Apple Cider Martini

Hey everyone!  We’re kicking off our annual Holiday Gift Guide this year with a “Gift for the Foodie.”  

Let’s face it, if you know someone drinks .. you really can’t go wrong with alcohol 😉  As a matter of fact it’s probably one of the more appreciated gifts around the holidays.  Whether it’s a gift to bring the party host, a thank you gift to a client or just something for Dad or your Aunt Jane.

Ukraine’s famed Khortytsa (Hor-Ti-Tsa) Vodka (or KHOR for short) is the world’s third largest selling vodka!

The Khortytsa Distillery is located near Khortytsa Island, known as the “heart of Ukraine.” This ancient island’s history dates back thousands of years and reaches the roots of civilization. It is considered a sacred place in Ukraine and is one of the country’s seven wonders. Built in 2003, it uses a local organic filter containing schungite (a unique natural mineral) which allows it to get as close as possible to the structure of natural water.  The filtration process is further enhanced with special birch and alder-tree charcoal and quartz sand sourced near the famous Ural Mountains.

Currently, there are four items within the Khortytsa line imported to the United States: Khortytsa Platinum, which is the most popular item in the line, retailing for $13.99per 750 ml.; Khortytsa Ice, with a bottle color that changes when chilled, retails for $13.99 per 750 ml.; Khortytsa Honey Pepper, which offers a spicy zing to a variety of cocktails, retails for $13.99 per 750 ml., and Khortytsa De Luxe for vodka connoisseurs, is a “super premium” vodka with a suggested retail of $25.99 for a 750 ml. bottle.

So you can see that makes it an affordable gift too!

Khor sent me a couple of mini samples of the Platinum and Honey Pepper varieties, and I felt I needed to make a seasonal cocktail with at least one of them.  I chose the Platinum and had a craving for a Honeycrisp Apple, so I whipped up an Apple Cider Martini.  It’s a great libation to end the day with!

APPLE CIDER MARTINI

2 oz Khortytsa Platinum Vodka
4 oz of sweetened Apple Cider
1 sliced Apple for garnish

Add vodka and apple cider in a ice filled cocktail shaker and shake until combined.  Strain into a martini glass.  Garnish the edge with an apple slice.

Simple but delicious!

You can learn more about Khortytsa Vodka and where to purchase on their website.

Also my routine PSA goes here about enjoying your alcohol responsibly.  Call an Uber, give your keys to a friend or spend the night, and PLEASE don’t drink and drive.