Vodka continues to be one of the most popular spirits. This is partly because vodka brands are focusing on reinvention and how to add value to their products. You’ll now find bottles shaped like lipsticks or crystal skulls among others. In general, the focus on the visual experience is almost as important as the taste itself. Read on to learn more about the current vodka trends.

The Vodka Bottles of Yesteryear

Those responsible for the most popular vodka brands explain in more detail about how marketing used to be done. Previously the bottles were all transparent and with a red and gold label. There were only a few variations and as time passed, they became objects of desire to the consumers.

Flexibility and Modernity

Luckily, and over time, the vodka bottles have been transformed. This reflects the fact that the vodka industry shows greater flexibility and are aware of the need for innovation. In comparison, the wine market does not show the same level of interest in trendiness.

Limited Editions

Limited editions are another trend in the world of vodka. These special bottles and varieties attract the attention of consumers who value premium quality. The limited editions are usually exclusive bottles, perhaps created by fashion designers, and a relatively low number of bottles are sold. They are unique, numbered, and collectors are the prime target audience.

Neuromarketing

Every day we are bombarded with impressions everywhere we go. A lot of these enter through our eyes. Visual impressions also play a big part when it comes to selling alcoholic beverages. Professionals working in the vodka industry know that the consumers are sensitive to what they see and that they can recognise certain codes. Colours might, therefore, be a determining factor; green represents apple, pink is watermelon or strawberry, etc.

From Victoria’s Secret to Moschino

For the design of their bottles, some brands collaborate with strongly established firms that influence the world. Some brands have chosen to work with well-known companies such as e.g. Victoria’s Secret and Moschino. Connections like these can evoke a sense of extreme luxury to the customer. It also sends a signal that a particular vodka is exclusive and of high quality.

This distilled beverage does not have a clear origin, although its name is Russian. Vodka is generally produced through the fermentation of grains and other starchy plants such as rye and wheat. The best way to enjoy it is very cold. It usually has a very high alcohol content, although this depends on the type.

We all know vodka as a drink, so it serves to combine with many other ingredients to get the best cocktails. But surely you did not know the different uses of vodka beyond drinking. Let’s know what vodka is for in the most everyday uses.

Preventing deterioration of the colour of the garments

Surely we have already used several tricks when washing clothes and colour continues to vanish. To avoid this, we will mix a part of vodka and another part of water, and sprinkle the mixture on the garments before washing them. In this way the colour will take longer to leave.

Window cleaning

There are many products to clean the windows. But maybe we will get better results if we apply this drink on the cloth to get rid, in a simple way, of the grease that usually accumulates in the kitchen windows.

Against the bite of insects

In summer, insect bites can cause several problems. On the one hand, the “tiger” mosquito damages our skin and produces really important bites, some of which end up in the emergency room. To avoid being bitten by bugs in general we can apply a mixture of vodka and water on our legs and arms. They surely will think it twice before biting us again.

Less smell of feet

If your feet tend to smell more than normal, there are some products to mitigate it, but you can always make a home-made mix and soak the feet in this drink and thus eliminate the smell of feet.

Lengthen the life of cut flowers

We already know that when we cut flowers to decorate our living room they tend to last rather little. Well, apparently if we add a few drops of vodka to the vase then we can make them last a little longer.

Get a brighter hair

If you usually have rather rough and dry hair, conditioner and mask are just fine, but another use of vodka is brightening hair. Just wash it with a little vodka, that you can apply with the shampoo.

More shine to silver

Not only the hair will be brighter. Vodka can also be an excellent remedy to polish the pieces of old silver that we have and seem spoiled when they are really not.

Smirnoff 1L

The Smirnoff Red Label Vodka is one of the world’s smoothest vodkas.

Buy Smirnoff 1L

Purity Vodka

Purity Vodka is the finest and purest Ultra Premium Vodka in the world. It illustrates the perfect combination of tradition and innovation.

Buy Purity Vodka

Do you want to lose some weight but without denying yourself the tasty drink after work? Don’t worry, we here at Uvinum are very familiar with this dilemma. That’s why we present 4 cocktails with a low-calorie count, so you can enjoy Saturday night with your friends and, at the same time, preserve your figure.

1. Spritzer – The Austrian National Drink

The Spritzer, also known as Weinschorle in Germany, is probably the most popular long drink in Austria and is enjoyed at any time of the year. It is a drink made from wine mixed with mineral water and decorated with a slice of lemon. You should use fairly young white wine from the Grüner Veltliner, Weißburgunder or Chardonnay grape varieties in this popular drink. The ratio of wine to mineral water should be 1:1. This refreshing drink contains just 58 calories per 100ml.

There is yet another advantage to this all-purpose drink: you will minimise the risk of a hangover the next day due to the high content of water in the drink. Enjoy this Austrian classic!

2. Vodka Soda – Simple and Low in Calories

Water + Vodka = Vodka Soda

Of course, it’s not that simple! This cocktail must be mixed properly. First, fill a glass with ice cubes and then add the ingredients. For this low-calorie drink, you need 3 parts of sparkling water and 1 part of vodka. Once it is mixed, decorate the glass with a lime. This cocktail contains only 22 calories per 100ml.

Are you not sure which vodka to use to make this cocktail? We offer you a unique selection on our blog.

3. Martini – Shaken or Stirred?

We all know this famous drink from the James Bond movies, but did you also know that this cocktail belongs in the category of low-calorie alcoholic beverages? The Martini cocktail is a short drink, often enjoyed as an aperitif, and it is usually prepared with vermouth and gin.

One of the best-known Martini cocktails is the Dry Martini. This cocktail is made with London Dry Gin and just a tiny splash of vermouth, as little as possible. And you should never forget the olive that decorates the glass.

Every 100 ml of a Martini Cocktail contains a mere 140 calories! Now you know why James Bond has such a perfect body.

4. Mojito – Greetings from Cuba

The mojito is a low-calorie alternative, unlike many other Cuban cocktails. The mojito was invented in Havana, and this cocktail consists of 5 basic ingredients: white rum, sugar (traditionally sugarcane juice), lemon juice, soda and mint. The most important element in the preparation of a mojito is undoubtedly the rum. Uvinum offers a selection of the best rums for your mojito.

The amount of mineral water in this Cuban drink makes it a low-calorie cocktail. ‘The green gold of Cuba’ has only 71 calories per 100ml.

You can find a unique selection of low-calorie options. So, you no longer need to worry about the temptations at the next party. We hope you have fun when trying and enjoying these low-calorie cocktails. And, remember, drink in moderation!

With the end of winter coming soon, it is time to say goodbye to all those winter cocktail recipes until next year. It is not summer yet, but spring is still a good time to welcome warmer weather with a few good cocktails that are simple and refreshing. Here are some spring cocktail recipes that you will want to try:

1. Fruity Lime Soda with Red Wine and Fresh Strawberries

Spring is a time when certain fruits start coming into season, and they are readily available in markets. You may want to try some of your first spring cocktails with strawberries which you will be able to get fresh as early as the first week of March. A simple cocktail to do with strawberries is lime soda with red wine. Mix 2 parts lime soda and 1-part red wine over a glass of fresh strawberries. Freeze the fruit to keep the cocktail cold in place of ice. 

2. Spiked and Spicy Sangria for Colder Spring Weather

Sangria is probably one of the most popular Spanish wine cocktails with hundreds of variations and recipes. While you are waiting for summer, there may still be some colder spring days. To warm up, you can try a spiked Sangria recipe. The ingredients you will need include:

• Red wine
• Kentucky Bourbon
• 1 Lemon
• 1 Orange
• 1 Stick of Cinnamon
• 1 Apple
• Syrup

Cut the fruit into slices and add it with the cinnamon stick to a glass pitcher. Fill the pitcher nearly 2/3 full of your favourite red wine and add approximately 2 tablespoons of sweet syrup. Now, add the bourbon to the sangria, which should be approximately 1 ounce per serving or too your taste.

3. Simple Classic White Wine Spritzer for A Refreshing Spring Cocktail

One of the simplest wine cocktails to make is a spritzer, but it is still a great choice for something refreshing as the weather starts to change. What you will need is white wine and club soda to make a spritzer. Add a touch of lime garnish to give your spritzer a little bitter bite. 

4. Vodka Martini with A Splash of Limon and Lime

Another classic cocktail that you may want to try giving twists to is the Martini. Use the same vermouth, but instead of using gin, replace it with vodka. To give it a little bitter kick and a nice garnish, use a slice of lime and a slice of lime to finish off your cocktail. 

With this simple wine cocktails, you will be ready to say goodbye to winter and get ready for warmer weather. Try some of our wines to add a special touch to some of your cocktail recipes this spring.

Pruno 2016

Pruno 2016: Based on 90% of Tinta Fina and 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the secrets of Pruno emerges precisely in the 64 hectares owned by Finca Villacreces in the “Golden Mile” of the Ribera del Duero. 

Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2013

Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2013 is an excellent taste of the classic Rioja. The red wine made by Marqués de Murrieta is already a set component of the Rioja list of Robert Parker.

This week, we officially survived the so-called Blue Monday, the infamous “most depressing day of the year”. However, winter is here to stay, and every one of us could use some comfort food after spending the day fighting off polar winds, enduring dark afternoons and surviving icy rains. This is where our “ameliorated” hot cup of chocolate come into play. 

The sweet-powered: Caramel Lush

To start this list, I suggest a delicious caramelised hot chocolate. Its sweet flavours will make you forget about the long day you just had. Just sit down and relax.  

Ingredients

• Achieving the caramel flavour is the tricky part. The easiest way is to use flavoured vodka, liquor or cream.
• Alternatively, combine dark rum and caramel syrup for a more intense taste. 
• Cocoa powder
• Milk
• Whipped cream

Preparation

After pouring the milk and cocoa powder into the pot, bring to a simmer. Make sure the ingredients are perfectly mixed. Add the syrup and the alcohol. Top it off with whipped cream.

Hot tip: add some toffee or hazelnut sprinkles on the whipped cream for a gourmet hot chocolate!

The fresh twist: Minty Bomb

This refreshing hot chocolate will make you want to live in winter for the whole year just to have the excuse of the cold to drink it again and again. This the perfect warm drink for your Sunday morning to enjoy on the sofa before starting the day. 

Ingredients

• For the peppermint taste, you can use fruit liquor, herbal liquor or cream.
• Cocoa powder
• Milk
• Whipped cream

Preparation

Place the milk and cocoa powder in the pot, then, bring to a simmer and mix. We recommend replacing the cocoa powder with melted bitter chocolate. Add the mint schnapps and whipped cream. Your hot chocolate is now waiting for you!

Hot tip: To boost the mint taste of your preparation use some crushed mint candy or fresh mint leaves.

The fruit-infused: Soothing Orange

Discover this yummy citrus-flavoured hot chocolate. Admittedly, you are not going to drink it for the vitamin C but savouring it is likely to be the perfect way to spend the evening on your couch while the rain is pouring outside.

Ingredients

• Typically, Cointreau and Grand Marnier are the recommended alcohol. But do not hesitate to be creative! There are many creams, liquors and bitters available. 
• Orange zest
• Cocoa powder
• milk
• Whipped cream

Preparation

Prepare your hot chocolate by warming and mixing together the milk and the cocoa powder or melted chocolate (go for a dark one!). You can also add some orange zest in the pot for a more intense taste. Once your chocolate is at the right temperature, add the orange liquor. Add some whipped cream and sprinkle the orange zest on top. 

Hot tip: use a small slice of candied orange or additional melted dark chocolate to top the whipped cream and create a stunning look.

The exotic-longing: Coco Delish

Bring back some of that exotic summer flavour in your dreary winter with this coconut-tasting hot chocolate! It will remind you of the great cocktails you drunk last summer.

Ingredients

• Again two possibilities exist, the first (and our favourite) consists of dark Rum and coconut milk.
• Another possibility is to use flavoured vodka, rum or liquor and milk.
• White chocolate
• Toasted coconut sprinkles
• Whipped cream

Preparation

Depending on the option you chose, put the melted white chocolate in the pot with the milk or coconut milk and bring to a simmer. When you reach the desired temperature, add the liquor and the whipped cream. Add coconut sprinkles generously to garnish. 

Hot tip: to make your cocoa even more savoury, add some cardamom or vanilla extract.

Santa Teresa 1796

Santa Teresa 1796, a Dark Rum with origins in Venezuela which is aged with the solera method. This allows it to acquire a unique maturity and quality.

Vodka Danzka

Vodka Danzka,  a vodka born in Copenhagen and the bottle is designed in the famous minimalist Nordic style.

The most iconic example of a brand harnessing the power of design to promote its product is undeniably Absolut Vodka. Indeed, the arrival of the Absolut Company shifted the focus away from the product to its container and it has been one of the uncontested leaders thanks to its minimalist bottle shape, appealing colours and various limited editions.

Nevertheless, the competition quickly adapted and over the years we have witnessed a growing care given to the bottle. In a market always more competitive, some companies did not hesitate to go all the way and to up the ante to new highs. At Uvinum, we selected some of the most creative vodka bottle designs currently available on the market. 

Precious Vodka

Easily recognisable thanks to its diamond shape, Precious Vodka was designed by Precious Vodka with the clear ambition to offer a Premium Luxury Vodka to its consumers. Besides its crystalline aspect, it also contains an actual gem such as sapphire, emerald, ruby, topaz, peridot and amber. 

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

With multiple awards from prestigious international contests, Crystal Head Aurora Vodka can boast an excellent taste along with a unique design thanks to its bottle shaped like a skull. Moreover, you will appreciate the mesmerising colours reminding us of the northern lights. 

Outerspace Vodka

If we start talking about skull-shaped bottles, it becomes necessary to mention the Outerspace Vodka. This time, the source of inspiration is the extraterrestrials, an appropriate choice for a vodka filtered through meteorites. A great drink for a cosmic experience. 

Firestarter Vodka

The Firestarter Vodka produced by an eponymous company and ironically in the shape of a fire extinguisher will deliver what its name promises: firing up your parties. This eye-catching product from Moldova has all the advantages: a great taste (5 distillations), an original design and an affordable price.

Vodka Red Army Kalashnikov

This design is quite straightforward in what it is supposed to evoke, Russia, its army, and its vodka-making tradition. Vodka Red Army Kalashnikov is displayed in a box similar to the unfamous Ak 47 Kalashnikov and contains a gun-shaped vodka bottle, six shot glasses (no pun intended) and a grenade filled with herbal liquor. 

Vodka Bong Spirit Yosoh

A possible tribute to the relaxed approach to drugs of the Dutch, the Vodka Bong Spirit Yosoh combines the vices with its bong-shaped bottle filled with premium Dutch vodka. Not the most subtle design but it definitely belongs to current representations of what the country can offer. 

The Ladoga Imperial Collection

We kept the most impressive bottle for the end. With its Imperial Collection, the Ladoga company really created an exclusive product whose outrageous price can only be explained by the incredible design. This vodka honours Russia’s two most outstanding export successes: traditional vodka and the Fabergé eggs. 

Absolut Vodka 1L

Absolut Vodka 1L is distilled with natural resources such as pure Swedish spring water and winter wheat. Discover the Swedish vodka-making tradition.

Vodka Finlandia 1L

Vodka Finlandia 1L whose distillation requires six-row barley growing under the midnight sun and the icy spring waters. Uncover the Finnish soul with this unique vodka. 

The weekend is coming up and you’re just waiting to vent out the stress you’ve been accumulating during a hard week of work. So, nothing is better than a night’s out with friends for tasting some amazing cocktails to feel the groove of the party from the inside. Here you can find some recipes of the best cocktails with vodka on earth:

White Russian

A classic cocktail very easy to make

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Smirnoff No. 21
• 0.75 oz. Godiva Mocha Liqueur
• 2 oz. heavy cream

Preparation:

1. Mix the vodka and liqueur in an old-fashioned glass
2. Fill the glass with ice
3. Stir the mix
4. Top it off with the heavy cream
5. Serve 

Black Russian

The ‘dark’ version of the White Russian, is another classic one

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts vodka
• 1 part coffee liqueur

To make it you just have to build it in a rocks glass, add ice cubes, and stir. You can even add some cherries to give more flavour to the cocktail.

Dirty Martini

The “dirty” in the name comes from the olive brine and muddled olives used to make it

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Grey Goose Original
• 2 parts Noilly Prat Original French Dry Vermouth
• 4 Mediterranean olives
• 2/3 part Mediterranean olive brine
• 2 garnish Mediterranean olives

Preparation:

1. Pit four olives and muddle them with olive brine in a Boston glass
2. Add the vodka and vermouth
3. Top with ice cubes
4. Stir
5. Drain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass
6. Garnish with Mediterranean olives

Caramel Spiced Tea

A nice choice for those who want something a bit different from usual drinks

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Smirnoff Kissed Caramel
• 2 oz. strong Chai tea (unsweetened)
• 1 oz. milk or half & half
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup

Preparation:

1. Shake all of the above ingredients with ice
2. Shake and pour the mixture into a double rocks glass
3. Drizzle with caramel
4. Serve

Light Pomegranate Berry Punch

The perfect combination of vodka and red fruits

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Smirnoff Sorbet Light Raspberry Pomegranate
• 2 oz. diet ginger ale
• 1 oz. cranberry juice
• 1 lime wedge for garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine the ingredients in a highball glass
2. Squeeze the lime
3. Stir
4. Serve

Grey Goose Vodka 1L

Grey Goose Vodka 1L

Smirnoff North

Smirnoff North

You can bet that Halloween is one of the funniest days of the year. Celebrating the night of the dead has become a worldwide phenomenon. Coming from an ancient Celtic harvest festival, the Gaelic festival Samhain, this festival has probably pagan roots, and is celebrated on October, 31st. To make your Halloween party even better, we have prepared you a few cocktails. Face the night that never ends with colourful drinks.

Sweet Poison

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. light rum
• 2 oz. coconut rum
• 1 oz. Blue Curacao
• 1 handful ice
• pineapple juice
• pineapple wedge

Preparation:

1. Combine both rums and Blue Curacao in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake, then pour into a cocktail glass
3. Fill the rest of the glass with chilled pineapple juice.
4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Zombie Cocktail

• 1 oz. light rum
• 1 oz. dark rum
• 1 oz. apricot liquor
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 1 dash lime Bitters
• 1 handful ice
• 1 oz. Bacardi 151 Rum
• orange slice and cherry

Preparation:

1. Combine light rum, dark rum, apricot liquor, orange juice, and bitters using a cocktail shaker.
2. Pour into a large glass filled with ice.
3. Top with the shot of Bacardi 151
4. Garnish with the orange slice and cherry.

Good and Evil

Ingredients

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Apple Pucker
• 1 oz. Midori
• 1 oz. triple sec
• 1 handful ice
• pineapple juice
• Sierra Mist
• lemon slice

Preparation:

1. Combine vodka, Apple Pucker, Midori, and Triple Sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake.
3. Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass
4. Top with pineapple juice and Sierra Mist.
5. Garnish with a slice of lemon

Bloody Black Currant Punch

Ingredients:

• 1¼ c. brandy
• ¼ c. sugar
• 4 c. black currant nectar
• 1½ c. cold seltzer

Preparation:

1. Stir brandy and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Add nectar
3. Stir to combine.
4. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
5. Add seltzer just before serving.

Ron Barceló Añejo

Ron Barceló Añejo

De Kuyper Curacao Blue

De Kuyper Curacao Blue

Summer is ending, we have to go back to work and our children back to school. At least one reason to celebrate, right? Maybe if you’re a parent, but as a teacher, you might need a little cheer-up. In both cases, we have some fun cocktail suggestions for you to help get over autumn. 

The Teacher’s Aid

We’re talking about an after-school cocktail to help you recover and recharge your batteries after a long day at school or the office. Its unusual mix addresses those who look for a peculiar taste, something that awakens your senses.

Ingredients:

• Some bubbly brut rosé
• Cane sugar cubes
• Cranapple juice
• Ginger ale
• An apple to garnish

Fever Tree Ginger Ale

Fever Tree Ginger Ale

The Teacher’s Pet

The teacher’s pet is not the smartest girl or boy in school, it’s this cocktail. Teacher’s Pet is perfect for anyone who wants to relax without trying anything too strong. His recipe is easy and his benefits are many.

Ingredients:

• Green Tea
• Vodka
• Ice

Cîroc Vodka 1L

Cîroc Vodka 1L

Summer Ain’t Over

Living in the past is one of your passions? Lean back, ignore reality and act like summer would never end. Fresh and fruity, tastes like the Carribean.

Ingredients:

• Iced tea
• Lemonade
• 4 shots of vodka
• 2 cups of raspberries
• Mint

Firestarter Vodka

Firestarter Vodka

No Sleep Tonight

This is definitely the drink made for those who really need support during the nights when sleeping is forbidden. We’re talking about a cocktail that can easily replace coffee, especially when temperatures are hot and you want to feel something fresh and sweet. 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces of Bourbon
• 0.75 ounces of lemon juice
• 0.75 ounces of hazelnut and caramel syrup
• 2 bar spoons of coffee liqueur

Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon 75cl

Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon 75cl

See? Your return to reality doesn’t have to be that hard. Enjoy your cocktail but be careful, only one at a time. Cheers!

During a long and crazy night in a bar in London, at the end of the ’90s, Liam Gallagher, Oasis lead singer, and Huey Morgan, Fun Loving Criminals frontman, became very good friends. Who was responsible? A mutual friend called Jack Daniel’s, one of the best-rated whiskies in the world, elaborated in Tennessee, USA. Actually, whisky was the favourite drink of Lemmy Kilmister too: the founder of Motörhead ‘created’ the Jack and coke long drink, mixing Jack Daniels with Coca-Cola. An invention that became a classic drink at every party nowadays.

Jack Daniel’s 1L

Jack Daniel’s 1L, the reference for whiskies worldwide

Since rock’n roll was born, alcohol has always been the most consumed product during the night between a concert and another. And in the summer season when festivals are marking the flow of time, you want to know how to drink like a rockstar.

The festival of Glastonbury is one of the most important events of the British summer and takes place from the 21th to the 25th of June. The line-up is really interesting: headliners are world stars like Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Alt-J and Liam Gallagher, who’s now really concentrating on promoting his new solo album. Talking about whisky loving rockstars – did you know that Dave Grohl, frontman of Foo Fighters loves Brennivin, a typical eau de vie from Iceland.

Brennivín

Brennivín, a fresh explosion of Icelandic volcano water.

And talking about rock stars, we can’t avoid mentioning one of the greatest on earth: Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones frontman has always marked the trends of drinking for years and his passion for vodka is well-known. Actually one of his favourite cocktails is vodka mixed with orange and pineapple juice. Something similar to what Keith Richards, the band’s guitarist, prefers a cocktail called “Nuclear Waste”, that is vodka mixed with orange, cranberry juice and Fanta.

Smirnoff Blue Label 1L

Smirnoff Blue Label 1L, perfect for preparing amazing cocktails