That’s the spirit: premium vodka

We give you a quick fix of vodka tips, plus some sexy recipes to get the party started.

The low-down: In the last two years, according to Mintel, fine vodka sales have soared by 40 per cent. Premium vodka is usually colourless, although there are some flavoured brands, for example lemon, and peppery bison grass. Vodka is mainly made from wheat, rye or potatoes.

Why splash out? The best vodkas are not neutral or fiery, like the cheapies. They taste incredibly clean and pure, but have subtle, complex nuances, including cream, aniseed, mint and cereal, and slight sweetness. They should be very smooth. Drink neat, straight from the freezer.

Mix it up: Trade down a little for vodka to make into cocktails. Vodka is used for many concoctions, but for something different in late summer, try a Tea-tini, using one-and-a-half measures of good, plain vodka to one measure of sweetened icy tea, and a good squeeze of lemon and lime juice, to taste. Chill a martini glass and dip the rim in sugar. Put all the liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, shake, then strain into
a chilled glass and decorate with a curl of lime zest.