Gin, Vodka, Eaux-de-vie & Grappa: Clear Winners of Summer
Your Highball Awaits
Summer is coming to a close, but the heat’s not going anywhere. Cool off with a vodka or gin-based cocktail. Martini or mule, gimlet or G&T—the options are endless. Or, just grab some ice and seltzer and you’ve got yourself a highball. Looking for a bit of a treat? End the night with a vibrant eau-de-vie or grappa.
Chill out with our staff picks of gin, vodka, eaux-de-vie, and grappa.
Future Gin $39.96
Southern Californian aromatics such as Meyer lemon, honeysuckle, grape leaf, and avocado leaf play nicely with the juniper and spice of traditional London dry style gin. Owned and operated by an all-female crew, Future Gin will fit the bill for a late summer gin and tonic. – Vincent Grace, Wine & Spirits Consultant
Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin $47.96
A beautiful and unique gin conceived of and produced in the Yarra Valley of Australia. Navy Strength Four Pillars is not just a higher proof version of their Rare Gin—the addition of native finger limes adds a whole new dimension of flavor. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Letherbee Vernal Gin $39.96
Attention horseradish lovers! Swap out the vodka in your next bloody Mary for Letherbee’s horseradish-infused gin. Et voilà, you have a red snapper! Or let it inspire your next martini. Add a dash of celery bitters and top with a fun garnish, say lemon-marinated olives, perhaps wrapped in an anchovy, or pickled anything. Once you get riffing it’s hard to stop, but this is so good you won’t want to. – Amy Miller, Wine & Spirits Consultant
Suntory Haku Vodka $25.99
The House of Suntory does more than just produce highly touted whiskies. Using 100% Japanese rice and a filter of bamboo charcoal, they put out an ethereal vodka that is delicate, meticulously thought out, and an overall pleasant sipping experience. – Jose Banegas, Wine & Spirits Consultant
Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka $24.96
Vodka shmodka, right? Crop Organic Cucumber clearly proves that not all vodkas are the same, especially when it comes to the flavored category. Enliven your palate and senses with this refreshing spirit. It’s like transporting yourself to the spa with a martini. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Blume Marillen Apricot Eau-de-Vie $26.99
We all know the sensuous joy of in-season fruit. The intoxicating musk and satiating taste of apricots is wunderbar! Never wait for summer again—buy apricot Eau-de-Vie and indulge year round. – Samuel Davies, Wine & Spirits Consultant
Rhine Hall Mango Brandy $59.96
Great eau-de-vie distillation takes simple, high-quality ingredients, then magnifies everything that makes them wonderful. Enter Rhine Hall, a father-daughter duo taking only perfectly in-season mangoes from Mexico and turning them into this startlingly bright, aromatic essence that captures every aspect of the fruit. – Jon Miner, Wine & Spirits Consultant
Occhipinti Grappa di Frappato $79.96
To make grappa one uses vinaccia, known as pomace in English, which is the skin of grapes leftover from winemaking. Frappato skins are thick and perfect for it. The result is a fruity, floral, and spicy grappa that’s full, but has a smooth finish. A wonderful after-dinner drink. – Andrea Fraccari, Wine & Spirits Consultant
Grappa di Barolo, Capovilla $69.96
Capovilla Grappa di Barolo is a hand-crafted labor of love. Notes of wild flowers, vanilla, and baking spices allow for a warm finish on the palate. – Davit Kirtadze, Wine & Spirits Consultant