Weekend Libations - Leaf Vodka Highlight & The Classic Concord

Vodka kind of has a reputation. It's not bad, but it's not good either. It's known to burn you a bit, but man does vodka have a good time. It's strong enough to be distinctive, but it is also really great at blending in. It's the perfect base for mixed drinks and always has a kick to it. It can be hard to come across a really good vodka, but that's where LEAF comes into the picture.

LEAF is brand that is all about bringing something different to the table of the distillery industry. They hold this firm belief that there is something in the water vodka is made with that helps to shape the taste, the character and finish of the spirit. Their two offerings - Rocky Mountain Mineral water based vodka and Alaskan Glacial water based vodka each have a distinctive and individual taste. LEAF vodkas are created with the great tasting waters from amazing sources that help to create their unique flavor qualities. The Alaskan Glacial water vodka has a hint of sweetness that made it extremely palatable and the Rocky Mountain Mineral water vodka had a warm, savory and silky taste to it.

The Alaskan Glacial water vodka was the perfect base to a sweet fall cocktail. Although it is fall and the first fruit that comes to mind is apple, we thought we would switch it up for this weekend libations recipe and used concord grapes as our fruit of choice. The grapes and vodka blended nicely to create a sweet cocktail that felt more like a blended drink. This was a twist on the traditional gimlet as we chose to blend the fruit in rather than just add the grape syrup. It created a refreshing drink.

INGREDIENTS

Grape Puree - 1 pound concord grapes & 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
For the Cocktail - 2 ounces LEAF vodka, 1 1/4 ounce grape puree 
3/4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 ounce simple syrup, 2 lime wedges, 4 grapes



MAKING YOUR DRINK

Pull apart grapes from their stems. Set aside 4 whole grapes. Put the rest of your grapes in a blender with 1/4 ounce lime juice (to prevent browning).  You will want to blend and completely purée the grapes. Strain the purée through a fine-mesh strainer, pushing it through with the back of a ladle OR you can add ice to your blender and create more of an iced blended drinks and keep the fruit puree to add a full bodied flavor as we did.

If you strained your puree rather than adding ice directly to your blender, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add LEAF vodka, grape puree, lime juice, simple syrup, lime wedges, and whole grapes. Shake vigorously and pour contents of shaker into an old-fashioned glass without straining.



Enjoy and drink responsibly! We hope you enjoyed this weekend's edition of: Weekend Libations - check back soon for another recipe!

- Jen Lezan
Editor in Chief