Absolut Vodka isn’t something you just gulp down and get a hangover with. There’s a reason why many consider it the king of vodkas. Absolute Vodka is considered a premium brand because of its crisp taste that you can savor straight or with other drinks.
To truly savor vodka, you’ve got to do it right, and it begins with your nose. Here is how you do it, step by step.
Savor the Scent
Much of the flavor of vodka comes from the aroma, so take a moment to savor the scent and absorb the flavor. Whether it’s in a cocktail on the rocks or neat, always start with your nose. Doing this allows you to soak in the spirit.
For the best results, start with the unflavored bottle and a clean rocks glass. This isn’t wine, so you don’t want it warm. In fact, you should do the opposite. Put the bottle in the freezer for 3 hours or more before serving.
Pour Yourself a Drink
Open the bottle and pour 2 ounces of vodka into the glass. Raise the glass to your nose and inhale. If the smell is like pungent alcohol, you’ve got a poorly distilled drink. Absolut Vodka has heavy, medium, and light nasal tones, not overpowering alcohol as some believe.
With the glass in your hand and having absorbed the aroma, take a sip. Some like to swirl the vodka a little before savoring the scent, and you can do that too.
Don’t gulp the drinks one after the other. Let the vodka settle on your tongue a bit and focus on the taste. Depending on the flavor, you may taste something salty or sweet after the texture. Vodka is usually in the middle nasal note, but you can add a sip of water to bring forth more notes.
Absolut Vodka Flavors
Now that you know how to drink vodka, it’s time to try out the different flavors that are available. Absolut is well known for the different flavors it has produced. Here are some that you may want to check out.
Apeach
This is one of the brand’s more popular flavors, and it’s easy to see why once you’ve gotten a taste. It is refreshing, light and mixes well with other concoctions. The bottle complements the taste, and it’s a great option if you’re after something different.
Mandrin
Mandrin and vodka have never tasted so good. This is the real deal, and it won’t leave any unpleasant taste either. Take this as a straight shot or mix it up. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with the Mandrin.
Raspberri
A lot of new vodka drinkers like the Raspberri flavor. Its most distinct quality is that it is gentler and smoother than other flavors. Sip it over ice and you will feel it glide easily down your throat without that burning sensation.
It is possible to mix vodka and raspberry, but this tastes even better. Open the bottle and the aroma hits you. It’s a blend of alcohol and raspberries, intense but not to the point where it gets overpowering. You can drink it as is or add some ice to balance the flavor. You can also mix it with some lemonade for an extra twist.
Vodka Lime
It’s got the right sizzle, is tasty and leaves a nice aftertaste. Try this with some juice and the lime flavor will come out even more. It’s a classic even by Absolut standards and is one of their more popular flavors.
Vanilla
There’s nothing plain about this one. It has a smooth taste and is ideal for cake shots. It goes down your throat well and does not have any artificial tastes. Whether you opt for this as is or mix it with ginger ale, orange soda or other drinks, you will not be disappointed.
Berri Acai
This is ideal for the summer and has a taste that’s fine as is or can be mixed with others. Try it with melon, blueberries, or strawberries and it’s good to go. You can also mix this vodka with mint leaves and berry water for something refreshing.
Mango
If you love the taste of mango, you will definitely want to check this one out. This is one of the brand’s lighter flavors, but the taste of mango is very evident. Even so, the taste isn’t harsh and won’t overwhelm you.
Mango has enough flavor for a standalone shot, but it’s also something to try with a mixer. If you’ve been drinking regularly and want to try new flavors, this is a good one to start with.