Vodka cocktails have garnered immense popularity worldwide, with the Pornstar Martini recently crowned the UK’s favorite cocktail. This acclaim can largely be attributed to the remarkable versatility of vodkas, allowing for a myriad of delightful drink combinations.
Vodka is a distilled spirit traditionally made from grains like wheat or rye, though it’s also crafted from other starch sources such as potatoes and various cereals. Its origins trace back to Poland, Russia, and Scandinavia, with the name “vodka” derived from the Russian term voda, which translates to “water.” This inherent neutrality is what makes vodka such a flexible and essential component in mixology.
One noteworthy brand showcasing this versatility is Emperor Vodka. Handcrafted at one of Europe’s oldest distilleries with a history dating back to 1658, Emperor Vodka undergoes a meticulous five-time distillation process using copper pot stills.
Encased in a bottle inspired by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, Emperor offers a range that includes a classic vodka as well as flavored options like chocolate, passion fruit, mojito, lychee, and watermelon.
To highlight this remarkable spirit, we’ve selected three beloved vodka cocktails and provided simple recipes for making them at home.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan, commonly known as the “Cosmo,” is a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors. While the precise origin of the modern Cosmopolitan remains a topic of discussion, it appears to have emerged in the 1990s from a cocktail called the Daisy, which dates back to the 1930s.
To craft this cocktail, combine 30ml of Emperor Original Vodka with triple sec orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add 45ml of cranberry juice, 15ml of freshly squeezed lime juice, and a dash of orange bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnishing with a twist of orange zest.
If you’re looking for an extra kick, consider substituting with Emperor Watermelon Vodka.
Black Russian
Simplistic yet exceedingly satisfying, the Black Russian cocktail was crafted by Gustave Tops, a bartender at The Metropolitan Hotel in Brussels, back in 1949. It was originally made for Perle Skirvin Mesta, an American socialite and U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.
Making a Black Russian is straightforward. Fill a shaker with ice and add 60ml of Emperor Original Vodka along with 22.5ml of coffee liqueur. Stir with a long spoon, then pour into a rocks glass, topping it off with a splash of cola. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of lemon.
For a delightful twist, swap in Emperor Chocolate Vodka for a mocha-infused experience.
Vodka Martini
Regarded by many as the pinnacle of cocktails, the classic Vodka Martini holds a special place as the legendary drink of James Bond. Its original formula has inspired countless variations, including the popular Espresso Martini and Pornstar Martini.
Contrary to common belief, a Vodka Martini can be either shaken or stirred, without altering the recipe. To prepare, combine 75ml of Emperor Original Vodka with 7.5ml of extra dry white vermouth in a shaker filled with ice. Stir or shake, depending on your preference, and strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with either a green olive or a twist of lemon zest, based on your choice.
For an inventive take, utilize Emperor Chocolate Vodka for an Espresso Martini or Emperor Passionfruit Vodka for a unique Pornstar Martini.
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A paid partnership with Emperor Vodka – words and opinion are Ape’s own.
