Mixology is no longer the exclusive preserve of bars. It is increasingly making its way into the world of gastronomy, offering new ways to complement the flavours of individual dishes just as harmoniously as wine. ELIT Vodka therefore provides inspiration on how to bridge these two worlds through carefully selected pairings—from a refreshing aperitif to an elegant accompaniment to the main course and a sophisticated finish.
ELIT is a premium Baltic vodka from the Stoli Group, which has been redefining the concept of luxury spirits since 2003. It is made from carefully selected wheat varieties and undergoes several stages of distillation and filtration, including filtration through quartz sand, birch charcoal and other special filters, culminating in a patented freeze-filtration process at -18 °C. This gives ELIT Vodka its creamy, silky texture. The final blend is complemented with artesian water and bottled in Riga, Latvia, at the Latvijas Balzams distillery.
On the palate, ELIT Vodka stands out for its purity, minerality and subtle notes of vanilla with hints of aniseed and black pepper. Its fresh, long finish makes it an ideal base for sophisticated mixed drinks and gastronomic pairings. What combinations of drinks and food can create a truly harmonious experience?
ELIT BASIL GIMLET
ELIT Basil Gimlet is a perfect match for starters and makes for a natural, refreshing introduction. The subtle bitterness and freshness of lime cordial, combined with the aromatic notes of fresh basil, awakens the taste buds and prepares them for the courses to follow. The drink’s herbal flavour also resonates beautifully with the fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil in a Caprese salad. Both the drink and the dish share the same aromatic base, creating a light yet full-bodied taste experience.
2.5 parts ELIT Vodka
1 part lime cordial
3 fresh basil leaves
Gently crush the basil leaves, add all the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake. Strain through a double strainer into a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh basil leaf floated on top.
ELIT DIRTY MARTINI
The ELIT Dirty Martini is the perfect accompaniment to a main course. The saltiness of Castelvetrano olive brine, combined with the delicacy of Arbequina olive oil, creates a sophisticated flavour profile that naturally complements fish and seafood. This elegant, harmonious drink highlights the natural saltiness and delicate texture of dishes such as baked salmon or grilled sea bass. The result is a balanced and truly refined combination.
2 parts ELIT Vodka
0.5 parts dry vermouth
0.5 parts Castelvetrano olive brine
Place the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a few drops of Arbequina olive oil and a Castelvetrano olive.
ELIT VODKA NEGRONI
ELIT Vodka Negroni is the perfect choice to round off any menu and complements dessert beautifully. The depth of the gentian liqueur, the dryness of the vermouth and the silky texture of ELIT Vodka create a distinctive bittersweet profile full of contrast and elegance, which pairs beautifully with a cheese platter featuring fruit and nuts. The bitterness of the gentian liqueur pleasantly balances the richness of both creamy and tangier cheeses, creating a harmonious, refined finish to the entire menu.
1.5 parts ELIT Vodka
1 part dry vermouth
0.5 parts gentian liqueur
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain into a double rocks glass over a large ice cube. Squeeze the lemon zest over the glass
and use it as a garnish.
You can buy ELIT Vodka on the website www.1er.cz for 1,060 CZK.
Source: Premier Wines & Spirits
