Reaching For New Flavors – Three Olives

Vodka makers just keep pushing the envelope when it comes to developing new infusions. Case in point: the new flavored vodkas from the UK’s ultra-premium vodka-maker Three Olives.

Their new Triple Shot Espresso isn’t that unusual. Only in that it one-ups their competition’s Double Shot. It’s the other two flavors that raise eyebrows – Tomato and Root Beer.

Tomato-flavored vodka may sound completely ridiculous – until you read the entire flavor profile: fresh tomatoes, pepper, horseradish and spices. Instant Bloody Mary. And killer ingredient for adding serious heat to other cocktails.

And their root beer infusion isn’t some kid stuff. It’s got a spice-filled combo inspired by the classic root beers of the 1800’s, with vanilla, cherry tree bark, licorice root, sarsaparilla root, nutmeg, anise, and molasses. Full flavored and able to stand up to a number of strong ingredients for serious drinks. (Or vanilla ice cream for an adult root beer float. Recipe below.)

To give you an idea of how these unusual new flavors can enhance your cocktail-mixing here’s a few recipes to try this weekend. For more, hit www.threeolives.com.

Diablo Rojo
2 oz Three Olives Tomato Vodka
Splash of Bloody Mary mix to taste
Couple dashes Hot Sauce
Sliced jalapeno peppers
Mix in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with speared peppers.

Tomojito
2 oz Three Olives Tomato Vodka
Cherry Tomato
2 Lime wedges
Basil-infused Simple Syrup
Club Soda
Muddle lime, cherry tomato, and simple syrup in a glass. Add vodka and crushed ice. Shake well. Top with soda. Garnish with lime and cherry tomato.

Rock Star Root Beer
1 oz Three Olives Root Beer Vodka
1 oz Three Olives Vanilla Vodka
4 oz Ginger Ale
Mix all in a glass with ice. Garnish with a cherry.

Root Beer Floatini
1 1/2 oz Three Olives Root Beer Vodka
1/2 Amaretto liqueur
Melon-ball scoop of vanilla ice cream
Shake vodka and amaretto hard with ice. Strain into glass. Float ice cream in center.

Money Shot
1 oz Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso Vodka
1/2 oz Hazelnut liqueur
1/2 oz Half & half
Shake all over ice and strain into a shot glass.

Triple Decadence
1 1/4 oz Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso Vodka
3/4 Premium dark chocolate liqueur
1/2 oz Orange liqueur
Shake all with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.