Always on the lookout for interesting “indie” brands in all categories, we thought it would be fun to pay tribute to another type of art, that is, the art of fine booze-making. Micro-distilleries, like micro-breweries have become more and more popular in the last decade. With reason. Many of these micro-distilleries make award-winning vodkas, far superior in taste and quality to the commercial brands. But, since award-winning in the vodka world pretty much means colorless, odorless and –we mean this as a compliment – tasteless, we want instead to turn our attention to the new and exotic flavor-ways of vodkas. And, let’s not confuse “infused” with commercially “flavored”.

	Indiana Infusions are made from the company’s award-winning Indiana Vodka. Five of the seven Indiana Infusions’ flavors were created by pairing a complimentary flavor to the prominent flavor for a completely unique offering: Chai Tea, Cherry Vanilla, Orange Cream, Honey Lemon, Raspberry Citrus, Chocolate Espresso, and Double Vanilla. See drink recipes by clicking on your flavor or choice.  List of retail spots here.
	Sub Rosa Spirits is handcrafted vodka made in Oregon. This distillery offers two infused vodkas. The first, Tarragon, is flavored with fresh organic tarragon (notes of licorice, fennel and mint), while the Saffron vodka is a mélange of eight spices (notes of cumin, coriander and saffron) that recall tastes of India and Asia. Look for local retailers here or buy them online through Vintage Wines. You can find cocktail recipes for these unique vodkas here. These mixes only make the uniquely flavored vodkas even more tempting.
	Charbay Vodkas are made with organically grown fruit and of other whole, fresh ingredients. Though this is a flavored vodka (as opposed to infused), there is NO use of essences, perfumes, dyes, fragrances & so-called “natural flavors” here. Charbay attributes the success of their flavored vodkas to their unique ingredient flavor and color extraction process. The extractions are integrated in the award-winning Charbay clear vodka. Flavors include blood orange, meyer lemon, ruby grapefruit, green tea, raspberry and pomegranate.  Purchases can be made directly from the website and recipes are listed through a link on each flavor page.

You may remember our mention of the DIY berry infused recipe. And that is certainly an easy route to go if you want to investigate your own flavor blends. Here are some other ideas for DIY infused vodka recipes from my favorite handcrafted vodka brand, Tito’s Handmade Vodka.