Bubbles, Flavoring or a Caffeine Kick
By JOSEPH DE AVILA {March 13, 2008}
 
Vodka makers are pushing the envelope to find new drinkers.
 
Vodka is in high demand, and distillers hoping to produce the next hit at bars and clubs continue to launch new brands. But as the market gets more crowded, distillers are experimenting with new twists on vodka to lure drinkers already devoted to a favorite label.
 
Vodka remains the spirit of choice among many Americans. In 2007, it captured 24% of the $18.2 billion distilled-spirits market, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Vodka sales at the supplier level reached $4.3 billion, a 7.65% increase over 2006.
 
New vodka makers can't match the marketing muscle of the Smirnoffs and the Absoluts of the world, says Yuri Kato, publisher of the Cocktail Times, an online publication. In order to compete, "they have to have a unique catch." That means coming up with innovative ways to capture the attention of younger drinkers who are more likely to ask for a Red Bull and vodka at the bar than older drinks like screwdrivers, Ms. Kato say.
 
Distillers looking to stand out are trying several different blends of vodka, including sparkling and caffeine-infused varieties. For vodka lovers looking for new options to spice up their personal bar, here is how four new brands measured up.
 
p.i.n.k. Caffeine & Guarana Infused Vodka/The p.i.n.k Spirits Co.
 
Price/Availability: $40.99 for a 750 ml bottle; www.pinkspirits.com
 
Comment: This vodka can be a good option if you're looking for a caffeine kick but don't like mixing energy drinks with your cocktails. The vodka isn't flavored, and you can't taste the guarana, which is a South American plant rich in caffeine. After drinking two shots worth of vodka mixed with ginger ale and ice, we felt a definite caffeine rush. Each shot has the caffeine equivalent of half a cup of coffee, according to the maker.
 
Double Espresso Vodka/Vincent Van Gogh Vodka
 
Price/Availability: $27.99 for a 750 ml bottle; www.vangoghvodka.com
 
Comment: The bottle says this coffee-flavored vodka is perfect for a latte, cappuccino or mocha martini, yet we also found it tasty enough to sip on its own. It's sweet, coffee flavor and strong punch of vodka could make a good pick-me-up digestif.
 
Wokka Saki Vodka/Extreme Spirits
 
Price/Availability: $31.99 for a 750 ml bottle; www.wokkasaki.com
 
Comment: The vodka-sake blend tasted mostly like vodka but was surprisingly sweet, and not as harsh as other vodkas we tried before. It was smooth enough to drink straight and also mixed well with tonic and ice.
 
Sparkling Premium Vodka/International English Distillers
 
Price/Availability: $34.99 for a 750 ml bottle; www.sparklingvodka.com
 
Comment: O2 is a carbonated vodka that its maker says can be enjoyed "as a shot" or to "transform your favorite cocktails." Chilled and served straight, O2 did indeed sparkle, tingling the palate while going down smooth. But when we blended O2 with mixers, it went flat, and our cosmos and screwdrivers ended up like any others made with a decent vodka.
 
{comment: Consider this post as a form of pandering; {ie. wanting to please others} since, the day I imbibe in Vodka.. is the day that a clear connection is made between that drink, and miraculously..
becoming younger!}