Faber Raspberry Vodka

Faber Raspberry Vodka is a flavored vodka, so the raspberry is the first thing you notice and the neutral spirit sits underneath it. The details supplied for this bottle don't give a grain base, ABV or tasting notes, so what follows describes how raspberry vodkas generally behave. Expect a bright red-fruit nose with a little jammy sweetness, and a palate that is more tart than sugary. The finish is usually short and clean, with the fruit fading quickly. These vodkas are most often bottled for mixing, so they don't try to drink like a dry, unflavored spirit. The flavor changes how you use it in classic recipes. In a Cosmopolitan it is the easiest swap: raspberry reinforces the cranberry and lime, and you can cut back on the orange liqueur if the result tastes too sweet. A Moscow Mule gets a berry layer against ginger beer and lime, and a squeeze of extra lime keeps it from turning sticky. A raspberry Martini works as a shaken drink with a splash of dry vermouth or lemon juice, which gives the fruit some acidity to push against. A Bloody Mary and an Espresso Martini are a different matter. Raspberry fights the savory spice in one and can taste odd next to roasted coffee in the other. Some people like the berry-and-chocolate pairing in an Espresso Martini, but try it in a small batch before you commit to a round. For serving, keep the bottle in the freezer or pour over plenty of ice. Cold tones down the sweetness of flavored vodka and tightens the fruit. For a neat or lightly diluted pour, a chilled martini glass or a small rocks glass over a single large cube both work. Soda water, lemonade or sparkling wine also pair well with it. For food, tart desserts such as lemon tarts, dark chocolate, cheesecake and fresh berries suit it better than most savory dishes.