Months ago, in the wake of Tales of the Cocktail, I received an email from a fellow who represents 42 Below Vodka. The email offered me a sample of one of their four products: pure, Manuka honey, kiwi, and passion. I said what I always say when people offer to send me free liquor: “Hell Yes.” Here’s an excerpt from the press release they sent me:
42BELOW is a highly awarded vodka created 42 degrees below the Equator that celebrates independent spirit and brings the freshness and natural qualities of New Zealand to life in the perfect cocktail. The 84 proof (42% alc. by vol.) spirit, produces a non-flavored vodka, and three distinctive flavors – Kiwifruit, Manuka Honey, and Passionfruit – all made from natural ingredients without added sugar, and all are available in the U.S. Each of the flavors is produced using a technique once used to create French perfumes known as “enfleurage.”
42BELOW was launched in 1998 by former ad executive and New Zealand native, Geoff Ross. 42BELOW is the result of his search to incorporate New Zealand’s cool climate, high rainfall and fresh air to make a truly great vodka and vodka flavors. 42BELOW retails for an average of $19.95 a bottle and is available for purchase at a number of high-end spirits retailers nationwide. You can also view the website at www.42below.com for more information.
I chose the Manuka, because although I’m not a big fan of flavored vodkas, it seemed interesting. My instincts were correct. The vodka has a distinct aroma of honey, though the taste is more subtle. I also received a book of recipes, and tried a few of them out with the intent of posting something here. Alas, for one reason or another (usually the images didn’t turn out right) I could never get anything worth putting online. Even online here.
This evening I decided to make a cocktail of my own devising. Also, I lost the recipe book they sent me. The drink I made is a variation on a cocktail that one of my friends invented a few years ago – the Alfieri. That cocktail is Patron Silver, Pama pomegranate liqueur, fresh lime juice and club soda over ice; sometimes with the addition of a little simple syrup. I’ve found that too free a hand with the simple syrup kills the drink for me, so I generally omit it. I thought the honey vodka might work perfectly in the drink without adding too much sweetness.
I made the drink by mixing 2 oz. of 42 Below Manuka honey vodka, 2 oz. of Pama pomegranate liqueur, and the juice of 1/2 lime in a collins glass. Stir, then fill the glass 3/4 full with ice, and top with club soda. Stir again and garnish with a lime wedge. It’s tart, but you get a definite note of honey from the vodka; the next time I do it, I might add a teaspoon of something sweet – whether a honey simple syrup or maybe agave nectar I’m not sure.
I’ve done a little research online, and found a drink called the Skinny Pomegranate Cocktail, which is citrus vodka, a honey simple syrup, lime juice, pomegranate juice, and an orange twist for garnish. The ingredients are mixed in a cocktail shaker with ice, then poured into a martini glass.
Based on the general similarities, I’m inclined to call the drink I made a Skinny Alfieri, but I’m open to suggestions. I’m also open to being told that you or someone you know made the same drink ages ago, and named it something else. Please tell me if that’s the case.
In the interim, here’s an image of the drink:
