Vodka Distilled: The Modern Mixologist on Vodka and Vodka Cocktails by Tony Abou-Ganim, with Mary Elizabeth Faulkner was sent to me for review purposes. Vodka Distilled is available on The Modern Mixologist website and other online retail outlets (Amazon Affiliate link). All photos, tasting notes, thoughts and opinions shared in this review are my own.

Since this is primarily a cocktail website, let’s get straight to a recipe first! Make a drink. Sit back and read on.

The Wizard Cocktail Recipe

The Wizard cocktail finds its place within the pages of Vodka Distilled: The Modern Mixologist on Vodka and Vodka Cocktails by Tony Abou-Ganim, with Mary Elizabeth Faulkner. This recipe piqued my interest due to the wonderful Chartreuse inclusion. Yum!

The Wizard

2 ounces Vodka {Rye or Potato Vodka recommended}

1 ounce Cinzano Bianco

1/2 ounce Yellow Chartreuse

2 dashes Orange Bitters

Thinly Sliced Orange Peel Garnish

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain into small chilled martini glass. Garnish with thin sliced orange peel.

The Wizard cocktail turns out with rich layered flavor. There is a bit of citrus spice in the aroma. A mix of orange and herbal notes linger on the tongue. The Wizard cocktail is a very nice, long sipping cocktail.

Vodka Distilled: The Modern Mixologist on Vodka and Vodka Cocktails

Vodka Distilled profiles 58 vodkas. The vodkas are broken down by category; rye, wheat, potato, mixed grain, corn and miscellaneous. The vodka profiles contain basic information such as point of origin, price point, materials and techniques used throughout the distillation process.

Tony Abou-Ganim and a panel of tasting experts combined their talent for a special tasting note section of the book. The panel of experts included Tony Abou-Ganim, Bridget Albert, Dale DeGroff, and Steve Olson. Information about each of these esteemed panelists and their accomplishments in the spirits and cocktails field can be found in the book. The tasting notes section includes detailed observations as to aroma, taste, mouth feel, finish, character of the spirit and the panelists’ specific drink recommendations.

In my opinion this book is less about the cocktails and more about the clear spirit some bartenders have had a love / hate relationship with in the past. There are roughly 28 cocktail recipes with additional specialty syrups and flavored waters. Each drink recipe contains Tony’s expert touch and specific vodka recommendation. Tony even touches on the highly debated Vodka Martini.

Vodka Distilled Extras

Vodka Distilled includes detailed instructions on how to carry out your own vodka tasting party. Fun! Chapter Five, page 125.

Tony talks about the importance of ice. Not how big the ball or cube is, but the dilution factor and clean, clear ice. He does not suggest buying a pricy home filtration system or expensive ice. He does give excellent tips for making the best ice possible as easily as possible with what you probably have in your kitchen right now. Buy the book. Turn to page 54.

Indexing is a true plus in Vodka Distilled. Ingredients, drink names, bars, garnishes, historical information, glassware, etc… are all cross referenced. Thank you Tony!

The pages that feature the 58 profiled vodkas are all printed on a beautiful bluish hued paper. This makes it much easier to quickly turn to the profile pages for quick reference. User friendly! No page number necessary. Just look for blue.

Find more information about Tony Abou-Ganim at The Modern Mixologist website. Follow The Modern Mixologist on Facebook or @mdrnmixologist on Twitter.

All content ©2013 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, all thoughts and opinions shared in this post are my honest personal opinions. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”