Gameday Spiked

Gameday Spiked is a vodka from Esplanda. The listing doesn't state a grain, potato or corn base, an ABV, or whether the bottle is flavored, so check the label for those details. The name suggests a casual, party-oriented bottle, and the notes below are written to hold up either way. If it's an unflavored vodka, expect a neutral spirit with a light grain or faint sweet note on the nose and a clean finish. In that case it will work in classic recipes and take on whatever you mix it with. If the label shows a flavoring, treat that flavor as the lead ingredient. Cut back on sweet mixers such as cranberry or simple syrup, and pair it with citrus, soda or ginger beer, which keep a flavored vodka from turning cloying. For serving, keep the bottle in the freezer. Cold mutes any alcohol heat and gives a neutral vodka a slightly thicker pour. Serve it straight in a chilled martini glass, or over ice in a rocks glass with a lemon or lime twist. Cocktails that suit it: - **Moscow Mule:** 2 oz vodka, fresh lime and ginger beer, served in a copper mug or highball glass. This is the most forgiving choice if the vodka turns out to be flavored. - **Martini:** Stir with a splash of dry vermouth and garnish with an olive or lemon peel. This shows the vodka's texture most plainly. - **Bloody Mary:** The tomato, horseradish and spice cover most of the spirit, so a neutral vodka suits it. - **Cosmopolitan:** Needs only a clean base to carry the cranberry, lime and orange liqueur. - **Espresso Martini:** Shake with fresh espresso and coffee liqueur. A clean vodka keeps the coffee as the main flavor.