Titos Loves Dogs As Much As It Loves Making Vodka
Beveridge started the brand with his trusty friend Dogjo, a yellow labrador retriever, by his side, and the company has since been known for its work protecting animals. Titos created the Vodka for Dog People Program to raise funds and curate partnerships with organizations that transport dogs from dangerous situations to safety.; The program supports dog charities like Wings of Rescue, an organization committed to finding forever homes for pets in need, Emancipet, a non-profit spay/neuter organization, as well as the ASPCA.
What Vodka Would You Want In Your Martini
Out of the three, Belvedere Vodka would be our choice for a classic Martini. Because of its smooth creaminess, it would be most enjoyable to drink in a spirit-forward cocktail. Belvedere does not burn and is overall a lovely spirit.
Neither of us would be mad about a Tito’s Vodka Martini, though. Tito’s is pleasant and smooth enough to drink straight. It would also save a couple of bucks if that’s what you’re looking for.
This Vodka From Bakon Is Going To Be A Hard Pass
Now for all you Bloody Mary fans out there, this might not sound too terrible, but the second-worst vodka on our list that you should probably avoid at all costs is the bacon-flavored spirit from Bakon Vodka. Yes, bacon-flavored vodka. We love a good piece of bacon, don’t get us wrong, but in vodka form? Absolutely not.;
As noted by the Bakon Vodka website, the spirit is ideally used in drinks like a Bloody Mary or a Caesar but if you can just use your classic vodka for those specific drinks, why get a special flavored vodka that you can’t use for all your cocktails? It’s not like you’re going to want to sip on bacon-flavored vodka, let alone use it in a classic mixed drink like a Cosmopolitan .;
If you think that we’re being dramatic, we can guarantee you that we aren’t. LA Weekly put Bakon Vodka on their list of the five worst vodkas out there, so we’re pretty confident that you should save your money and skip out on this bottle.
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Belvedere Vs Grey Goose Vs Tito’s Vodka Comparison
It’s a vodka showdown: Belvedere vs. Grey Goose vs. Tito’s. In this episode of The Tasting Room, we sit down and put three of the most popular vodka brands to the test.
We offer your average alcohol consumer’s perspective and an experienced bartender’s thoughts to decide which of the three like best. Will Grey Goose win Alchemix’s favor? Or will one of the others emerge victorious ?
Sometimes, going to liquor stores can be overwhelming. Especially if you want to try something new. Our favorite liquor store is the size of a small warehouse, so it can be hard to choose what bottle to grab.
This is especially true when you’re trying to decide if paying extra for a popular brand is worth it.
Before filming this episode, I struggled with choosing vodka the most. By definition, vodka is supposed to be neutral and mostly flavorless, right?
So why am I choosing from brands that cost $7 to hundreds of dollars? We decided to try offering some help by choosing 3 of the most popular brands available in the US: Tito’s Handmade, Belvedere, and Grey Goose.
Once Carl decided which vodkas to sample, I put together tasting notes from books, reviews, and the liquor brand’s own marketing materials. I didn’t expect to find as much variation as I did.
In my experience, flavor differences came from what is mixed with the vodka instead of the spirit itself. But, I didn’t take into account exactly how much variation in base elements there can be.
Belvedere Is One Of Our Top Three Picks
If you’re a “I’m going to buy this vodka because I like the label” kind of person, then we’ll be surprised if you’ve never picked up a bottle of Belvedere before. The name itself just sounds fancy, and, as noted by Drizly, the vodka itself is excellent. Belvedere markets itself as the “true expression of luxury vodka,” and is the result of a 600-year vodka-making tradition originally from Poland. It is made with Polish Dankowski Rye and is distilled four times in order to “create the perfect balance of character and purity.” It also doesn’t have any added glycerin, sugar, or additives, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.;
Belvedere is a fantastic choice as well, because it is not only great for sipping, but it makes the perfect martini . The only slight downside to Belvedere, as you may have guessed, is the cost. For a 1L bottle, you’re looking at dropping about $40, which isn’t exactly the most budget-friendly idea. But if you have a bit to spare, Belvedere is absolutely the right choice.
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What Makes Titos Vodka Unique
Since the brands labelling is decidedly unobtrusive, it relies on the purity and unique flavour of the vodka to appeal to consumers.;
In order to achieve that all-desirable purity, Titos vodka is distilled 6 times . This time-consuming process, in addition to the vodka being made from corn mash , results in a smooth, glassy finished product.
Complete with a slightly candied aftertaste , we have a winning vodka. Its so revered, that today the brand makes only pure, unflavoured vodka .
Of course, unflavoured does not mean flavourless: The medium-bodied vodka hints at citrus, guava and passionfruit amid its signature clean taste.
Middle Of The Pack Is Smirnoff
When you think of big brand vodkas, chances are you think of Smirnoff. It’s been handed to people at parties and gatherings more times than anyone can count, as it’s pretty affordable. As noted by Drizly, Smirnoff is an 80-proof vodka that is filtered ten times, so it’s pretty decent to have on its own or to use in a mix. Smirnoff markets itself as the vodka for “connoisseurs and newcomers alike,” as it prides itself on consistency and on meeting expectations.;
For a middle-of-the-road vodka, Smirnoff seems to check off most of the boxes, according to reviews. One reviewer on Drizly said it best when they wrote, “Does the job.”;That review continued, “Nothing really that special. Will continue to buy as it’s fairly inexpensive and works. … Easily accessible, well-known and that’s another reason why I’ll continue to buy.” Another reviewer said that Smirnoff “causes a slight cringe” after shooting it down, but “it’s decent for a middle shelf vodka.” So if you’re down to get a bottle that’s not super cheap but isn’t going to wreck your bank account either, Smirnoff is a decent option that won’t let you down.
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Chopin Potato Vodka Isn’t As Bad As It Sounds
It’s safe to say that the potato is one of the most versatile vegetables out there. From French fries to vodka, the simple potato has proved itself time and time again. But still, it does sound a little weird to have the label “potato vodka” on your spirit of choice, but that’s how the Chopin Potato Vodka is marketed. Named after the famous composer, the Chopin Potato Vodka is hitting just below the middle of the pack, and it’s a fairly decent option.;
According to GearMoose, Chopin Potato Vodka is one of the better “under $30” vodkas out there, as it is four times distilled and “has a creamy finish,” and it’s great when making a dirty martini . So what do the reviews say for the brand? “Smells like vodka, tastes like vodka. Very neutral,” a reviewer wrote on Flaviar. “A little of lemon and pepper with an oily texture. Overall, not bad. Different. Creamier than what I’m used to. Give it a try.” Another echoed that sentiment, saying that it was “surprisingly inoffensive for vodka.” So maybe give it a whirl you might like it.
Flavor Variations For Vodka And Coke
Vodka and Coke are tasty together. But it is really easy to jazz up this simple cocktail idea even more.
Below are a bunch of ways to make this recipe more personalized.;
By just adding one other flavor component, you can make all kinds of variations to the recipe. Or mix 2 of these ideas together. The combinations are endless!;
- Add citrus lemon and lime are a great pairing with Coke.
- Use flavored vodka if you have flavored vodka hanging around your home, swap it out plain for an instant flavor boost.
- Use flavored Coke they now sell many versions of Coke including my favorite Cherry, but theyve just introduced Georgia Peach and California Raspberry. YUM!
- Use flavored syrups just like when you go to a diner and they make a legit Cherry Coke, add a little flavored syrup to your Vodka Coke cocktail. Or add a little vanilla extract!
- Use Diet Coke instead Im not a diet soda drinker but if you are, feel free to swap. There are a ton of flavor options for Diet Coke too.
- Add fresh herbs adding fresh herbs to a cocktail is a quick way to give it a boost. While it might not flavor the cocktail , it will be intoxicating to your nose as you sip away.
- Muddle fresh fruit Muddling fresh fruit is a quick way to add a unique spin on this easy drink idea.
- Make it an adult float by adding ice cream!;
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Tomato Juice Or Bloody Mary Mix
Yes, youll need a few more flavoring agents to really make it a truly tasty beverage, but at its base, a Bloody Mary is essentially just tomato juice and vodka. This savory delight works best when youre hungover or when you are out at a bottomless brunch. If you want to make one at home with full flavor, we suggest having plenty of one of these Bloody Mary mixes on hand.
Lemonade And Iced Tea
You could go with one or the other, or you can shake things up and make a John Daly. Use an ounce or two of vodka and equal parts lemonade and iced tea for a perfect porch sipper. The refreshing nature of the tea, the sweet and citrusy lemonade, the punch of a nice helping of vodka there is little better when its 100 degrees and you have to be outside.
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Titos Was Started With A Pile Of Credit Cards And Very Little Cash
Like most startups, Titos began in debt, to the tune of $90K spread out over 19 credit cards. Beveridge went all-in when he started the brand in 1997, hand-bottling vodka, screwing caps on bottles, and putting Elmers glue on paper labels. He even slept next to the still in the early days. But to say this was a sound investment is a profound understatement. Titos sales exploded more than 60 percent in 2017 and have increased approximately 20 percent annually since. And its worth billions now, with an estimated one-fourth share of the vodka market and revenues approaching $1.4 billion in 2020.;
How To Make Big Batch For A Party
A batch of Seabreeze cocktails is the best vodka drink for parties because you can make it ahead and then let everyone help themselves. Make it several hours in advance and then chill it before the party.
Combine all of the ingredients in a large container and give it a good stir. Chill it in the fridge, and then when its party time, pour it into a punch bowl.
Leave the ice and garnishes out, and your guests can assemble their own drinks.
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The Man Who Started It All
Who would have thought that the genius behind Titos Vodka was once known as the mortgage guy?
The name is Bert Butler Tito Beveridge II. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, graduated with degrees in geophysics and geology, and had several businesses before finding a goldmine in what he used to consider as a hobby. While in the mortgage business, he started concocting habanero-flavored vodka;and gave them as gifts to friends. At the time, people started calling him the vodka guy.
He never knew the moniker would become a reality until the mortgage rates soared a couple of points. In the mid-90s, he began researching the tools and ingredients needed to come up with something that would be embraced by vodka lovers.
It wasnt an easy process. He had to experiment a lot, which meant several failures before hitting the jackpot. He borrowed money from 19 credit cards to start the company in 1997. He had to sleep in couches and floors as the business began to take its form.
It was in 2001 when Titos Vodka hit it big after emerging as a winner among 72 vodkas from around the globe in the 2001 World Spirits Competition. Titos sold an estimated 63 million vodka bottles in 2017, which boosts to 88 million the following year. It is now included in the list of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the US. According to Forbes, the owner of Titos Vodka is acknowledged as one of Americas richest people with a net worth of $4.6 billion.
Sweet And Heat Infusion
This fun infusion from the Ghost Coast Distillery in Savannah, Georgia, is easy to replicate at home for a delicious-flavored vodka. Serve strained and chilled to enjoy that sweet taste with a little kick.
Makes 1 infusion
750-milliliter bottle Ghost Coast Vodka1 jalapeño, sliced1/2 pineapple, in wedges
How to Make ItCombine all ingredients in a glass container and let sit in the refrigerator for three days or until the desired flavor is reached.
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Bert Tito Beveridge: The Vodka Guy
Titos pure, unflavoured 40% ABV vodka might just be the best thing to come out of Texas since Dr Pepper but its creator had zero experience in spirit distillation.
No, Tito did not come from a long-established line of master distillers whod passed on the torch in fact, hed held a cornucopia of job titles, including groundwater geologist, oil driller, and mortgage broker, before finally realising his calling as the vodka guy.
If You’re Going For Cheap New Amsterdam Vodka Will Serve You Well
There are some people out there who drink because they enjoy the flavor, while others are just looking for a good time. If you’re someone who wants to get a bit of a buzz without spending a ton of money , then New Amsterdam vodka might be a good choice for you. At just $11.99 for a 750ml;bottle, the price does a lot of the talking about the smoothness of this spirit. New Amsterdam has also gotten a variety of colorful reviews, so let’s take a look at some of them, courtesy of Total Wine.;
One reviewer cut right to it, saying, “Nail polish remover probably tastes better.” Six simple words that give so much sensory detail. The review continued, “When I first opened bottle I almost dropped it because it smelled that bad. I thought it would be decent vodka at budget price. I guess you get what you pay for!!” Another wrote, “Not the best in my opinion. But anything will work for mixed drinks if they are made right.” So if $11.99 sounds good to you, just proceed with caution.
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If Quality Isn’t Exactly What You’re Going For Skyy Vodka Will Do
We’re slowly starting to inch our way to the best vodka brands on our list. If you’re looking for a vodka that’s pretty decent for mixing, then Skyy Vodka could be the bottle you’re looking for. As noted by Drizly, Skyy Vodka starts at $19.89 for a 1L bottle, so it’s still very much on the affordable side. It has underlying flavors of anise, coriander, and pepper and is a triple-filtered spirit.;
This all sounds pretty good, right? Well, some users who took to the reviews on Drizly had less-than-nice things to say. First and foremost, one reviewer explained that they left the vodka in the freezer and it completely froze solid , so that seems a bit questionable if you ask us. Another reviewer put it pretty well when they said, “Skyy is pretty middle of the road. Its selling point is its cheapness.” So is it the worst? No. Is it the best? Not at all. Do with this information what you will.
Meet My Drinking Partner Titos Vodka
I confess. I like vodka. One could say its my favorite drink of choice. We do enjoy wine and beer but my go-to alcoholic beverage is vodka. If you follow our Food Travelist , or accounts you would be impressed with the amount of different vodka cocktails we have been able to;feature.
Of course I have a favorite brand. Its Titos Vodka. Ive tried;many types of vodka, both domestic and imported. No matter how many I sample, I always return to my brand of choice Titos. My signature cocktail is Titos Vodka with club soda , a large slice;of fresh lemon and one giant ice cube. Period. Simple, easy, refreshing and tasty.
There are so many reasons that I enjoy Titos Handmade Vodka.
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Titos As A Top Shelf Vodka
Vodka;is primarily comprised of ethanol and water. There are also certain makers that include traces of flavorings. The traditional way of drinking vodka is straight or neat. It is not mixed with mixers, such as ice and water. It is also used to come up with concoctions to make the drinking experience more pleasurable.
Top shelf means of high quality, and that is exactly what Tito has to offer. Titos Vodka was originally craft-distilled at the first legal distillery in Texas using copper pot stills. What used to be a micro-distillery expanded in 2001 after surpassing the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States 40,000 cases industry standard for a craft distillery.
Titos Vodka is now included in many sites and experts lists of high-quality vodka brands and considered a top-shelf. A lot of people enjoy Titos for the following reasons:
- It has a tinge of sweetness, but it doesnt overpower its top-notch finish.
- It is one of the few vodkas that mixes well with other flavors.
- It is gluten-free, and it doesnt only taste smooth but also luscious and rich.