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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Cherry Basil Collins + a product review: Purity Vodka

Could it be?  I never would have imagined.  I am becoming a connoisseur of spirits!  I'm thinking it was probably my immature taste buds and feather-light wallet that led to believe that spirits were harsh, grimace-inducing, fire-breathing entities before.  I count myself very fortunate to be able to sample beyond my means (on a normal day) on occasion.  Although I only had a sample bottle to taste, I nursed it and used it incredibly wisely.  Purity Vodka is surprisingly smooth, round, and floral, almost.  Never did I imagine that I would be able to enjoyably sip vodka.  Distillation, I've come to believe, is key.   

Combining heritage and innovation, Purity Vodka comes to life in a proprietary pot still at the Purity Vodka Distillery at Ellinge Castle in the south of Sweden. Unlike other vodka producers, Purity has developed a still designed specifically for vodka production. During the thirty-four distillations, ninety percent of the liquid is lost. The remaining spirit is so pure that no filtration is necessary, leaving all the natural flavours and character in the vodka. Because taste does matter.  ~from the Purity Vodka website
I'm going to make it a personal goal to visit some distilleries.  I've always wanted to take the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky (almost made it one year).  And how awesome would it be to go to Sweden to visit the castle in which the Purity Vodka distillery is housed?  So awesome.  Until then, I will continue to sample and research whenever possible.  I recommend Purity Vodka...and these utterly delicious and addicting and far-too-easy to drink Cherry Basil Collins...as the perfect starting point.

Cherry Basil Collins
slightly adapted from Kathy Casey (Liquid Kitchen) via Purity Vodka  
Makes 1 cocktail

3 fresh cherries + more for garnish
1 small basil leaf + more for garnish
1 1/2 ounce Purity Vodka
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup*
2 ounce club soda, chilled

Drop the cherries and basil into a cocktail shaker. Press with a muddler to release the juices. Measure in the Purity Vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill cocktail shaker with ice, cap and shake vigorously. Pour drink into a Collins glass...or another type if you don't have a Collins glass (like me). Add soda water and stir. Garnish.

*simple syrup: combine equal parts water and sugar in a small sauce pan. Bring to a quick boil then immediately remove from heat and cool completely.  Store refrigerated for up to one month.

I received one mini-bottle of Purity Vodka for free to test and review.  All opinions stated in this post are 100% mine.

Would you like to comment?

  1. Your pictures are beautiful and make me want to sip right there with you!

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  2. What a perfect summer drink. The cherry and basil combination is so creative.

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  3. I sure looks good enough to drink! thanks for sharing.
    Rita

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  4. basil, cherries AND alcohol?! I'm in love...

    too bad I have everything but the vodka. I guess I could drag my 3 kids to the liquor store...or not!

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  5. When I do drink liquor, vodka is my choice. I'm guessing the combination of cherries and basil is inspired.

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  6. This will be made in my house! I have had a recipe for a cherry cooler that I have wanted to try...no alcohol though. Yours sounds way better!

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  7. Loved the cherry and basil! What a nice colour!! I don't drink Vodka, but do appreciate the look of this in your picture! Your blog is very interesting!!

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  8. Heather, those photos are nothing short of amazing. Based on them alone, I'd try this collins. It looks wonderful. Have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary

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  9. I'm not super into alcohol but I do love a new fun cocktail! The cherry basil combo sounds delicious.

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  10. Look absolutely special and amazing! love the pictures, gloria

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  11. I can drink again and this sounds delicious!!! <3

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  12. a connoisseur of spirits - I can think of nothing finer to be a connoisseur of!

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  13. That beautiful photos, very refreshing, especially with cherries I love, hugs and kisses.

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  14. now that looks really refreshing...and love the shots!
    thanks for the visit! :)

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  15. Nice refreshing vodka drink for a Sunday afternoon...lovely presentation.

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  16. YUM!!! I love visiting local wineries but I'd be happy to just sit on someone's porch and sip one of these drinks: chilled and luscious (and I am a freak for anything cherry).

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  17. What a beautiful drink! I usually don't buy flavored vodkas, but I suspect that would be perfect for this.

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  18. After re-reading the recipe (this is something I would like to try!) I realized it's not flavored!! Duh!

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  19. That sounds like such a lovely drink!

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  20. OK, I still have some cherries left and this drink looks like the perfect way to use some up. ;-)

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  21. I just had my first glass of this and I'm in love! I'm off to the kitchen to make another.

    I used plain vodka the first time, but I do have some cherry flavored vodka, so I'm going to try that with the next glass. Thanks for the recipe!

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  22. @Jen K.- It's totally ♥ worthy, isn't it!?!? I'd love to hear how it tastes when made w/ cherry vodka.

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  23. I never would have thunk to use cherries in a bev like this; looks and sounds delightful, Heather!

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  24. Ah there is nothing like some fresh cherry drink!

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  25. I'm normally not a big vodka drinker, but this drink actually sounds wonderful. I've never heard of the combination of cherries with basil and lemon, but since cherries are finally coming into season near me, I will have to try this. Thanks so much for sharing...

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  26. Loved with the cherries, then you added the basil! Sounds like a fabulous cocktail!

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