Two Chicks Vodka Elderflower

Two Chicks Vodka Elderflower is filed as a ready-to-drink product, so expect a vodka and elderflower combination meant to be poured straight from the container, not a bottle of plain spirit to build on. Elderflower is a floral note, usually described as lychee-like, honeyed and lightly perfumed. In vodka-based drinks of this kind, the neutral spirit keeps that floral character in front without adding grain or botanical flavors of its own. The listing doesn't state a grain or potato base, an ABV or a sweetness level, so check the label for those figures. Serve it well chilled, since cold tempers the sweetness that elderflower drinks tend to carry. Pour over plenty of ice in a rocks glass, or serve it straight from the fridge in a coupe or martini glass if you want it neat. A lemon or lime wedge, or a strip of cucumber, suits floral flavors and stops the drink tasting flat. Fresh mint also works well alongside elderflower. Because the flavor is already built in, don't treat it as a base for the classic vodka cocktails. A Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary or Espresso Martini wants an unflavored vodka, because the floral sweetness would clash with ginger beer, tomato and spice, or coffee. If you want to stretch it into a longer drink, topping it with soda or tonic gives a lighter spritz-style serve. Lemon juice or a splash of dry sparkling wine are other simple additions that balance the sweetness. For food, think of light dishes such as salads, soft cheeses, grilled fish and fruit-based desserts, where a delicate floral drink won't be overwhelmed.