In Good Spirits – Vodka Edition

We are thrilled to premiere “In Good Spirits” a month-long promotion highlighting spirits with special pricing, buyer picks, educational insights for maximum enjoyment, and cocktail recipes.

Check out the store display and grab this month’s edition of our “In Good Spirits” brochure and save as you learn with some of the region’s best prices on these featured bottles!

We are exploring the world of Vodka this month.

Move away from the misconceptions that vodkas lack flavor or that you need to spend top dollar to get the best quality. This month discover the diverse world of vodkas, each showcasing unique qualities and flavors that are sure to inspire. Enjoy exclusive sale prices, expert suggestions for enjoying each spirit, recipes, and more.

Without further ado, let’s jump into our list of curated spirit ‘stars’.

Note: All prices in effect from April 1-30, 2024 at all four Oliver’s Market locations.

Featured Favorite

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $14.99 +crv               

“Tito’s Handmade Vodka is affordable and approachable. Great for mixed cocktails it has a “clean” character and is an ideal option for a Vodka Soda, Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, or Bloody Mary. An excellent everyday choice.”  David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager

Go With the Grain — Wheat-Based Vodkas

Amass Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $34.99 +crv    

“Master Distiller Morgan McLachlan worked with craft distillers in Copenhagen before moving production to Central California. Distilled to celebrate the rich, vibrant history of Scandinavian drinking culture, Amass is a uniquely layered vodka. The botanicals are uber aromatic with notes of citrus, lemon drop and a touch of sweetness. A gin drinker’s vodka!”  Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager

Spirit Works Vodka , 750 ML Bottle, $26.99 +crv – LOCAL           

“This locally made Vodka shows toasted marshmallow and warm earthy notes, indicative of the organic grain used to make it.. It showcases an opulent mouthfeel and wonderfully smooth finish. Try it with ginger beer!” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager

Alamere French Wheat Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $22.99 +crv               

“A premium vodka made from wheat sourced from Champagne, France. The Champagne wheat gives this spirit a smooth, balanced palate, that is light and crisp. Hints of lemon peel make it delightful in craft cocktails!” –   Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

Best of the Bunch – Grape-Based Vodkas

Hanson Vodkas, 750 ML Bottle, $22.99 +crv               

“Locally family owned and operated, Hanson Vodka is one of the best values in our set. High quality vodka made from real organic ingredients.”  Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine and Liquor Coordinator

Hanson Original Vodka: “Complex and balanced on the nose and palate with a silky smooth mouth feel that gives way to a lasting, satisfying finish.”
Hanson Cucumber Vodka: “Featuring notes of hibiscus and cilantro on the nose followed by a light and minty finish. Fantastic with a splash of soda water.”
Hanson Meyer Lemon Vodka: “Spicy bergamot on the nose, herbs on the palate, and a kick of spice on the finish. Makes a delicious hard lemonade!” Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine and Liquor

Aether Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $26.99 +crv               

“Coming in at a smooth 120 proof, this grape based vodka is geared for making cocktails. The body is clean and crisp which makes it the perfect partner to any number of mixers and accoutrements.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager

Find Your Flavor

Young and Yonder Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $21.99 +crv               

“Tasty and well crafted. Great for sipping neat or in top notch cocktails. This has a slightly sweet creamy taste, and a slightly viscous mouthfeel. Try straight on ice with a dab of vanilla bean paste.” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager

Humboldt Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $16.99 +crv              

“Humboldt Distillery captures the spirit of California in it’s natural state. Distilled from organic American sugarcane, this vodka boasts an incredibly clean palate, making it smooth enough to sip and perfect for mixing.” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

Gruven Potato Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $9.99 +crv               

“One of our best value vodkas. Quadruple distillation using locally grown potatoes and crystal-clear spring water. Subtle aromas and taste. Great for mixing or just drop an ice cube in and sip it on the rocks!” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager

Ways to Enjoy Vodka

This month’s featured vodkas all have serving suggestions noted in our “In Good Spirits” flyer, but here is a general list on the classic ways to enjoy this spirit:

  • Straight: Enjoy your favorite vodka on its own to savor its unaltered flavor and character.
  • Cocktail: Use vodka as a base in classic cocktails like Martinis, Cosmos, Mules, and Bloody Marys.
  • Infused: Infuse vodka with different ingredients to add depth and complexity, or to showcase seasonal flavors.
  • Chilled Shot: Enjoy chilled vodka to preserve the aromatic qualities and enhance its smoothness.
  • Traditional Occasions: Some countries have a deep cultural connection to vodka and its symbolic significance.

Vodka Care & Keeping

Is there anything special to know about keeping your vodka at its best? Here are some simple tips for best results:

  • Store Vodka upright and out of direct sunlight (A cabinet works well)
  • Ideally, vodka should be kept at a consistent temperature, and a slightly cooler than average temperature works just fine
  • Vodka can also be kept in the freezer and enjoyed as a chilled shot or for the traditional occasions mentioned above. As vodka reaches freezing temperatures, it does not freeze, but gets more unctuous or syrupy in consistency.

Recipe Inspiration

Tito’s Paloma

INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• 2 oz. grapefruit juice
• 2 oz. sparkling water
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
Garnish – grapefruit & lime slice
METHOD
• Add all ingredients to a glass with ice.
• Stir and garnish with a grapefruit and lime slice.

Ocean Breeze

INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 oz. Amass Botanic Vodka
• 3 oz. coconut water
• 1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
• Ganish – pineapple leaf, pineapple wedge, and mint sprig
METHOD
• Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and pour into a tall glass.
• Garnish with pineapple leaves, wedges, and mint. Serve.

Dirty Martini

INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 oz. Hanson Organic Original Vodka
• 1/2 oz. organic olive juice
• Spritz of Trincheri Dry Vermouth
• Garnish – olives
METHOD
• Chill martini glass, spritz or rinse glass with dry vermouth.
• Combine vodka, vermouth, and olive juice into a mixing glass filled with ice.
• Stir and strain into chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with olives.

Alamere Sour

INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz. Alamere French Wheat Vodka
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. 1:1 simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Garnish – cocktail cherry
METHOD
• Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake without ice to allow egg to emulsify and ‘puff up’. Once your egg white has frothed, add ice and shake again.
• Double strain into a glass and garnish with a cocktail cherry

 

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