Finlandia Vodka, a prominent European brand, is at the forefront of a resurgence in cocktail culture, particularly the classic vodka martini. This popular and prestigious vodka brand was founded in 1970 and has flourished ever since. Today, it has grown to trade more than 2.5 million 9-litre cases annually in those markets worldwide, with an emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe. It’s produced from the finest quality Finnish barley, giving this distinctive vodka its signature pure taste and incomparable silky-smooth texture.
This new wave of cocktail lovers, not the least of which being Gen Z, are bringing back the vodka martini. Their person- and play-driven takes on mixology never sacrifice precision for style. According to the brand’s Master Mixologist, Pekka Pellinen, this trend aligns perfectly with Finlandia’s reputation as the “chef’s spirit,” renowned for its neutrality that allows the essence of other ingredients to shine through.
The Craft Behind Finlandia Vodka
The distillation process behind Finlandia Vodka is as Finnish as it gets. The clean waters used to craft the vodka come from Finland’s extraordinary natural environment. This superior water quality is instrumental in producing a beverage that shines in both flavor and smoothness.
When making classic cocktails, premium vodka is paramount, a sentiment shared by Pellinen. And with just two simple ingredients – vodka and vermouth – using a high quality vodka such as Finlandia is imperative. Our vodka is made from Finnish barley to give our vodka a clean taste with no heaviness,” he added.
The production takes advantage of Finland’s natural phenomenon known as the “Midnight Sun,” which helps achieve the vodka’s renowned silky-smooth texture. This careful craftsmanship yields a product that looks beyond the basic product expectations of demanding consumers.
Perfecting the Vodka Martini
While Finlandia Vodka is helping raise the status of today’s best cocktails, the vodka martini endures as a classic among connoisseurs. Pellinen shares his expert tips on crafting the ideal martini shaken, not stirred — of course — with Finlandia Vodka. He suggests a simple recipe: 40ml of Finlandia Vodka with a dash of Dry Vermouth.
For those interested in taking their martini game up a notch, Pellinen suggests stirring rather than shaking. He explains, “Stirring adds to the silky texture and results in a less diluted drink.” This method adds texture to the cocktail, making it feel silkier and smoother while still maintaining the character of the drink’s flavors.
With Finlandia Vodka’s versatility, bartenders are encouraged to get creative, think outside the box and experiment to create the ultimate cocktail. Pellinen challenges cocktail adventurers to run amok with ingredients while keeping the spirit of a vodka intact. “You can play around with different ingredients and the beauty of the liquid will still shine through,” he added.
The Future of Vodka in Cocktail Culture
Finlandia Vodka’s soaring ascent is emblematic of an ever-shifting tide within the spirits industry. White spirits, in particular, are on the rise, particularly among younger consumers. Bartenders and home mixologists everywhere are eagerly reimagining classic recipes with new interpretations. The vodka category is growing, spurred by Gen Z’s sense of adventure and quest for quality.
Pellinen is quick to point out that this revival isn’t just about being nostalgic. In particular, it’s known for its emphasis on creating cocktails that please contemporary palates. He remarks, “A softer water won’t impact the flavour as much,” highlighting how the purity of ingredients plays a role in shaping modern cocktails.
Finlandia Vodka has a proud tradition and an uncompromising dedication to quality. Its versatility crowned it king of the exciting new age of cocktail renaissance.
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