Cosmpolitan a one-month exclusivity contract for their Maine Wild Blueberry Vodka. "I love working with it in unexpected ways, and trying to repurpose it," says Mercer. No 'clubby blueberry and sodas' here. She uses it in an aperitif-style libation called Out of the Blue ($14), with Montenegro Amaro, Carpano Antica, blueberry preserves and Chinese Five Spice Powder.
with vodka cocktails ranging from $6.25 to $8.50. Th e Ultimate Cosmopolitan ($9.50) with Grey Goose and Cointreau; and the Grey Goose-based Appletini ($9.50) are the most popular vodka-based tipples. California-based vodka distiller Hangar One gave Th e
CLASSICS STILL REIGN Some guests, however, want to enjoy their crystal clear,
neutral spirit in its purist form. Straight up vodka consumption is still a popular option for many and at Fiola and Square 1682, Grey Goose and Ketel One lead the way. Mercer attributes the inclination of some patrons to sip vodka solo to the high quality of Th e Cosmopolitan's off erings, including Hangar One and Tito's. "Th is is where the education piece comes into play," she says, "with knowledgeable bartenders who can give the history and make-up of each selection." On Royal Caribbean cruises, Midyette says straight-up or Martini consumption happens mainly at the premium or super premium level with brands like Grey Goose, Stoli Elit and Belvedere Chopin, and occurs mainly on the company's luxury cruise line Azamara. "Th e
Bozo's Nose is on the menu at Fiola and is made with Wodka Vodka, lemon, hibiscus cordial and club soda.
Cosmopolitan—collectively the casino bars sold 97,000 of them last year at $13 per drink. But Mercer also points to the presence of teachable moments with vodka. She encourages bartenders to nudge customers to look beyond gratuitously sweet shots and cocktails served in martini glasses, to the unexpected—whether that be an innovative bar creation or just a classic sip that's unfamiliar to the customer. Th e notably neutral spirit can be an unapologetic clear winner behind the bar, she believes. "Ain't no shame in this vodka game."
in the Washington, D.C. area. She can be reached through her website, www.kellymagyarics.com, or on www.twitter.com/ kmagyarics.
Kelly Magyarics is a wine and spirits writer, and wine educator, ANOTHER ROUND
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Martinis are a classic on Royal Caribbean's ships. 26 | MAY 2012
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generation that sails [there] is truly from the 1950s and 1960s drinking culture." Its namesake cocktail is the one most ordered at Th e
