Upgrade your vodka experience by alternating sips with a chaser, typically something non-alcoholic. This is particularly useful when drinking vodka neat or as a shot.
A chaser can help keep everyone hydrated between vodka sips. Ideal chaser options include water, tonic or sparkling water, and even pickle or lemon juice.
Fruit juices such as orange and cranberry are some of the most popular mixer options. Use pineapple juice for extra sweetness or grapefruit juice for more tartness.
Since vodka features prominently in a martini, it's important to use a quality product. Also keep in mind your garnish, which will impart certain flavors to your martini.
Before pairing vodka with food, decide if you want to pair vodka with similarly clean and crisp flavors or choose those that contrast and use the vodka as a palate cleanser.
Light salads, oysters, shrimp cocktails, and sushi are clean and crisp flavored foods. Vodka could contrast the flavors of Thai dishes, pickled vegetables, and strong cheeses.