Sea Ice

Sea Ice is a vodka from Esplanda. The product details don't name a grain or other base, an ABV, or a distillation method, so what follows describes how vodkas of this kind usually behave, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a neutral, clear spirit with little aroma beyond a faint grain or mineral note, and a clean, slightly sweet entry that finishes dry. The name suggests a crisp, cold style, but the label is the place to check the base ingredient and strength. A neutral vodka like this suits drinks where the spirit supports the other ingredients. In a Martini, stir it with ice for 25 to 30 seconds, strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass, and finish with a lemon twist or an olive. A twist keeps the drink brighter, while an olive and a splash of brine make it savory. In a Moscow Mule, use roughly 2 ounces of vodka, half an ounce of fresh lime juice, and 4 ounces of ginger beer over ice, so the ginger's heat stays at the front. The same restraint helps in a Bloody Mary, where a clean base lets the tomato, horseradish, celery salt and Worcestershire show. A Cosmopolitan (vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and lime) and an Espresso Martini (vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, shaken hard for a foam head) both rely on the vodka staying out of the way. To drink it neat, store the bottle in the freezer. Vodka at this strength won't freeze solid, and the cold makes it thicker and smoother. Pour it into a small chilled glass, or over a large cube in a rocks glass if you want it to dilute slowly. Chilled vodka pairs well with salty and briny food such as smoked fish, pickles, cured meats and salted nuts.