Khor Vodka Ice

Khor Vodka Ice is a vodka sold under the Esplanda label. The details on hand don't give a grain or potato base, a proof, a distillation method or a country of origin, so none of those are stated here. The "Ice" in the name points to a style meant to be served very cold. Vodkas positioned this way are usually built to be clean and neutral, with a light, slightly sweet grain-like note and little burn once chilled. If you want to know the exact base and strength, check the label on the bottle. Cold is the best way to use it. Keep the bottle in the freezer for a few hours before serving. Ethanol at typical vodka strength won't freeze solid, but the liquid turns thicker and silkier. That texture makes a neat pour easy to drink and softens any edge. Pour it into a small chilled glass or a rocks glass over one large cube. A large cube melts slowly and won't dilute the drink quickly. A thin strip of lemon peel over the glass adds aroma without covering the spirit. For cocktails, a neutral, clean vodka works best where other ingredients carry the flavor. In a Martini, stir it with ice and a small amount of dry vermouth, then strain it into a chilled martini glass and finish with olives or a lemon twist. A Moscow Mule needs only lime juice, ginger beer and plenty of ice in a copper mug or highball glass. A Bloody Mary can take the vodka's neutral profile without it competing with tomato, horseradish, Worcestershire and pepper. The Cosmopolitan (vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and lime) and the Espresso Martini (vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, shaken hard for a foamy top) are also good choices. In both, the vodka gives the drink its alcohol backbone and leaves the citrus or coffee in front. Neat or on the rocks, a chilled vodka goes well with salty and briny food, such as smoked fish, pickles, cured meats, olives and salted nuts. Keep the bottle closed and stored upright in the freezer, and take out only what you plan to pour so it stays cold.