How to Be a Vodka Snob

How How to Be a Vodka Snob came to be—and what I learned from the (delicious) research

Brittany Jacques

Writing a book with your spouse is an interesting venture. Thankfully, there was vodka involved.

All kidding aside, the research and writing of How to be a Vodka Snob was incredibly fun and contracting the book deal was a great opportunity. 

Due to the success of Linda Ruffenach’s How to be a Bourbon Badass, the publisher was looking for a book on clear liquors. We’d pitched the idea of doing a vodka book because Jay and I had started exploring this incredible world of liquor and spirits and wanted to bring that experience to others who wanted to either start learning about mixology or who were ready to take their vodka game to the next level. Thus, How to be a Vodka Snob was born.

Truthfully, I learned so much during the writing process of this book. I realized my inner vodka-bougie-ness during a mini vacation when Jay and I were ordering drinks at our hotel’s bar.  I made the mistake of not ordering a call brand (or brand name), instead asking for a simple vodka-cran. 

I took it back to my seat, took a sip, and pushed it away, much to Jay’s amusement. I knew that I reached the next level of a home-taught mixologist: discerning between quality levels. And thus, How to be a Vodka Snob, did, in fact, make me a vodka snob.

While Jay and I don’t claim to be vodka experts by any means, the research process of tasting so many brands and varieties did elevate our palates.  It’s easier now to taste the difference between a grape, grain, or potato vodka, as well as perhaps the quality of the vodka itself, because I’m paying attention to the characteristics of the vodka instead of masking it with something sugary.

For instance, vodka distilled from grapes is very light, vodka distilled from potatoes is a little oilier and has a heavier “mouthfeel,” and to me, a great vodka is somewhere in-between, although not oily!

The best part of How to be a Vodka Snob is that it provides the foundation for anyone who is wanting to start learning about this incredible liquor. We talk about the different types of glassware, items you want for your in-home bar, and how to elevate simple recipes and cocktails.

One of our favorite chapters is the one titled “Vodka and Hollywood.” Researching famous shows and drinks that either were spun-off from a show or featured in a movie was incredibly fun. Dwight Schrute’s Beet-Juice-Vodka anyone?

Creating recipes based on holidays is also a favorite chapter to write. Vodka is such a great mixing spirit that you can instantly glam up your favorite drink with just a splash of it. 

For example, National Lemonade Day is celebrated annually on August 20th and lemonade is the perfect summer beverage to use in a cocktail. In fact, hockey professional Ryan Whitney’s favorite cocktail combo was a pink lemonade with New Amsterdam vodka. Their collaboration birthed the New Amsterdam’s Pink Whitney vodka, ready to be poured over ice in your favorite glass. No mixology skills needed!

If lemonade isn’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with a little cherry-flavored vodka in your soda instead of grenadine.

Don’t be afraid to head to your local liquor store and get some cute little bottles of different brands and flavors so you can have your own mini taste test party at home. Try various brands that are distilled from different ingredients so that you can create amazing drinks at home and when you’re out, you can order your favorite drinks with confidence and elevate your vodka experience. No more pushing the glass away after one sip!

Quick and Easy Vodka Lemonade Recipe

Lemonade is a great cocktail base, especially for families. For those under the drinking age, let them add grenadine to their lemonade for a sweet cherry upgrade. For the adults, try this simple recipe: 

Ingredients:
6 oz of your favorite lemonade
2 oz of your favorite vodka (we love Ciroc Berry or Florida Cane’s Okeechobee Cherry vodkas)
Ice

Lemon wedges or slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

Pour lemonade over ice in your favorite glass. 

Add vodka.

Garnish with lemon, if desired

Stir, sip, and #DrinkSophisticated!

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BIO:

Brittany Jacques is the pen name for husband-and-wife team of self-proclaimed vodka-lovers who enjoy tasting new drinks on date-nights and testing new ones at home. Find recipes and more at BrittanyJacques.com. 

Buy HOW TO BE A WODKA SNOB HERE

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Category: How To and Tips