Vodka is a huge seller: The spirit commands a 34.1% share of the U.S. distilled spirits market, according to the Beverage Information Group’s 2013 Fact Book. But as a recent Star Tribune (MI) article points out, many craft bartenders still turn their noses up at vodka.
It’s not a new phenomenon–the craft cocktail boom inspired many bartenders to embrace pre-Prohibition drinks, and since vodka didn’t become popular in the U.S. until the 1950s, many of these recipes call for gin. Still, gin’s share of the U.S. distilled spirits market is small–just 5.3%
Vodka haters behind the bar may say the neutral spirit fails to make an impact in cocktails. Some bartenders go out of their way to discourage vodka drinking, either by not stocking the spirit at all or leaving it off the specialty drink menu
But while classic cocktail enthusiasts may have no use for vodka, clearly consumers love it—especially super premium or luxury brands, and of course, flavored vodkas. The flavors keep coming, too: Phillips Distilling Co. last week rolled out a sriracha-flavored vodka under its UV brand.
Read the full article here
Vodka Sales Are Huge, So Why Can’t It Get Any Respect?
The neutral spirit continues to be polarizing in the cocktail world.
Last modified: 12/16/2013