Choosing the Perfect Vodka for Your Cocktails

At first, a good vodka for cocktails doesn’t seem any different from a traditional choice you could’ve made — a distilled liquor without a definite flavor profile with up to 55% alcoholic content. In practice, the wrong choice may make you feel like your cocktail took the wrong turn, regardless of your bartender skills.

Ingredients

Knowing what ingredients were used to make vodka is important as they will have an influence on taste. To get a product with a smoother and more refined taste, look for vodka that was made using natural ingredients. Not only does this ensure that the quality of them is extra high, but it also signifies that the distillery approaches its products with meticulous care.

For instance, in LEX by Nemiroff we use only natural honey from local apiaries. This allows us to trace where it comes from as well as gives the product a pleasant taste and aftertaste as opposed to using regular sugar. In terms of vodka for cocktails, this allows the product to have its natural taste without being too sugary, meaning that the end result will be balanced in its taste and flavor.

Production Process

Simple filtration won’t deliver the same degree of smoothness and delicacy as a top-tier vodka can really offer. With meticulous attention to production, LEX by Nemiroff surprises with its smooth and harmonious taste that is achieved by silver, platinum, and amber filtrations. How does it impact a cocktail recipe? The answer is simple — the shorter and less thorough the production process is, the more unbalanced the final version can be.

Vodka Strength

The starting ABV level for vodkas is usually at 38%. For classic white vodka we recommend going with 40%, while for flavored select milder options - they are less intense yet don’t lose their identity.

When it comes to defining which vodka for cocktails may lead your list of preferences, it is crucial to consider its gourmet profile. Pair attention to what the target product is made of — wheat vodkas are crisper and clearer on the palate, while rye alternatives tend to be spicier.

Purity of Flavor

If you are looking for a vodka that would compliment any type of mixology creation, opt for vodkas with a neutral and smooth profile. These will create the perfect base for your cocktail and will allow you to achieve a balance of taste. Choosing vodkas that have more defined and harsh aftertaste may overpower the drink at the end.

Flavored and Infused Vodkas

While many may prefer classic white vodka for cocktails, choosing infusions or flavored vodka is also a fun option to try. Specifically, they work well for creating signature and creative beverages, amplifying the taste and aroma of the drink (think citrus vodka for Cosmopolitan) as well as simplifying the recipe with a reduced number of additional flavor hints.

So, what is the best vodka for cocktails? While the answer certainly depends on your personal taste, you can’t go wrong with LEX by Nemiroff which will complement any kind of drink with its smooth and refined taste.

To streamline your decision-making, take into account what recipe you want to create. For classic “clear like” cocktails, like Martini or Vodka Tonic, go for the classic white vodka in order to fully experience the taste profile of the base spirit. LEX by Nemiroff, for instance, is a perfect choice for Vodka Tonic - the palette of the vodka allows to achieve numerous sophisticated options when combined with different tonic waters (think bergamot, rose, etc). Each of these will bring out unique tasting notes in LEX by Nemiroff vodka and by adding a perfect garnish, you will be sure to enjoy this simple yet refined experience.

Overall, taking time to choose the right vodka for cocktails is a fun and crucial process. Selecting smooth and classic vodka like LEX by Nemiroff makes it a perfect companion for classic and sophisticated cocktails. While it may be overwhelming with all the options available on the market, rely on your own tastes and choose what works for you. Enjoy responsibly.