Caviar, blini…and vodka…the stuff of luxury and also, traditionally, Russian. But Akvinta vodka, the first super-premium vodka to come out of Croatia, may give other vodkas a run for their money. Croatia is a Southern-central European country that lies literally at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe. This area is known for wine, as well as spirits.
When you drink something luxurious, you want it to caress your tongue, not burn it. Akvinta Vodka is created in a micro distillery using Italian organic wheat and Croatian artisanal water, so your taste buds savor a smooth, well balanced products with what the company claims is “virtually no impurities.” The clear spirit also has no preservatives, no added sugar, no artificial flavoring, and is 100% USDA certified organic.
What’s in a name? In this case, Akvinta is a fitting description created from Latin words:
Aqua: ‘water’ the largest ingredient in any vodka,
Vinum: ‘wine’, echoing the tradition of winemaking
Quinta: ‘five’ refers to Akvinta’s unique Quintuple Filtration process.
Akvinta Vodka’s (patented) Quintuple Filteration process features some precious materials: Charcoal, Marble, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In fact, there is a metal coin embedded right into the glass on the bottle to boast of this! The Birch Charcoal purifies the water to reduce impurities and adds to the taste . The Marble filter reproduces the natural filtration process found when rain water is purified in a natural spring (how poetic!). The Silver filter softens and smooths the taste, while the Gold adds warmth and finally, the Platinum — unifies all components and adds half-tones to the after-taste. To me, the initial scent is lightly floral.
Vodka isn’t supposed to leave a taste in your mouth, but the filters in Akvinta do proffer a light lemon that turns to a bit of spicy pepper. That makes it distinctive, but the after-taste won’t spoil a drink made with mixers. It is extremely smooth going down the proverbial pipes, without any of the harshness or roughness associated with some vodkas. I’m not suggesting you drink shots, but if you did, you might not feel a burn in your throat.
Vodka works well with many different cuisines so you can drink it before, during and after dinner! It is now available at select bars and restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is already a West Coast favorite of celebrities, but you can enjoy your own bottle, straight or with mixers, for around $35.00. With little to no impurities, you might feel that this organic and all natural product is actually a health food, or at least a healthy way to enjoy a pampering drink in, or out!
To inspire you, here are two attractive Summer-worthy recipes. Personally, I like vodka just served in a cut crystal tumbler, over lots of ice, with a slice of lemon or lime. The clear bottle with red, black and gold accents makes pouring it straight, feel like a little luxury. But for those who like mixed drinks, these two are not just impressive, they are very easy!
Kupina Fizz
1 1/2 oz. Akvinta Vodka
1/3 oz. Creme de Mure
1/2 oz. Blackberry Puree
1/3 oz. Lemon juice
1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
Top with Soda Water
Shaken & strained over crushed ice topped with soda and garnished with a blackberry & a slice of star fruit served with a straw.
Akvinta Pretty Girl
2 oz of Akvinta Vodka
2 strawberries (sliced and muddled)
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz Lemon Juice
2 pieces of Basil
Shake with ice and strain into an ice filled collins glass
Top with sparkling wine and garnish with 1 half strawberry
If you’re looking for something new that’s smooth, satisfying and a little luxury, ask for Akvinta. For additional information on Akvinta Vodka, please visit www.akvintausa.com
