An aperitif is a liqueur that is closely linked to wine, being light and bubbly in taste and consistency. Over time, aperitifs have become a staple in European as well as global culture; they are typically relished as pre-dinner drinks. The light consistency of aperitifs helps stimulate one’s palate, preparing and tempting them for the imminent meal at hand. Aperitifs can be concocted using a multitude of spirits; however, vodka aperitifs have particularly gained prominence in the recent decade or so.
Owing to its understated flavours, vodka makes a solid base for a range of aperitif options. For homemade vodka aperitif concoctions, it is recommended that one uses renowned and well-respected vodka brands. Gin, vermouth, and dry wine also serve as good foundations for aperitif blends. In fact, vermouth features prominently in several vodka-based aperitif infusions, including the Herbal Breeze and the Arctic Mixer, both of which are covered in this article. Other famed vodka aperitif cocktails include the Moscow Mule, known for its sweet and spicy flavour, and the Dirty Martini, which packs a strong and salty taste.
Take a look at some DIY vodka aperitif cocktails that can be made at home.
The Citrus Whisper
As the name suggests, the Citrus Whisper infuses vodka with rich, zesty, and fruity notes of citrus to form an enchanting drink that is packed with fresh flavours. Vodka, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and soda water are the main ingredients of this cocktail. Making this cocktail is extremely simple. All one has to do is mix the vodka, lemon juice and orange liqueur in a shaker with some ice. After shaking the concoction, strain the mixture into a chilled glass, and top off the citrusy delight with dash of soda water and lemon twist.
Image Credits: Freepik
The Herbal Breeze
The Herbal Breeze is a fragrant cocktail that effortless combines vodka with a collection of herbs, helping jumpstart one’s evening. The herbs used in this cocktail are rosemary and thyme; a sprig of each should be enough. To prepare the cocktail, crush and jumble the herbs in a mixing glass. Then, pour the vodka as well as some vermouth along with ice into the mixing glass. Stir the concoction lightly, and lastly, strain the cocktail in a chilled martini glass for consumption.
The Berry Blush
The Berry Blush is an antioxidant rich concoction that effortlessly blends berries and vodka. Raspberry liqueur as well as fresh raspberries serve as hero ingredients of this dish, which also lend it a striking bright reddish pink colour. To begin with, crush and mix the berries in a shaker. Then, add vodka, raspberry liqueur and ice to the shaker, and give it a strong shake before straining the concoction into a glass. Top off the drink with a splash of lemonade to give it some refreshing notes of citrus.
Image Credits: Freepik
The Sunset Serenade
The Sunset Serenade is a flavour-packed, orange-based concoction. The primary ingredients of this vodka-infused aperitif cocktail are peach schnapps, orange bitters, and orange zest. This cocktail can be created in three simple steps. Firstly, take a mixing glass filled with ice, and use this glass to combine the vodka, peach schnapps, and orange bitters. Secondly, stir the mixture forcefully, and strain it into a cocktail glass. Lastly, garnish the cocktail with a hint of orange zest to accentuate the notes of citrus in the cocktail for an exhilarating experience.
The Arctic Whisper
Travel through space and time to the snowy Arctic with the energizing Arctic Whisper cocktail, which is considered an excellent palate cleanser. In addition to vodka, one needs dry vermouth, lime juice, and lime wheel to craft this cocktail. Begin by blending the vodka, vermouth and lime juice with some ice cubes in a mixing glass. Next, give the mixture a gentle stir, and ultimately, strain it into a chilled martini glass. To finish, attach a lime wheel to the glass to imbue the cocktail with a visually appealing decorative element.
Image Credits: Freepik
The Peartini
The Peartini combines the sweet and nutty flavour of the Anjou pair with the subtle rich flavours of vodka to help produce an earthy and vibrant cocktail. To prepare this simple yet enriching concoction, mix the vodka with vanilla liqueur, lemon syrup, and sugar syrup in a shaker. Ensure to thrash the shaker thoroughly back and forth till it becomes frosted and beads of sweat begin appearing on its surface. Subsequently, strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, and enhance the drink’s visual appearance by beautifying it with a piece of pear.