Summertime Drinks

SQUARE ONE CUCUMBER VODKA
Exquisitely smooth and highly drinkable, like cucumber water—fire water, that is. The deceptively light flavor of this organic vodka can easily lead to over-imbibing. But when it’s this delicious it’s hard to slow down. Serve on the rocks, or up and super-chilled, with a cucumber garnish. www.squareonevodka.com

CIROQ COCONUT
Tropical flavors burst forth rom this grape-based vodka, led by ripe, bright coconut. Ideal for re-imagined tropical drinks: try serving a vodka-based Piña Colada in your cabana. www.ciroc.com

HANGAR ONE FRASER RIVER RASPBERRY FLAVORED VODKA
Bay Area innovative distiller Hangar One infuses this vodka with the exquisitely rich raspberries from British Columbia’s Fraser River Basin, crafting a rich, dark red spirit that would be as at home over ice cream as on the rocks. Look for it in late spring when the raspberries ripen–stock up for the winter months for it sells out quickly. www.hangarone.com

CHARBAY MEYER LEMON FLAVORED VODKA
Meyer Lemon, that elusive citrus that shows up sporadically in better produce sections over the winter months, is beautifully showcased in this vodka from family-owned Charbay in Northern California. Perfect for a year-round Meyer Lemon Martini–garnish not required. www.charbay.com

42 BELOW MANUKA HONEY VODKA
Manuka is a honey native to New Zealand, with a distinctive, beguiling aroma. The Maoris discovered that it had healing qualities. You may discover that it will get you laid. This magnificent vodka has a malty sweetness that defies description, and a certain sensual quality that gets you in the mood, fast. Greet a special guest with Manuka on the rocks and be prepared to get down. www.42below.com

ABSOLUT BERRI AÇAI
With eleven flavors in their arsenal Absolut is the leader of the flavored vodka pack, and this latest addition is a fusion of three of the trendiest flavors in cocktails–pomegranate, açai and blueberry. She’s an impudent little mix, with a rich berry aroma and a slightly tangy sweetness. Shake it up with cranberry juice and orange liqueur and you’ve got a tarter Cosmo, muddle fruit in it and you’ve got a boozy fruit cocktail, serve it with soda and it’s just a summer day, any time of year. www.absolut.com