warning label on this one, it would say "If a rash develops, discontinue use and seek medical attention"!  I’m only kidding; a rash probably won't develop... but if it does – DEFINITELY GO SEE A DOCTOR. 

In all seriousness, vodka is one versatile spirit that is worth investigating.  Vodka is a rectified spirit, which means that it is distilled multiple times and filtered to remove impurities.  It is usually made from grain, but could be made from potatoes, fruit, or even sugar - just like rum.  Vodka can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails. 

Bloody Mary, Gimlet, and Cosmopolitan all have vodka as the primary spirit - and they are delicious.  Try them.  Here are a few more recipes to try:

Cucumber Cooler
1 2" piece of cucumber thinly sliced
1/8 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 ½ oz vodka
½ oz simple syrup
¼ c. crushed ice

In your dry cocktail shaker, muddle together the cucumber and thyme and then add the ice with the other ingredients.  Shake for an 8 count and pour contents into a glass.

Harvest Cooler
2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz. agave nectar
5 cubes of watermelon
Soda water

In your dry cocktail shaker smash the watermelon cubes and then add the other ingredients with some ice cubes.  Shake for an 8 count and pour into a Collins glass.  Top up with soda water.

Voodoo (serves 4)
1 c. vodka
1 c. mango nectar
8 lime wedges
12 mint leaves
Soda water

In a pitcher mash the lime wedges and mint leaves together.  Add the vodka and mango nectar and give a stir.  Top up with soda water stir again.  Pour into iced glasses.

Spiced Pear
1 oz. vodka
1 oz. spiced rum
1 oz. pear nectar
1/8 tsp. cinnamon sugar

In an iced cocktail shaker combine ingredients and shake for a 12 count.  Pour contents into a glass.

Easter Sunrise
1 ½ oz citrus flavored vodka
½ oz. Campari™
½ oz. Cinzano™ Bianco Vermouth
1 ½ oz freshly squeezed orange juice

In a chilled cocktail shaker, combine ingredients and shake for an 8 count.  Strain into a chilled martini glass.