Celebrating National Vodka Day

As long as the U.S. government has decided to shut down, why not celebrate the halting decline of western civilization with a few cocktails in honor of National Vodka Day, Oct. 4?

Cornering approximately 20-25 percent of spirit sales in North America, this versatile libation provides the perfect platform for a palette-cleansing martini but can also be used in an array of mouth-watering cocktails.

The past several decades have seen the influence of flavored or infused vodkas that run that gamut from citrus to bacon and everything in between. Some of our favorite brands include:

EFFEN
Believing that wheat produces the purest kind of starch for distilling vodka, EFFEN relies on this particular grain from northern Holland to produce a premium, silky smooth liquid. Using a "continuous rectification" distillation process and "bottom-up" filtration and reverse osmosis to remove impurities from its water source, EFFEN goes the extra mile to produce a pure hangover-free (depending on the quantity consumed) product. Our recent favorite flavor for the fall season is Salted Caramel.
www.effenvodka.com

Charbay
Charbay has been infusing vodkas with whole, fresh ingredients since 1998. If you're looking for a fruit-flavored vodka, this is your go-to brand with powerful notes of blood orange, Meyer lemon, ruby grapefruit, red raspberry and pomegranate.
www.charbay.com

Tito's Handmade Vodka
Leave it to some guys in Austin, TX to start crafting vodka at Texas' first and oldest (legal) distillery. Founder and owner is Tito Beveridge. Microdistilled in an old-fashioned pot still, Tito's vodka is made from 100 percent corn and is naturally gluten-free. This is your go-to for a pure, unflavored vodka. I try to do one thing and do it really well, so I put all my energy into making the very best vodka out there," says Beveridge.
www.titosvodka.com

Fall Cocktails with EFFEN Salted Caramel Vodka

EFFEN Caramel Dipped Apple'tini
1 � parts EFFEN� Salted Caramel Vodka
� part Apple Schnapps
1 part Fresh Sour Mix
Garnish: Apple Slice
Garnish: Caramel Dipping Sauce

Method:
In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a red apple slice dipped in caramel.

EFFEN Salt and Sand
1 part EFFEN Salted Caramel Vodka
1 part Orange Juice
� part Cherry Liqueur
� part Fresh Sour Mix
Garnish: Orange Twist
Garnish: Cherry

Method:
In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a highball glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.