Flavoured vodka has become an integral part of our drinks scene, adding simplicity, colour, fl air and, crucially, taste to every mixologists cocktail repertoire. What began with a hit of chilli, a note of sweet berry or a tang of lemon has multiplied and expanded to include just about every flavour you can think of.

Wild tea? Vanilla? Blackcurrant? These days it’s really a case of choose your favourite foods and find a vodka with those flavours, even Kiwi classics such as feijoa, manuka honey or kiwifruit. Start simple, with a splash of your flavour of choice over ice, topped with soda if you wish. Then the world is your oyster.

Liquorland’s Joss Granger says there’s a shift from consumers toward fl avoured vodkas as they educate themselves and are on the hunt for a drink that’s a little more complex and interesting – without requiring lots of ingredients.

“To me that is a Kiwi summer in a glass. And I love 42 Below because it is an iconic New Zealand vodka brand. The bottle is sleek and stylish and it sits in the mid-price range.”

“With flavoured vodkas you can make a quick, simple cocktail style drink, with just your spirit and one mixer.”

Try these:

Joss’ favourite flavoured vodka blend is 42 Below Feijoa served in a tall glass filled with ice and topped with Mac’s Sparkling Apple with a lime wedge – although that’s optional.

“To me that is a Kiwi summer in a glass. And I love 42 Below because it is an iconic New Zealand vodka brand. The bottle is sleek and stylish and it sits in the mid-price range.” 

Another refreshing summer idea is Wild and Spice. Take a tall glass with ice and add 45ml Absolut Wild Tea, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 2 barspoons caster sugar and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a slice of lemon.