Vodka functions as a neutral base spirit that allows cocktails to showcase non-alcoholic flavors without the pervasive taste of alcohol. It is generally intended to be flavorless, odorless, and largely free of character. Proper cocktail balance is necessary to avoid a 'hot', burning sensation from alcohol. Vodka simplifies highlighting flavors like fruit, chocolate, and herbs because no strong base spirit character needs masking. Vodkas vary in quality and ingredients, which influence texture, smoothness, and palate presence. Price does not always correlate directly with perceived smoothness or character.
Some folks savor the deep, complex flavors of single malt whiskies or the buttery, warm notes of Jamaican rum - while others love carefully crafted cocktails without the pervasive taste of the alcohol fueling them. If you lean toward the latter, there's one particular spirit deserving an ever-present spot in your liquor collection, according to our consultation with Molly Horn, Chief Mixologist and Spirits Educator at Total Wine & More.
She continues by noting advantages of not having to worry about masking the character of a base spirit such as whiskey or tequila, which people often associate with the taste of alcohol. With vodka, it's easier to highlight tasty non-alcoholic flavors in cocktails, including fruit, chocolate, herbs, and more. That's not to say that all vodkas are the same, as the quality and ingredients in various vodkas can still affect things like texture, smoothness, and overall palate presence.
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