Do we really need National Days? When you realize all the objects, rituals, food and drinks set aside to be honored in this country you may ask 'why'. Why bless 'taffy apples', 'taking a chance' or 'fried scallops' with a day set aside while parts of the nation and its infrastructure need the attention and concern of the masses? Well, that's kind of why we need national days. Life can get heavy and while much of it needs our constant attention, all work and adulting with no play makes Jack a dull boy. Sometimes in between saving the planet, fighting for gender equality and standing up against police brutality one has to stay mindful that there is joy in those less tense times in life where devouring a good donut, remembering the help of your custodial staff or enjoying a nice vodka neat reminds you in part what it's all for.
I've always said that I don't really need to find a reason to enjoy a nice cocktail. The reasons just always seems to keep coming on their own. So since National Vodka Day is tomorrow you can enjoy a vodka cocktail to toast making it through your work day. We all have a reason (or can find one). To help you figure things out, I'd like to tell you about the amazing vodkas of Deep Eddy. This brand comes straight out of Austin, Texas and is handcrafted in small batches which is like the highbrow quality control within the spirits industry to ensure a top notch flavor adherence.
First up is Deep Eddy Vodka, a smooth fresh vodka that's been distilled 10 times. Think more pure and clean than overkill. Using temperature-controlled column stills, Deep Eddy Vodka is created in an ideal environment for obtaining a rich vodka and is filtered 4 times through charcoal filters with the finest local water. The end result is a clean vodka with no waste and a surprisingly smooth finish that stands alone or perfectly adds life to a cocktail. Next, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka is like a naughty refreshing lemonade with a tremendous kick. Take the great craftsmanship of the classic original and only now infuse it with real lemon, not lemon-like substitutes, and what you en up with is this really tasty vodka that already comes with an all-natural tart citrus edge.
What's great about these Deep Eddy varieties is that the work is already in the bottle to ensure a flavor profile that behaves neutrally like vodka but impresses more significantly to distinguish itself from other brands. So of course I had to test these vodkas out with two great cocktails. First up, Deep Eddy Vodka shines in what I call a PomPom Martini.
PomPom Martini
2 ounces Deep Eddy Vodka
1 1/2 ounces Orange Liqueur (like Triple Sec)
2 tsps Pomegranate Molasses
1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
Fill cocktail shaker with 2/3 ice then add all of the ingredients, cover and shake vigorously for about 40 seconds. Pour cocktail through a strainer into a martini glass then garnish with lemon zest and about 1 teaspoon full of fresh pomegranate seeds (which are now in season).
I had to tweak this cocktail at first as the molasses is more potent than I thought but the measurement I suggest will make a great cocktail. The weight and sweetness of the molasses is nicely balanced with the citrus pop of the triple sec and lemon juice. The vodka pulls it all together with that mature flavor that hangs in there to simultaneously tone down yet unify all the ingredients. Next up, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka come through in a Garden Citrus Gimlet.
Garden Citrus Gimlet
2 1/2 ounces Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka1/2 ounce Simple Syrup (I used raw coconut sugar so my syrup was dark)4 Sprigs of mint4 Large basil leavesJuice of half a fresh lime
Place mint, basil simple syrup and lime juice in the cocktail shaker and muddle very well. Let the muddled mixture stand for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then fill the shaker with 2/3 ice and then add the vodka, cover and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a small sprig of mint and a small piece of basil.
First off, this turned out better than I expected. It was so verdant with the presence of the fresh herbs and they played so harmoniously with the natural lemon kick of the vodka. One note: the muddling may cause tiny pieces of mint and basil to flow through the cocktail strainer. If you'd rather have no herb pieces then you may want to use a second strainer when pouring into the glass.
Deep Eddy Vodkas are interesting alone or grouped with great accompanying ingredients and are perfect reasons to imbibe of National Vodka Day or maybe simply just because it's Thursday. Whatever your reason, make sure to please enjoy responsibly. Deep Eddy Vodkas are available now at your finer wine and spirit retailers.
www.DeepEddyVodka.com
