What's Up With Cake and Other Dessert Vodkas?

What is up with dessert vodkas? This is the question I've been asking myself lately. At first I thought it was just a passing fancy that one or two vodka makers were testing out on the market, but then they began to multiply and though there are still only a handful of vodkas offered, it seems to be a big hit.

UV Cake Vodka

So, then I ask why, how, and what? The last part of that is simple astonishment that someone would conceive of making a vodka flavored to taste like cake, cupcakes, marshmallow, or whipped cream.? Yet, if we think about those drinkers - many of which read this blog - who enjoy the sweeter side of cocktails, this trend is really a natural progression in the distilled spirits market. Many people enjoy drinks that replicate the flavor of their favorite desserts and baked goods (i.e. Chocolate Martini, Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Wedding Cake) and these vodkas make these drinks even easier to obtain.

A little open-minded exploration and a conversation with Dean Phillips of Phillips Distilling, makers of UV Vodka, and I get it... these vodkas are simply fun and an answer by the vodka industry to consumer demand. Also, I've learned that, while at first these vodkas seem limited in their use in cocktails, they're actually quite versatile. Phillips pointed out that you could mix UV Cake with almost anything from root beer to pineapple juice. The recipes I scoured included the indulgent (Dark 'n Fluffy) to the more savory with a sweetened twist (Carrot Cake) and I think that, whether the flavor is cake, marshmallow, or whipped cream, these flavors are almost interchangeable with one another in cocktails. One thing I noticed is that all of them are excellent with coffee similar to Irish Coffee, whipped cream included of course!

I know, I know... purists find these (and most) flavored spirits detestable, for lack of a better word, but no one says that you have to drink them. There are just as many people who adore these new vodkas and I say go for it! Explore the flavor possibilities and share your discoveries with friends. We don't know what is up next in the vodka category but I have a feeling this trend is not going to end soon, so go with it and have fun with whatever drink you choose.

Read more about Dessert Flavored Vodkas and find more cocktails...

On a side note, if cake vodka blows your mind, check out Rumskey. Yeah, it's exactly what it sounds like (rum and whiskey in one).

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Sobieski Vodkas

The Bottom Line

There are few vodkas that are of premium taste and remain within a budget-friendly range. One of the vodkas that fits both requirements is Sobieski, a Polish vodka that is relatively new to the U.S. market (2007), but is reported to be the number one vodka in Poland. If people in the country known for its vodka like it, you know it has to be good and it is. Just this last September (2009) Sobieski released two new flavors, a vanilla and citrus, and they stand up to the quality and clean taste of the brand while maintaining the affordable price.

Pros

• Perfect for mixing into cocktails.
• Clean, crisp vodkas.
• Great quality for a cheap price.
• Widely available.

Cons

• Not quite as good as some of the premium brands like Grey Goose and Ketel One.

Description

• Polish vodka distilled four times from golden Dankowski rye, flavors infused with natural citrus and vanilla.
• Imported by Imperial Brands, Inc.
• 35% alc/volume (70 proof)
• Retails for around $11/750ml bottle
• Clear Vodka released to U.S. market in 2007, Vanilia and Cytron released in 2009
• #1 premium vodka in Poland, #7 best selling worldwide

Guide Review - Sobieski Vodkas - Clear, Cytron and Vanilia

The story of Sobieski is rather short but its roots are deep in that Polish heritage of the spirit. The brand name is taken from King Jan III Sobeiski, a 17th century ruler who is regarded by some as "the last great King of Poland." The spirit also pays homage to vodka's birthplace by starting out with Dankowski rye and distilling it four times.

Poland is known for its vodka and I have tasted some very exclusive vodkas from the country, but I have found Sobieski to be one of the best. This is "real vodka" - a pure form of distilled spirit that is relatively tasteless while leaving your palate clean and refreshed without heavy alcohol notes like many of the cheaper brands. Sobieski is not afraid to call the $11 vodka premium, a moniker typically reserved for those in the $25-50 price range, and I think that's fitting. Just because it costs less doesn't mean that it should taste like it and that make this vodka one of my picks for a "well" vodka that can be kept in stock regularly in any bar. The recent additions of Vanilia and Cytron have transformed the portfolio into one that is more versatile and can cover even more vodka cocktails.

Sobieski Clear Vodka Notes:
This base vodka has an aroma that is light and fruity, with no nauseating alcohol found in many of it price contemporaries. The taste is nice and smooth, clean and light, and virtually tasteless with the slightest hints of freshly harvested rye. It finishes with a semi-dry fruit in a very short burst that leaves the palate refreshingly clean. This is everything you expect from a good Polish vodka and is fantastic chilled.

Sobieski Vanilia Vodka Notes:
Bringing in the clean flavor of the base vodka, this natural vanilla infusion has a sweet and tantalizing fragrance filled with light vanilla and cream. The palate retains that profile but gets a little sweeter - not too much, though - backed by a rich, butter texture. The finish is, again, slightly dry but filled with a rich, yet subtle, caramel. Mix this vodka into cocktails like The Polished Princess or White Chocolatini.

Sobieski Cytron Vodka Notes:
Possibly my least favorite of the three, the Cytron is however a very good citrus-infused vodka and great for a Cosmopolitan, Skinny Pomegranate Cocktail, and the like. It has a crisp citrus aroma with lemon zest at the forefront that follows into the taste with a juicy freshness. This smooth vodka finishes dry with a tart abruptness.

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