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Last updated: June 20. 2007 12:59PM
LIBATIONS
Vodka Varieties
If you feel a bit overwhelmed, take comfort in the fact that flavored vodkas aren’t new. Those infused with ingredients from clove to bison grass herb are a long-standing tradition in vodka-loving countries such as Russia and Poland. But now, distillers are creating more complex and interesting variations, with ginger, honey, celery, peppercorn and maple syrup.
The state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission offers more than 70 flavored vodkas, but if you’re unwilling to commit to a whole bottle, try them on a smaller scale. Flavored vodkas star in the majority of the specialty martini menus at local restaurants and bars – because they’re good for business.
Charles Brookshire, owner of Tango du Chat in Wilmington, says flavored vodkas account for half his liquor sales. Mandy Marcum, a bartender at 22 North in Wrightsville Beach, mixes up more martinis than she can count on Wednesdays – half-price martini day.
Usually they are one of 20 varieties on the bar’s martini menu. “Flavored vodkas offer a little layer that makes the drink better,” she says. The vodkas are a refreshing change because they don’t have the same sweetness of many liqueurs and schnapps.
Although flavored martinis are a top choice, try the new vodkas on their own or in updated versions of classic cocktails. Here are some great tastes....
Apple Snowflake
1 ounce Wild Appel Vodka
1½ ounces apple juice
¾ ounce sour apple schnapps
1 ounce champagne
Shake the vodka, juice and schnapps together with ice and then strain into a martini glass. Top with champagne.
– Recipe from Tango du Chat
Pink Panther
½ ounce pomegranate vodka
½ ounce sour watermelon schnapps
Splash of sour mix
Splash of Sprite
In a high ball glass, stir together ingredients. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
– Recipe from 22 North in
Wrightsville Beach
Mint Chocolate Chip Martini
1 ounce chocolate vodka
½ ounce white creme de menthe
½ ounce white creme de cacao
Chocolate chips and fresh mint
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with chocolate chips and a mint sprig.
– Recipe from Three Olives
ABSOLUT PEARS GARDEN
2 ounces Absolut Pears
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce sugar syrup
½ ounce black currant liqueur
1 ounce cranberry juice
Pear slices to garnish
Chill martini glass. Combine pear vodka with ingredients into ice-filled shaker. Shake well. Garnish with pear slices.
– Recipe from Three Olives
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