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Product Taste Test: Absolut Vodka + Lemon Absolut Vodka

Close on the heels of an earlier taste-test, I was once again presented with an opportunity to do another comparison taste test when I received 2-750 ml sample bottles of Absolut Plain Vodka and Lemon Absolut Vodka.  As usual my earlier taste panel comprising my editor and another good friend gladly volunteered their taste buds to do a sampling and provide their feedback.  We checked out 2 Absolut recipes on my site - Light Night Special and Metro Mojito, and settled on a slightly different variation of the Light Night Special - except without the mint.  We wanted to taste the Vodka without blurring too much of its flavour.

First Step: I stopped off at my local Meinhardts store to stock up on the necessary accompaniments: three lemon sodas [we chose Boylan’s Bottleworks], plus one lemon and one orange for garnish.  We also made sure we had plenty of ice on hand and 3 tall glasses.

Second Step:  Light Night Special recipe

1-part ABSOLUT® VODKA

Bitter lemon or lemon soda

Orange

Lemon

Mint leaves

Instructions

Fill a long drink glass to the rim with ice.

Add 1 oz. ABSOLUT vodka and top up with bitter lemon, or lemon soda for a slightly sweeter taste.

Garnish with an orange and lemon wedge, and top with a sprig of mint.

We decided on two samplings using the above recipe – one with 1-oz each of Absolut Plain and one with 1-oz each of Lemon Absolut – except without the mint.

Overall Impressions:  The Absolut Plain over lemon soda was clean and refreshing with the lemon-orange garnish providing that extra citrusy flavour.  Chilling the vodka before-hand will definitely enhance the flavour.

We particularly loved the Lemon vodka variation – the taste was crisp and zesty. The lemon-soda we used was on the slightly sweeter side, but the recipe is easy to modify using a slightly bitter soda depending on one’s preferred taste.  Our taste panel agreed that both recipes would be perfect ice-breakers for upcoming summer barbecues.

At FoodVancouver.com we wish you a Happy Summer 2009 and urge all our readers to please drink responsibly. Cheers!

By Kevin Freeman

Edited by Sheila G. LoGuisto