Smirnoff Blueberry Vodka

By Des Carter, martiniboys.com

ooking to squeeze a bit more out of that limited antioxidant diet? Then it’s probably time for a little drink. The best-selling vodka in the world, Smirnoff, has a roster of flavoured vodkas that reads like the fruit stand at a farmer’s market. But, the latest thirst quencher to hit the shelves of liquor stores across Canada, Smirnoff Blueberry Twist Vodka, blends the thematic, bad-boy antioxidant with Smirnoff’s revered No. 21 triple-distilled vodka.

The novel spirit comes to the market just in time for summer and there’s no doubt that it will be hitting the glasses of many a poolside drinker. It’s the eleventh flavoured vodka produced by Smirnoff, adding to a list that includes Citrus, crisp Green Apple, sweet Watermelon, Black Cherry and smooth Vanilla. The latest infused vodka manages to pack the tart sweetness of a blueberry into an aromatic-yet-smooth liquor that just might get things started as the weather warms up and the layers come off.

Smirnoff may not have reinvented the wheel but they have elevated the blueberry to interesting levels. Not that the blueberry really need the popularity boost: The antioxidant-rich berry has gained serious momentum with the masses latching on to the health trend. From smoothies to frozen yogurt, blueberries have managed to gain God-like status, overshadowing its cousins, the angry strawberry and envious raspberry.

But enough personifying produce, let’s get back to the vodka at hand. The Smirnoff website has offered up a recipe to create a strong martini that puts its BVT to good use. It includes the blueberry vodka (obviously), white cranberry juice, and soda water. Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you, though; it’s a great cocktail and allows the blueberry flavour to shine through.

Creatively, it’s just one of many ways the libation can be enjoyed. Mixologists recommend adding it to classic cocktails like the Mojito, or spiking lemonade with it. It even goes well with iced tea and is an interesting way to kick off the departure of wind chills and black ice.

And if it’s a celebratory occasion, why not throw a splash into a glass of champagne and drop some blueberries in the flute to add some colour and decorum. The result is invigorating. Of course, those who prefer things a bit more direct can enjoy the vodka neat or on the rocks, since the triple distillation offers up a smooth sip that lacks the typical “alcohol” taste associated with lower-end vodkas.

A 750-mL bottle of Smirnoff Blueberry Twist retails for approximately CDN $24.65.

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