The origins of vodka have always been under much contention. In popular culture, most of the references to vodka are always associated with Russia or Poland. Whichever country may have invented this versatile drink, it has surely become a mainstay today. Vodka is among the most popular drinks across the world, mainly because it pairs well with ingredients in different kinds of cocktails. One such cocktail is the infamous Vodka Blush.
If you are a film noir aficionado, you must be familiar with the 1968 classic ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, where this drink was advertised for the first time. It has become a Halloween staple since then, owing to the spooky backstory of the movie and the rich red color of the cocktail. You can make this recipe at home easily with a few household ingredients, and enjoy a refreshing best vodka cocktail after a hard day of work. Vodka Blush can also be infused in a variety of other dishes as well. Here, we will give you the complete know-how about the Vodka Blush recipe and how to get the most out of it.
The Origins And Popularity Of Vodka
Eastern Europeans, particularly the Russians and the Polish, have for long claimed ownership over the origins of this drink. There are so many conflicting accounts of the origins of the drink, that it cannot be pointed accurately where it came from. All that matters now is that it is here, and it can be your best friend when you throw a party.
Incidentally, vodka was earlier made from alcohol imported through Genoa. It was much later that the practice of making vodka using rye and grain came into being. Moreover, the original vodka was not created to make it a popular liquor. It was, rather, used as a medicine and a cosmetic. Much later, when vodka production began en masse, it started becoming an essential ingredient for cocktails such as Vodka Blush.
This is what makes vodka so popular among people who otherwise squabble over whiskey and scotch. Vodka has a very clean taste, which makes it the ideal drink to be paired with both stronger and lighter alcohols. Vodka can also be paired with non-alcoholic beverages. It can be paired with fruit (as is seen in Vodka Cranberry Blush) as well as herbs. This versatility makes it the most commonly consumed drink in the whole world.
Moreover, vodka also has the lowest calorie content among all hard drinks. The icing on the cake is vodka has no carbs. The vodkas brewed from grains also do not contain carbs by the end of the distillation process and also have numerous benefits of vodka. So, it is popular not only due to its taste and versatility, but also because you will not have to worry about calories while enjoying a nice cold glass of Vodka Blush. We get it, vodka is a clear winner when it comes to alcohol.
How To Make Vodka Blush Cocktail?
Coming to the main part of our discussion, this drink has been popularized by movie geeks and is a mainstay on most bar menus today. However, it is a relatively simple cocktail that can be made at home as well. This is the perfect drink to whip out on a warm, sunny day and impress your guests. So, without any further ado, let us look at the Vodka Blush recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this cocktail:
- 2 ½ ounces of Vodka
- 1 dash grenadine
- ¾ fresh lime juice
These are household ingredients, so you can whip them out at any time to serve your guests a delicious glass of Vodka Blush.
Directions
Fill the shaker with 3/4th ice and add in all the ingredients. Shake well for a few minutes, and then strain into a cocktail glass. You can add some mint for garnishing.
That’s it! That’s how easy Vodka Cranberry Blush is to make. It works great if the occasion is Halloween, but even on regular days, the rich vibrant color of this drink is bound to make heads turn your way with a few appreciative nods.
Vodka Blush Cocktail
How To Make Vodka Blush Pasta?
Do you know that you can incorporate this recipe into a pasta dish as well? You heard that right! Vodka can also be used in many different pasta recipes to kick it, and tomato can be used instead of cranberry to make this pasta. Let us take a look at how to make this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
You will need the following items to make this rich, creamy sauce:
- Cooked penne pasta
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 cup mashed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Herbs and spices
- Choice of veggies
Directions:
- In a skillet, add olive oil and cook the veggies lightly until they are golden brown.
- Add the mashed tomatoes and herbs and spices, and cook under medium heat until it becomes thick.
- Serve the sauce overcooked penne pasta and enjoy the flavorful combination of vodka and tomato with lip-smacking spices. Your Vodka Blush pasta is ready.
How To Make Other Cocktails With Vodka And Cranberry Juice?
Other than the Vodka Blush cocktail, there are many other drinks that you can prepare with cranberry and vodka. One of them is the renowned Cosmo cocktail, which also has a rich red color.
1. Cosmo Cocktail
You will need the same ingredients (vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice) plus orange liqueur to make this cocktail. As always, add ice and all the ingredients into a shaker, mix well and strain into a cocktail glass for everyone to enjoy with a dash of orange zest. This cocktail works great for people who appreciate a bit of tang with their drinks.
2. Woo Woo Cocktail
As the name suggests, this is the perfect drink for a romantic night out with your loved one. You will need to add ice, vodka, cranberry juice, peach schnapps, and lime juice into a shaker and mix well for a few minutes. Then, strain it into a cocktail glass and garnish it with a wedge of lime.
3. Sea Breeze Cocktail
Another daring red drink is also made with vodka and cranberry. Add ice, vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice to a tall glass and stir well. You can add mint or lemon zest for garnish. This drink is perfect if you have a bit of a sweet tooth and like your cocktails to have a fruity essence to them.
Conclusion
As you can see, Vodka Blush is not just the only cocktail you can make with cranberry and vodka. You can even make a pasta sauce by substituting tomato instead of cranberry to create a rich, creamy but light sauce that pairs well with almost any kind of pasta. Vodka and cranberry make an amazing pair that can be made into many different kinds of drinks, other than the classic Vodka blush cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best way to drink a vodka blush?
Ans: The best way to drink this cocktail is from a classic cocktail glass, garnished with some mint and lemon slices.
Q2. What is vodka blush sauce?
Ans: This is a pasta sauce made with vodka and mashed tomatoes. It has a creamy texture and can pair well with most kinds of pasta.
Q3. Is the vodka blush from ‘Rosemary's Baby’ real?
Ans: In the movie, keeping true to the ominous theme, the red color of the drink is supposed to signify blood and horror. However, in reality, it is a very popular cocktail made with vodka and cranberry.
