Pretty In Pink: The World's Most Beautiful Vodka?
This just in, from my fabulous summer intern, Taylor Price! Twenty-one years old and soon to be a senior at my very own alma mater, UCLA (Go Bruins!), Taylor is enjoying getting to know the world of wine - and cocktails, it turns out - as she lends a hand at Hip Tastes this summer. Read on for her take on the lovely new spirit we've just discovered, LA-based, Swedish-made Pinky Vodka. Because, it turns out, LA turns out a lot more than just fabulous Bruin English majors (it also turns out a lot of great folks from other majors, too). :)
In Taylor's Words:
It's hard to believe (unless of course you hail from the motherland of vodka), that this powerful spirit could be both beautiful and highly enjoyable to sip. Pinky Vodka promises both, and actually delivers!
As the name suggests, this vodka boasts a lovely pink hue and a fresh, floral aroma derived from twelve different botanicals blended into the mix after an intricate distillation process. Flirty and feminine, Pinky brings to mind a flowery, springtime perfume and a modern sophistication not commonly associated with the drink. The sexy bottle features a bright pink and black color scheme (think a trendy LA lounge) and an uber-artsy form worthy of any discerning liquor cabinet. This is definitely vodka aimed at a hip female audience and I could easily imagine it being served at a bachelorette party, a swanky bar, or even just a night in with the girls.
Now to the good stuff-let's talk about drinking! The people at Pinky have been kind enough to compile a list of cocktail recipes all meant to mix brilliantly with the vodka. To taste the full extent of Pinky, I prepared it three ways: Pinky by itself, a Pinky Cosmo, and a Pinky Basil Gimlet. Not being a huge fan of downing vodka straight (who really is?? - wait, don't answer that), I skeptically sipped the stuff and was quite pleasantly surprised. Extremely floral and slightly fruity, Pinky offered a delicate sweetness I've rarely experienced with a flavored vodka. Pinky is almost as enjoyable straight as it is in a mixed drink-what a success!
The Pinky Cosmo:
Drinkable and flirty, the Pinky Cosmo had all the bells and whistles of the original, but with an additional rosy undertone. I preferred this drink with a little extra lime as it does become very sweet with both the cranberry and the flowery vodka. The lime added an extra kick of flavor and tartness which expertly balanced the sweetness. This is a great party drink and sure to be a hit with the girls. And besides, if "Sex and the City" has taught us anything, it is that the Cosmo is the official drink of the sexy, hip female population.
1 1/2 parts Pinky
1/2 part cranberry juice
1/4 part triple sec
Squeeze of lime juice
Stir over ice, adding a squeeze of lime. Strain into a chilled martini class and garnish with a lime twist.
The Pinky Basil Gimlet:
Nothing short of amazing! I was totally floored by this drink and it has definitely earned a place in my list of top 3 favorite cocktails. This gimlet has a complex, almost vegetal flavor with the muddled basil and a tasty kick of lime. Not for the weak-palated, this drink is forward and bursting with flavor. The lime imparts a tart, lively side which covers most of the vodka's sweetness while still remaining highly drinkable. The floral undertone is still present, but delicate and subtle. This cocktail definitely wakes up the palate, preparing it for a flavorful meal or perhaps just another round! Die-hard Cosmo fans might not enjoy this drink with its tarty forwardness, but it is nonetheless a cocktail very worthy of a taste.
3 parts Pinky
Splash of agave nectar
1 part lime juice
4-5 fresh basil leaves
Muddle (crush) the basil in a glass. Add the Pinky, agave nectar, lime juice and ice, Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.
FINAL NOTE: A word to the wise-Pinky is one of those spirits that tastes so good and so clean you can find yourself four drinks deep before you know it. This is not something you want to do if standing up straight, walking in a straight line or talking coherently are your goals for the rest of the evening. 'Right. You've been warned.