Red Bull

Red Bull is a carbonated energy drink that liquor stores stock in the mixers aisle. Its main use there is as a sweet, tart, high-carbonation partner for vodka and other clear spirits. Expect a bright, candy-like flavor with a tangy, slightly medicinal-citrus edge, a sugary body and a sharp fizz. Many drinkers compare the taste to sweet-tart fruit candy. The flavor is assertive, so it works best with spirits that stay clean and neutral and don't compete with it. Serve it well chilled, straight from the fridge, because warm energy drink turns syrupy and flat-tasting. Pour it over plenty of ice in a tall glass. A highball or Collins glass is the usual choice. It holds enough ice to keep the drink cold as it dilutes, and its narrow shape keeps the carbonation from escaping too quickly. Pour slowly down the side of the glass or over a bar spoon to preserve the bubbles. The classic pairing is vodka and Red Bull. A common starting ratio is one part vodka to two or three parts Red Bull, then adjust to taste. A wedge of lime or lemon cuts the sweetness and adds a fresh citrus note. Light rum, white tequila and citrus-forward gin also work if you prefer a slightly different base. Avoid long-aged or heavily oaked spirits, because the sweet, tangy flavor tends to flatten their character. Because of the sugar, go easy on any added syrups or liqueurs. For food, it suits salty, fried or spicy snacks like chips, wings and pretzels. The carbonation and sweetness offset the salt and heat. Open a can just before use, since the fizz fades quickly once it's poured. Chill any leftover liquid, but don't count on it keeping its sparkle.