Tito's Vodka

Tito's is a 40% ABV vodka distilled from corn in Texas, and the corn base shapes how it drinks. Grain vodkas can read sharp or peppery, but corn-based spirits usually come across with a slightly rounded, faintly sweet body. Expect a soft, clean texture with a mild grain sweetness at the front and very little aroma. The finish should be short and tidy, with no pronounced flavoring or sugar. It is an unflavored vodka, so it takes on the character of whatever it is mixed with and adds structure without much taste of its own. It is made in Austin at what is described as the first legal distillery in Texas since Prohibition. The vodka is made entirely from corn, and corn is naturally gluten-free, which matters to buyers who check labels for that reason. That neutral, slightly soft profile suits drinks where the vodka should support the other ingredients. In a Moscow Mule, the corn sweetness works well with ginger beer and lime, and a copper mug keeps it cold. A Bloody Mary needs a vodka that does not compete with tomato, horseradish, celery salt, and hot sauce, so a clean base like this one is a practical fit. In a Cosmopolitan, it lets cranberry, lime, and orange liqueur come through without any muddy grain notes. For an Espresso Martini, the rounded body helps balance the bitterness of fresh espresso and coffee liqueur, giving a smoother drink than a harsher vodka would. For a classic Martini, stir it with ice and a splash of dry vermouth, then strain it into a chilled glass and finish with a lemon twist or olives. This style also holds up neat. Keep the bottle in the freezer, since 40% ABV will not freeze solid, and pour it into a small chilled glass or over a large cube in a rocks glass. Cold temperatures mute alcohol heat and make the texture slightly thicker. A well-chilled pour pairs easily with salty or briny foods such as smoked fish, oysters, olives, or salted nuts.