Faber Orange Vodka

Faber Orange Vodka is an orange-flavored vodka, so the citrus is the point of the bottle. Expect a clear spirit with a prominent orange-peel aroma over a neutral vodka base. Flavored vodkas in this style usually read as zest and sweet orange rind rather than juice or candy. The base grain and the exact ABV aren't specified for this bottle, so check the label for the strength. In general, a spirit like this sits closer to a clean vodka with fruit on top than to a liqueur, and it should taste noticeably less sweet than a triple sec. Serve it well chilled, straight from the freezer if you want a thicker, smoother texture. Cold also keeps the orange aroma from turning perfumed or sharp. A small rocks glass with a twist of fresh orange peel works for sipping. The same bottle suits a stirred drink in a chilled martini glass. The orange character changes how it works in classic vodka cocktails. In a Cosmopolitan it is the natural choice, since it adds citrus depth and lets you cut back on triple sec, which keeps the drink drier and more tart. A Moscow Mule gets a brighter, zestier note against ginger beer and lime, and a copper mug keeps it cold. In a Martini, use a small splash of dry vermouth and an orange twist. It makes a softer, fruitier martini than a neutral vodka would. With an Espresso Martini, orange and coffee are a familiar pairing, so you get a faint chocolate-orange effect, and a few drops of orange bitters would sharpen it. A Bloody Mary is the weakest fit, because the citrus can clash with horseradish and Worcestershire, though a light touch works in a version with extra lemon or lime. Away from cocktails, orange vodka mixes simply with soda water and a wedge, with cranberry juice, or with tonic. It also works with grapefruit or lemon-lime sodas for an easy long drink. For food, it pairs best with the dishes that suit citrus: seafood, salty snacks, and dark chocolate desserts.