We are exploring the world of Vodka this month, including the introduction of our Oliver’s Own Vodka!

Move away from the misconceptions that vodkas lack flavor or that you need to spend top dollar to get the best quality. This month discover the diverse world of vodkas, each showcasing unique qualities and flavors that are sure to inspire. Enjoy exclusive sale prices, expert suggestions for enjoying each spirit, recipes, and more.

Without further ado, let’s jump into our list of curated spirit ‘stars’.

STAFF PICKS

Each selection in handpicked by our team and includes exclusive sale prices which are in effect through the month of November. Cheers!

Note: All prices in effect from November 1-30, 2024 at all four Oliver’s Market locations.

Featured Favorite

Oliver’s Own Vodka, 750ml Bottle, $19.99+crv

Oliver’s Own Vodka is distilled in small batches from 100% grain for a smooth, clean taste. The artisanal distillation and use of grains gives this vodka subtle flavor and character, ending with a smooth finish.

“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce our latest product from the Oliver’s Own line…Vodka!” Josh explains. “While vodka can be somewhat neutral in flavor and aromatics, we feel we’ve created a product that is so much more! Made from 100% grain, this beauty is brimming with floral aromatics, followed on the palate with blue fruit tones, and subtle spice. Finishing incredibly crisp and clean, this gem defines the term ‘overdelivers’. We hope our customers will appreciate and enjoy it.” — Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

Other Featured Vodkas

Grey Goose Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, 24.99 +crv

“One of the smoothest vodkas out there. Using the finest ingredients from France, soft winter wheat and Gensac spring water. The ideal base for a Classic Dry Vodka Martini. Just add dry vermouth and orange bitters!”  — Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Department Manager

Skyy Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $9.99 +crv

“One of the pioneers of quadruple distillation and triple filtration, it contains one of the lowest levels of impurities within the industry. Also, made with mineral enriched water to enhance the mouthfeel and fresh taste.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Department Manager

High Ground Vodka, 750 ML Bottle, $18.99 +crv

“100% estate-grown rye and spring water from Sierra Mountain snowmelt is crafted in a state-of-the-art distillery to create a surprisingly soft and smooth vodka with a hint of rye spice.” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Department Manager

Wild Roots Pear Vodka, 750 ML Bottle $17.99 +crv

“Amazing pear flavor comes from using about a pound of fruit per bottle. A touch of natural sweetness with a smooth creamy mouthfeel makes this a luxurious choice either neat or as a tasty mixer. Distinctive and delicious.” – David Riley, Stoney Point Wine Department Manager

Built on a Strong Base

Vodkas can be made from a wide variety of raw materials, each contributing to its distinct flavor profile and character.

• Grapes: Grape-based vodkas have a more fruity and floral aroma compared to grain-based vodkas, with a smoother and often slightly sweeter taste.
• Wheat and other Grains: Smooth and versatile, wheat vodkas are characterized by their clean and crisp taste, often with subtle hints of sweetness.
• Potato: Potato vodkas are renowned for their creamy texture and earthy flavor profile. They have a fuller body and subtle notes of sweetness or nuttiness.
• Corn: Corn vodka is distilled from fermented corn mash. It tends to have a smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile with hints of vanilla and creaminess.

Cocktail Recipes

Jam Session 

Ingredients

• 2-3 oz. Oliver’s Own Vodka
• 1 tablespoon blueberry jam
• 1-2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Splash sparkling water

Method

• In a cocktail shaker, add jam, vodka, and lemon juice. Add ice and shake until chilled.
• Double strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
• Top with a splash of sparkling water and stir gently. (Any jam can be substituted, based on your preferences.)

Dirty Martini

• 2 1/2 oz. Grey Goose Vodka
• 1/2 ox. Noilly POrat Original French Dry Vermouth
• 1/2 oz. Mediterranean olive brine
• 5 Mediterranean olives

Method

• Pit two olives and muddle with the olive brine in the base of a Boston glass.
• Add vodka and vermouth, top with cubed ice and stir.
• Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with three olives on a pick.

Cosmopolitan

• 1 1/2 oz. Skyy Vodka
• 1 oz. Triple Sec
• 1/2 oz. Lime Juice
• 1/4 oz. Cranberry Juice

Method

• Mix vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
• Shake until chilled, then strain into a cocktail glass
• Garnish with an orange slice

The Drop

• 1 1/2 oz. High Ground Vodka
• 1 oz. Meyer Lemon Juice
• 3/4 oz. Chamomile-Infused Honey Syrup*
• 1/2 oz. Dry Orange Curacao

Method

• Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into a coupe class.
• Garnish with lemon and smoked Rosemary

*Boil, simmer, and strain 2 parts Honey, 1 part Water, and 1/16th part Chamomile

Pear Collins

• 2 oz. Wild Roots Pear Vodka
• 1 oz. Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz. Rosemary Simple Syrup
• Soda Water

Method

• In a Collins glass filled with ice, combine vodka, lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
• Stir to combine and top with soda water.

We’ll Cheers to That!

Here are the most common ways that vodka may be enjoyed:

• Straight: Enjoy your favorite vodka on its own to savor its unaltered flavor and character.
• Cocktail: Use vodka as a base in classic cocktails like Martinis, Cosmos, Mules & Bloody Marys.
• Infused: Infuse vodka with different ingredients to add depth and complexity, or to showcase seasonal flavors.
• Chilled Shot: Enjoy chilled vodka to preserve the aromatic qualities and enhance its smoothness.

Best Ways to Store Vodka

• Store bottles upright
• Avoid sunlight; a dark cabinet is ideal
• Consistent temperature or slightly cooler
• In freezer: this creates a syrupy texture ideal for chilled shots

Got Questions?

Please remember that our Wine, Spirits, and Beverage team loves to answer your questions, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

We hope you will try out some of our favorite Vodkas this month, enjoy the savings, and hopefully find a new favorite for your enjoyment this season.

Cheers!