Pink Whitney

Pink Whitney is a vodka made in Massachusetts and listed under the Esplanda brand. The listing doesn't state the grain base, proof or flavor profile, so what follows is what to expect from the name and the category, not a measured tasting profile. The name points to a flavored, fruit-leaning vodka, and bottles sold under it are usually pink-lemonade in style. Expect a sweeter, lighter and more fruit-forward spirit than a neutral vodka. Check the label for the exact flavor and strength. If this one is flavored, treat it as the flavor in the drink and not as a blank base. In a Cosmopolitan, it can stand in for part of the sweetness and citrus, so cut back the triple sec or simple syrup and taste as you go. In a Moscow Mule, a fruit-leaning vodka suits the sharp lime and ginger beer, and a squeeze of fresh lime keeps it from tasting sweet. A simple highball with soda and a lemon wedge shows off the flavor with the least interference. Savory and coffee drinks such as a Bloody Mary or an Espresso Martini are the weaker fit for a sweet, citrus-style vodka. You can still try them, but a plain, neutral vodka usually works better there. For a Martini, a flavored vodka makes a looser, fruitier drink than the classic dry version. Serve it well chilled. Keep the bottle in the freezer or shake it hard over ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. For a simple pour, use a rocks glass over ice. Cold temperature tightens the texture and tones down sweetness, which helps with any flavored vodka.