Vodka with a Twist

Perhaps one of the most versatile of the spirits, vodka can be made from virtually anything containing sugar or starch, from potatoes and wheat to beets, grass or soy beans, even maple syrup. Many of us will have encountered various types of traditional, or ‘European’, codka in the numerous cocktails which make use of it; including the ‘Sex on the Beach’, ‘Black Russian’, ‘White Russian’, ‘Bloody Mary’,  ’Moscow Mule’ and the ‘Screwdriver’.

Whilst these cocktails are all made from traditional vodka, an entirely new way of drinking the spirit is beginning to emerge. Flavoured vodkas are becoming increasingly popular, and as this happens, the variety of flavours available is branching out to previously unimaginable scales.

We’ve highlighted some of the strangest flavours which stand out for us here at Guestaurant -

Scorpion Vodka  — 5 Times distilled, ‘enriched’ with an edible scorpion!

Van Gogh Vodka Espresso  — using only natural ingredients and premium grain alcohol, insuring that Van Gogh Espresso Vodka actually tastes and smells exactly as the name suggests: like hot fresh espresso. Guaranteed to give you a kick!

Peanut Butter Vodka  — 69 proof vodka with no Peanut allergens (apparently)!

Marmalade Vodka   — One flavour in particular has really caught our eye however. Brewed in the UK, Chase Distillery’s Marmalade Vodka initial batch of 1000 bottles proved to be so popular that the distillery decided to make their marmalade vodka a permanent addition to the Chase portfolio.

To make this concoction, they use their award winning Chase Vodka and marinate it with the finest Seville orange marmalade in a beautiful copper pot still. They then distill a fourth time with the vapours passing through fresh orange peel, to create this complicated and totally natural orange experience.

The finished spirit is clear with a golden hue. Strong orange zest on the nose with a naturally rich bitter-sweet flavour, and a warm velvety mouth feel. It is perfect over ice and tonic or in fresh summer fruity cocktails. Try it neat, chilled or use it to make a classic ‘Breakfast Martini.’

‘Skittles Vodka’ Image by chris jd (Flickr)

‘Vodka Cocktails’ Image by Sobieski Vodka (Flickr)

‘Chase Marmalade Vodka’ Image from the Chase Distillery Wesbite