The Spirit World

When I originally put this post topic on the calendar I had no idea that Seattle would be covered in snow today but it is so fitting! Even last night although the snow was supposed to turn to rain it didn’t - at least not at my house. Enough snow came down to cover all the tracks made by humans and animals the last couple days and then the rain still hasn’t come. Everything is melting this morning as the temperature has warmed but there is still plenty of snow on the ground to make this post very appropriate!

I don’t remember when I started associating vanilla vodka with winter and I’m not even sure why. I suppose it’s because vanilla always appears as “white” - why is that when vanilla itself is dark brown? - which is reminiscent of snow and cold. I’m not sure. But vanilla vodka on the rocks has become one of my favorite winter time “clean” drinks. By clean I mean there’s no fuss, no muss, just a hint of flavor, a bit of a kick and then the chill from the ice.

Now, you may have tried flavored vodkas and not been all that crazy about them. But what I’d like you to think about is that not all flavored vodkas are equal or, better stated, not all flavored vodkas are appropriate for the same uses. And it may take you a time or two to find out which ones you like in which ways. I recommend you do your experimenting while out and about so that you don’t end up with an overflowing liquor cabinet (as I have, and believe me it’s a pain!).

For instance with vanilla vodka, when drinking it on the rocks as I’m recommending for this post I like Stoli Vanil. It has a strong vanilla flavor, the alcohol takes second seat and it holds it’s own when the ice starts melting and mingling with the spirit. If I’m mixing a vanilla flavored vodka into a cocktail I’ll most likely use Absolut Vanilia as it is still vodka first, with just a hint of vanilla which I find enhances mixed drinks without overpowering them. So each flavored vodka has it’s own characteristics and you may need to try a few to find which ones you are happy with.

With this glass of Stoli Vanil I like something very simple and salty. The ribs we made a couple weeks back would be perfect. But this week, since we are in the middle of holiday baking at the moment, we are going to make the “appetizer” super simple! Find a good brand of salted mixed nuts, pour them into a bowl (if you feel the need to), put your feet up (by the fire if possible) take a sip, let out a little sigh and be perfectly content as you take a little break from the holiday hustle.