Summer is right around the corner, and the warmer months are the perfect time of year to imbibe light and refreshing cocktails. With safety protocols in place, gatherings and events have ramped up a bit in New York City. So I was invited to a launch party celebrating Finlandia Botanical Vodka’s arrival in New York.
Held at Sunday in Brooklyn in Williamsburg, the launch party allowed guests to taste curated cocktails featuring the specialty flavored vodka. Guests also had the opportunity to experience a beautiful interactive garnish wall, which included lavender, thyme, rosemary and flower petals. Paired with the cocktails were delectable hors d’oeuvres, including oysters, ceviche, cheeses and shrimp. The specially crafted cocktails were espresso martinis and botanical vodka spritzers.
Pekka Pellinen, Finlandia Vodka Global Master Mixologist, joined us from Finland to talk about the brand’s ongoing sustainability efforts. The vodka is crafted from their highest quality barley, which has low natural oils. Water is not only the “soul” of Finland, it’s also a key ingredient in their vodka, giving it its crisp taste. Committed to sustainability, Finlandia vodkas are made from almost every vegetarian material in the sun. Some vodkas are made from sugar cane or even grapes, but whatever the ingredient, each raw ingredient contributes to the unique characteristics of the vodka. Alongside the new flavors, the brand also redesigned the Finlandia bottle, reducing the average weight by 13%.
The first two infusions to launch are Cucumber & Mint and Wildberry & Rose. Infused with natural flavors of berries and fruit, the botanical vodka flavors are 30% ABV, naturally gluten-free and have no artificial sweeteners. The flavors and aromas on both are really pronounced, but not overwhelming. They might make you think you’re sipping your cocktails on a beach (or for New Yorkers, on your rooftop) under the sun.
You can purchase Finalandia Cucumber & Mint Vodka here and Wildberry & Rose here, delivered straight to your door via Drizly.
