On Vodka

Having been asked to recommend a vodka drink for a newcomer to mixology (see Comments on the Introduction thread), I've spent the last couple of days reacquainting myself with Russia's fine contribution to the world's selection of libations.

While I'm by no means a vodka connoisseur (I never drink it straight, and have never compared vodka martini's made with different brands to determine which most suits my palate), the near flavorlessness of vodka makes it the perfect neutral canvas from which to start any cocktail (or infusion). The primary contribution of vodka to a drink is in texture (and, of course alcohol), and for this reason it's important to keep vodka in the freezer so that it takes on its characteristic viscosity.

In searching for a good, straightforward, and not too sweet recommendation for a first-time vodka cocktail, I was shocked to be unable to find any kind of vodka Collins (there are Collins' made with gin, rum, various whiskeys, and so on). So I invented one, which in keeping with the Collins naming tradition I've decided to call the Vladimir Collins. This is definately the drink I would recommend if you're looking for a vodka cocktail that's not too sweet, or fruity.

I was also inspired to create another excellent vodka-based cocktail last night, when my lovely wife (see her blog here) requested that I use some of the blood oranges we've had sitting around for the last few days to make something to go with our dinner. The result is based loosely on the Bay Breeze, and so I've called it the Mediterranean Breeze. Both are essentially fruit-juice drinks spiked with vodka (in the manner of a Screwdriver or Grayhound).

Another favorite is the French Martini, and fortunately it's a drink that some bartenders actually know how to make, so it's one of the few of my favorites that I can actually have when I'm out. If you're not familiar with Chambord, it's a raspberry flavored liqueur, and it complements the pineapple juice in the french martini perfectly.

Finally, I have to admit that the near-ubiquitous Cosmopolitan thoroughly deserves its considerable popularity...but I much prefer the tart, citrus-y Original Cosmopolitan to the cranberry-laden version that everyone seems to drink these days. To my mind, a cosmo should be blush, not red. A similar drink is the Lemon Drop, which essentially substitutes the Cosmo's lemon for lime, and orange for cranberry.

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Vladimir Collins

Based on the tried and true combination of citrus, simple syrup or sugar, and club soda that characterizes all of the Collins', the use of vodka in the Vlad Collins lets these simple flavors stand on their own, which they do admirably. While the garnishes can be ommited if you don't have them, the slight perfume of lemon and maraschino subtly adds another layer of flavor to the drink.

Shake the following over ice:
2 oz. vodka
1 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup

Prepare a Collins or highball glass by half filling it with ice, and adding the following garnishes:
1 maraschino cherry
1 lemon slice

Pour the shaken ingredients into the glass, and top with:
3 oz. club soda

Stir


Bay Breeze

Not to be confused with the rum version, which basically just has the opposite proportions of cranberry and pineapple juice.

Pour the following into a highball glass filled with ice:
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 oz. cranberry juice
4 oz. pineapple juice


Mediterranean Breeze

A blood orange-based modification of the Bay Breeze.

Pour the following into a lowball glass filled with ice:
2 oz. vodka
2-3 oz. blood orange juice
1 oz. pineapple juice


French Martini

A true classic.

Shake the following over ice, and serve in a cocktail glass:
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. Chambord
1 oz. pineapple juice

Optional garnish:
Lemon twist


Original Cosmopolitan

Even if you don't think you like Cosmo's, this is worth a try. It's very different from what you probably had before.

Shake the following over ice, and serve in a cocktail glass:
1 1/2 oz. vodka or citron vodka
1 1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 to 2 dashes cranberry juice (and no more!)

Optional garnish:
Lemon twist


Lemon Drop

Coat the bottom of a bowl or other dish with superfine sugar. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass, and rub the rim of the glass in the sugar. Shake off any excess sugar on the rim of the glass.

Shake the following over ice, and pour into the prepared glass:
1 1/2 oz. vodka or lemon-flavoured vodka
1 oz. Grand Marnier (or Cointreau)
1 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. orange juice

Optional garnish:
Lemon twist

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So what the heck is this lemon twist thing?

It's simple--just a strip of lemon peel that you twist over the glass (so the oils that spray out of the peel when it's twisted coat the top of the drink), gently rub around the rim of the glass, and drop in. It provides a faint lemon perfume to the drink.