The Intoxicologist

Dan Aykroyd cleverly launched Crystal Head Vodka to the world with a viral marketing campaign late last year that had many skeptics; me included.  Rather than rehash the story of the 13 Crystal Heads, links to all the Crystal Head Vodka articles as originally placed on The Intoxicologist Is In site are listed at the bottom of this post.  A year later this beautiful piece of glasswork with Aykroyd’s legendary vodka finally reaches my bar top just in time for Halloween! 

 

Crystal Head Vodka aroma is distinctly alcohol overlay.  There is no denying the fact this is bare bones vodka.  Consumed neat the flavor is clean with barely a hint of vanilla, extremely warming with burn in the finish.  By and large I see this as good, clean vodka meant for mixing.  By mixing I mean incorporating the spirit into drink recipes and lively conversation.  The most spectacularly interesting feature about Crystal Head Vodka isn’t how this spirit flavors out.  Quite honestly the first thought in anyone’s mind when they see this particular vodka isn’t the spirit, but the skeletal head. 

 

There is an intricately woven story surrounding Crystal Head Vodka with the 13 Crystal Heads leading one into the realm of the paranormal making it perfect for Halloween and ghostly stories.  All one has to do is place Crystal Head Vodka out on the bar or kitchen island and guests will begin chattering about what’s in it, wanting to give it a try.  Make sure you have some equally intriguing cocktails to keep their appetite for the mystical satisfied.

 

Red Eye – created by The Intoxicologist

1 part Crystal Head Vodka

1/2 part DeKuyper Peach Schnapps

3 parts Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice

1 parts Homemade Grenadine

 2 parts Schweppes Club Soda

 

Combine vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.  Top with club soda. 

 

Sometimes cranberry juice has a tendency to bite in the finish.  With the addition of peach schnapps the cranberry juice edges become rounded and Red Eye ends up with a juicy splash of flavor.  Slightly sweet, but not overly done.  Something to love about this particular drink is the extreme definition of red and white color due to the ice float.  It creates great visual effect making this a fabulous sipper and excellent party serve cocktail.  If you are more of a sipper than gulper and ice tends to water your drink too quickly, strain this into a cocktail glass rather than on the rocks and sip away. 

 

Skeletal Remains – created by The Intoxicologist

3/4 part Crystal Head Vodka

1/2 part Castries Peanut Rum Crème

1/2 part Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 ounce Heavy Whipping Cream

 

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously to blend and chill.  Strain into a decorative cocktail glass. 

 

All that remains in Skeletal Remains is someone licking the glass when this cocktail is finished.  The flavor is light peanut butter with a hint of chocolate.  It is almost like consuming peanut butter fluff without the foam.   Crystal Head Vodka’s clean spirit allows nothing but pure unadulterated flavor shine through in this light cocktail.  Easy on the sweet factor while still letting one know there is a bit of dessert in the cocktail glass.

 

Bare Bones – created by The Intoxicologist

2 parts Crystal Head Vodka

Ice

Skewered Garlic Stuffed Green Olives Garnish

 

Place vodka in an old fashioned glass with ice.  Place skewered garlic stuffed green olives atop your nothing but bones Crystal Head Vodka to keep the Vampires away.  It’s a sure bet they’ll all want a sip of what you’re having.

 

With the first few samples of Crystal Head Vodka I didn’t think it was well suited for a straight up martini or consuming ‘bare bones.’  But then I stirred it with a little ice to take the edge of alcohol off and let it aerate a little.  This is definitely nice vodka worth trying as is.  Bare Bones is a tribute to Crystal Head Vodka’s clean nature and the Halloween party season of course.  One last note on the bottle shape: It is designed perfectly for finger position to allow proper pour.  The Crystal Head Vodka bottle might be unique but forethought did go into the design for behind the bar handling with ease.

 

A few more drink recipes listed below would be a splash hit at your Halloween party where Crystal Head Vodka would not only make a great centerpiece, but also interesting conversation starter and spirited mixer.

 

Headshrinker

Book: Good Spirits by A.J. Rathbun

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Blackberry Brandy

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon Twist Garnish

 

Combine liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with fresh lemon twist.

 

Mind Eraser

2 parts Vodka

2 parts Kahlua

1-1/2 parts Club Soda

 

Build over ice in an old fashioned glass.  Add a straw and promptly suck it down.  (Please consume responsibly.)

 

Phantasm Fizz

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 ounce Galliano

Club Soda

Whipped Cream Garnish

 

Combine vodka, heavy whipping cream and Galliano in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake thoroughly to blend and chill.  Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.  Top with club soda.  Garnish with a ghoulish dollop of whipped cream. 

 

Top 10 Classic Cocktails - Drink Recipes & Photos - Reviews

Halloween Drink Recipe & Party Idea Guide

 

Crystal Head Vodka – Hoax or No? - Unearthing Crystal Head Vodka

Special Thanks… - Crystal Head Vodka Rolls Out at Blue Martini in Miami: Video!

Dan Aykroyd Partners with Artist John Alexander to Launch Crystal Head Vodka

Stupid Statements Awards ‘08 Go Down In History – Mine Just Messes With Someone’s Head

 

 The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon

www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

 

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved