May 2012: Vodka Cocktail Contest

As I revive the cocktail contest after its winter rest, I want to give everyone a blank canvas to work with. It does not get much more transparent then when we work with vodka as the base and that is the theme of this month's contest.

Dark 'n Fluffy

This should be an easy one for most because vodka is the most versatile spirit in the cocktail world. However, the? challenge here is greater because in order to impress us your drink needs to be creatively designed, not simply a spiked juice drink, for instance.? We will be looking for ingenuity, craft, and a nice complement for the vodka of choice. As always, I'm open to manipulating the vodka itself (i.e. infusions) or using a store-bought flavored vodka (including those new dessert vodkas like the Smirnoff's Marshmallow used in the Dark 'n Fluffy pictured). The deadline on this one is the 31st.

Have fun with this one, show us that signature vodka cocktail that you have been dying to share. I look forward to seeing what you have.

Submit a recipe to the Vodka Cocktail Contest...

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Tea Vodka & Tea Infused Spirits

Tea-infused spirits are making their way into the cocktail scene. Use this listing of products and recipes for spirits infused with tea (or with tisanes) to create your own tea cocktails.

Black Tea Spirits

• Black Tea Vodka (Recipe)
• Firefly Sweet Tea (Outside Link): Available in Original, Raspberry, Lemon, Mint and Peach
• Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea (Outside Link): Vodka and Bourbon flavored with tea, also available in Peach and "Half & Half" (half lemonade, half sweet tea spirits)
• Masala Chai Vodka (Recipe)
• Qi Black Tea Liqueur (Outside Link)
• Seagram's Sweet Tea Vodka (outside link)
• Tiffin Tea Liqueur (Outside Link)
• Voyant Chai Cream Liqueur (Review)

Green Tea Spirits

• Charbay Green Tea Vodka (Outside Link)
• Green Tea Vodka (Recipe)
• Suntory Zen Green Tea Liqueur (Outside Link)

Tisane-Infused Spirits

• J. Witty Chamomile Spirits (Outside Link)
• Chamomile Vodka (Recipe)
• Rooibos/Honeybush Vodka (Recipe)

Other Tea-Infused Spirits

• Qi White Tea Liqueur (Outside Link)
• Oolong-Infused Vodka (Recipe)

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Finlandia Vodka Cup U.S. Finalists

One of my favorite annual cocktail contests to keep an eye on is the Finlandia Vodka Cup. The reason is that it always brings out a talented bunch of bartenders who show off their latest creations using a seemingly 'tasteless' base. The other aspect of this one that I enjoy is that almost all of the recipes are attainable by the average person: with the exception of one in this year's line up, all of the U.S. finalists' recipes are something that any cocktail lover can create at home or in their own bar and the array of flavors are fun to explore.

Todd Thrasher's Nothing Left to Lose

As I was compiling the list of 14 recipes that will go onto the next stage of the Finlandia Cup, I couldn't help but notice how down to earth the drinks are. Yes, on occasion there is the ingredient that demands a bit of explanation or sleuthing to find, but it is compilations such as this that alert us to a previously untasted mixer or a long forgotten favorite. Take the bay leaf soda with roasted lemon that is used in Todd Thrasher's Nothing Left to Lose, or the spiced mead reduction in Jake Bliven's Harvest Moon. Both are ingredients I've used in the past in similar forms, but somehow they slipped my mind over the years. The reminder of them has my mind swimming with new ideas for drinks where these can be employed. This is the fun of the collaborative cocktail experience: one person's idea sparks more.

Though the judging of this year's cup is now out of the public's hands, check out the U.S. finalists - there's something there for most any taste, occasion, and season - and stay tuned because I'm going to keep an eye on this one to see what comes out of the international competition in Finland this February.

Finlandia Vodka Cup Cocktail Competition U.S. Finalist Recipes...

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Christiania Vodka

The Bottom Line

Christiania Vodka is cool, smooth vodka produced in Norway. The original recipe for this premium vodka dates back to King Christian IV's court of the 1500's and includes the country's organic Trondelag potatoes with pure arctic spring water. The ingredients are distilled six time in a column still, filtered with charcoal, then aerated at the Arcus Distillery. The result is a spectacularly clean spirit worthy of a well-chilled, straight sipper or any of your favorite, equally elegant vodka cocktails.

Pros

• Superiorly smooth, clean vodka with a slight hint of citrus.
• Creates elegant, high-class cocktails.

Cons

• At over $30 per bottle it may not be everyone's every day vodka.

Description

• Six time column-distilled, Trondelag potato vodka from Norway
• Produced by Christiania Spirits, Inc.
• 40% alc/volume (80 proof)
• Retails for around $35-38/750 ml bottle
• Released to U.S. Market in 2006

Guide Review - Christiania Vodka

Christiania Vodka is a rich, elegant vodka experience which begins with a clean, yet complex, bouquet of aromas. It is silky and smooth as it reaches the tongue and there it releases a warm citrus and fresh, green undertone. Christiania finishes off nicely with notes of burnt orange and coriander that lasts for a while, but not long enough to be detrimental to the experience.

Christiania truly deserves to be mixed in the best and cleanest cocktails with the freshest ingredients. Those like the Vodka Martini, April Rain, Mad Eye Martini and Pearl Harbor do this vodka justice.

Also, this is a perfect vodka for the more culinary cocktails like these original recipes from Christiania. Notice the use of lingonberry, a wild berry that is made into a traditional Scandinavian jam.

• Christi Extreme
• Tarra Christi

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Vodka Favorites

Today is National Vodka Day and, let's face it, there are a lot of vodka cocktails. On this site alone I have 314 recipes to date and there are so many more that I intend to add. Why do we love vodka? It's quite simple: it is a great base spirit that allows the rest of the cocktail to shine. Notice, I don't say that vodka is tasteless because it is not. Each vodka has its own flavor, but it often gets the rap of having none because it doesn't have the distinct character that marks whiskey, rum, tequila, brandy, or gin.

With no further ado, here are some vodka day worthy cocktails I've pulled out of the list...

• Blueberry Martini
• Dafne Martini
• Dutch Tulip
• Melon Cucumber-tini
• Sage Lady
• Tuscan Pear
• Zen Milk Bath

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Blavod: The Black Vodka

The Bottom Line

Black will always be the color that defines style and sophistication and it has a place in the world of spirits as well. It is not surprising that with all of the designer vodkas on the market that someone would devise a way to add color to the famously clear liquor without drastically disturbing any of the flavor characteristics of a true vodka. Blavod is the result of that brainstorm and is the only premium black vodka on the market today.

Pros

• Perfect Halloween vodka or anytime a black cocktail is called for.
• Creates nicely defined layers when poured slowly on top of a mixer.

Cons

• The coloring ingredient is not supposed to change the flavor but it does.
• Has a long lasting herby-medicinal aftertaste.

Description

• Black catechu is used to make Blavod black. It is an extract found in Uncaria Gambier trees of Asia.
• 80 proof, neutral grain vodka
• Distilled by Blavod Drinks Ltd. of London.
• Around $30 for 750mL bottle.

Guide Review - Blavod: The Black Vodka

As vodka goes Blavod is an excellent premium brand that can be defined on its own without the branding of "The Black Vodka" and can stand against any of the non-colored vodkas on the market. Knowing that the hue is a little off the wall has the tendency to change people's perception of its actual taste. Some people that have tried Blavod in a straight taste test noted a subtle, yet distinct, flavor undertone to Blavod. However when blind folded those same people are usually not able to distinguish between Blavod and a clear vodka of equal quality.

The herbal extract catechu is responsible for the blackish-violet hue of Blavod and although touted as having no significant effect of taste, there is a notable herbal finish that is not found in clear vodkas. Blavod is an extremely smooth vodka with clean undertones of dark berries and the ever-so-slight hint of cloves and anise. This heady spirit emits an intriguing sweet citrus, woody and flowery aroma that can do no more than entice one to have a sip.

One of the best qualities of Blavod is its ability to create wonderful layers in a drink. The Black Widow and October Screwdriver are testaments to the vodka's dexterity to turn a common cocktail into a ghoulishly stylin' libation. For quick Halloween themed cocktails that never fail to be the talk of any gathering have a bottle of Blavod on hand and use it in any vodka drink to create a little extra atmosphere.

More Blavod Cocktails:

• Black & Gold
• Black Magic
• Black Martini
• Black Rose (shooter)

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Popular Brands of Vodka

Choosing the right brand of vodka can be a difficult on because cost, taste, and intended use are important factors we consider. Less expensive brands will generally be hotter and burn in the mouth, these are good for a tight budget or for cocktails with flavorful mixers like a Sex on the Beach. Premium and Super-Premium brands are going to be excellent choices for sipping and light drinks such as Vodka Martinis.

Here some popular brands of vodka...
Not all brands are listed and price points are based on an average, dependent on particular markets.

Let's Get Cheap - Vodkas Around $10

Photo Courtesy of c KU:L Vodka

• Denaka - Denmark
• KU:L - Poland
• Luksusowa - Poland (potato)
• Olifant - Holland
• Seagrams - US
• Smirnoff - US
• Svedka - Sweden
• UV - US

Top Picks for Best Cheap Vodka

Favorite Brands for a Good Price - Vodkas Around $20

Photo Courtesy of c Stolichnaya

• 1.0.1 Vodka - US
• Absolut - Sweden
• ClearHeart - US
• Blue Ice - US (potato)
• Finlandia - Finland
• Prairie Organic - US
• Reyka - Iceland
• Skyy - US
• Stolichnaya - Russia
• Sonnema VodkaHERB - Holland
• Tanqueray Sterling - England

This is Where it Starts Getting Really Good - Vodkas Around $30

Photo Courtesy of: c 360 Vodka

• 360 Vodka - US
• 42 Below - New Zealand
• Blavod - England (black)
• Bong Vodka - Holland
• Cape North - France
• Belvedere- Poland
• Charbay - United States
• Chopin - Poland (potato)
• Christiania - Norway
• Emperor Vodka - France
• Grey Goose - France
• Han Asian Vodka - Asia (rice & barley)
• Herb's Aromatic - US (herbal infusions)
• Imperial - France
• IS Vodka - England
• Jett - France (energy)
• Ketel One - Netherlands
• Oval - Austria
• Square One Organic - US
• Three Olives - England
• Trump - Holland
• Van Gogh Vodka - Holland
• Versailles King's - France
• Winter Palace - France
• Zygo - (energy)
• Zyr - Russia

A Touch of Luxury - Vodkas Over $40

Photo Courtesy of c IS Vodka

• IDOL - France (grapes)
• IS - England
• Stoli Elit - Russia
• Tru Organic - US

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Herb's Aromatic Vodka

The Bottom Line

Herb's Aromatic Vodkas were introduced to the market in 2006 with four herbal flavors that are equally intense in taste and aroma. The product line includes Cilantro, Dill Leaf, Fennel and Rosemary, and each are a true representation of the herb they’re flavored with. Herb's is an exciting line for any herb lover and the person who is seeking a naturally flavored alternative to straight vodkas. While each of these vodkas can stand on their own and are delightful served on the rocks, the true magic is revealed when they're used as a substitute in the more common cocktails or used when cooking.

Pros

• True herbal aromas and flavors.
• Excellent mixers that add a twist to classic cocktails like a Vodka Martini and Bloody Mary.
• The vodkas can also be used in cooking for some very fine dishes.

Cons

• Fennel has a strong black licorice taste that some will love and some will hate.

Description

• Four flavors of naturally flavored, infused vodka: Cilantro, Dill Leaf, Fennel, Rosemary
• Retail: around $29 per 750mL bottle
• Released in 2006
• Vodka produced in the U.S. using grain. Infused with essential oils made from herbs picked at their peak of freshness.
• Visit Herb's Aromatic Vodka website for food recipes using the flavored vodkas and more original cocktails.

Guide Review - Herb's Aromatic Vodkas

Cilantro:
Cilantro has a distinct spicy snap unlike any other plant and has long been sought after for its properties as an aphrodisiac. Herb's Cilantro Vodka is a smoothly designed vodka with that crispness one expects for the herb. The herbal qualities are refreshing and make an excellent alternative to tequila in a Margarita, as well as gin in a Gimlet. The best cocktail I've found yet for this vodka is Herb's Pomegranate Punch, where the cilantro and pomegranate make a wonderful pair.

Dill Leaf:
Anyone who knows herbs can recognize the sweet flavor of dill and if you enjoy the herb you're sure to enjoy this vodka. It pairs especially well with lightly flavored vegetarian and seafood dishes. The herb is a natural digestive aid, making it an excellent candidate for an aperitif, served on the rocks. It also compliments the complex flavors of a Bloody Mary by adding a subtle, sweet punch of extra flavor. For something a little more refreshing and light try Herb's Garden Ale.

Fennel:
Select palates will enjoy Herb's Fennel Vodka. I say that only because there is a heavy black licorice taste to both the herb and the vodka that tends to be a one that people either love or hate. If you're a fan of the flavor you'll enjoy it in a Midnight Martini or, to offset the strong fennel without masking it, use a citrus mixer; a perfect example is Herb's Fennel Lemon Crunch.

Rosemary:
Herb's Rosemary Vodka is a true representation of one of my favorite herbs. If you've ever brushed up against a rosemary plant on a summer day you can appreciate the pure calming properties of the herb and the taste and aroma of this vodka has the same affect. Use rosemary vodka to replace gin in an In & Out Martini for a beautifully light cocktail or, for a sunny summer day in the garden, Herb's Mary Rose Martini or Vanilla Rose is perfect.

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Tea Vodka Recipes

Tea cocktails are becoming fairly mainstream these days, but did you know that you can easily infuse tea and tisanes / herbal teas into vodka and other spirits at home?

With a little tea, a little alcohol and a little time, you can make your own tea-infused spirits to drink straight, on the rocks or in cocktails. You can also make simple syrup and it to your infused vodka for homemade "sweet tea vodka."

Here are some recipes to get you started with homemade tea vodka:

• Green Tea Vodka Recipe
• Black Tea Vodka Recipe
• Oolong Tea Vodka Recipe
• Chamomile Vodka Recipe
• Masala Chai Vodka Recipe

Have you made tea-infused vodka at home? Share your tips for great tea vodka with other About.com readers in the comments below!

Photo (c) Marko Goodwin
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