When it comes to enjoying exquisite cocktails, it’s not just an experience to be saved for a night on the town. Take your at-home bar game up a notch and craft your own creative libations! It’s easy to add a little “wow” to your week with simple steps to add a touch of flair to your mid-week cocktail. Whether you’re pouring for just yourself, or a group friends – or if you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a novice just dipping their toes into the mixology world – these tips will immediately transform your experience.

1. Make Beautiful Ice Cubes with Fruit Juices & Edible Ingredients

Transforming ordinary ice cubes into vibrant bursts of flavor is a simple yet effective way to elevate your vodka-based cocktails. Experiment with freezing different fruit juices, herbs, fruits, edible flowers and more to create colorful and flavorful ice cubes. Enhance the flavor of Hanson of Sonoma organic infused vodkas using natural juices of the same flavor – like Meyer Lemon, Mandarin, or Cucumber for a refreshing twist. These infused ice cubes not only add visual appeal but also subtly enhance the taste of your drinks as they melt. Large square cubes, long rectangular and sphere-shaped cubes also provide an interesting twist. (Another fun idea? Freeze coffee to make cubes that won’t water down your Espresso vodka cocktails!)

2. Infuse Your Simple Syrups with Fresh Herbs

Complement the smooth and crisp profile of Hanson of Sonoma Vodka by incorporating herb-infused simple syrups into your cocktails. Basil, mint, and rosemary are excellent choices for infusing syrups. Create an herb-infused simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with fresh herbs until the sugar dissolves. These aromatic syrups can add a herbaceous note to any of your favorite classic cocktail recipes, or one of our Hanson of Sonoma specialty cocktails like the Spicy Sonoma Mule or the Rosemary Spritz.

3. Use a Naturally-Infused Flavored Vodka:

Ok, this was an easy one! Of course, one of our favorite ways to take your cocktails to the next level is to start with your base spirit. Our gluten-free, organic vodkas have no artificial ingredients – each infusion is made by steeping only the highest quality ingredients (think fruits, veggies, peppers, and espresso beans) in our vodka until they take on the perfect flavor profile. Our vodkas have a fresh, real taste – because we use fresh, real ingredients. The higher the quality the spirit you build your cocktail with, the higher the quality the overall drink will be.

4. Use Edible Flowers as Garnishes

For a visually stunning and sophisticated touch, consider garnishing your Hanson of Sonoma vodka cocktails with edible flowers. Edible flowers like violets, pansies, or nasturtiums not only add an aesthetic appeal but also contribute subtle floral notes to your drinks. Pro tip: ensure that the flowers are organic and pesticide-free, and gently float them on the surface of your cocktails for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

5. Use Dehydrated Fruit Wheels Instead of Fresh Fruit Slices

We absolutely love the look of a dehydrated citrus wheel as a drink garnish – so much so that we serve them with many of our cocktails poured at the distillery! Start by selecting a medley of vibrant fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, ensuring they are ripe and fresh. Thinly slice the fruits into uniform wheels (a mandoline is the way to go if you’re looking for extra precision). Arrange the slices on dehydrator trays, allowing them to bask in low heat for several hours until they achieve a delightful chewy, yet firm texture. These dehydrated fruit wheels not only intensify the natural sweetness of the fruits but also offer a visually striking and elegant touch to your cocktails. Whether adorning the rim of a glass or delicately floating atop the libation, these artisanal garnishes are sure to elevate your cocktail presentation to a new level of sophistication. Not into waiting? You can usually find dehydrated fruit wheels at your local specialty grocer. Want to simplify the cocktail making experience even further? Shop our DIY Cocktail Kits online and get everything you need (including the garnishes!) all in one box, complete with an easy-to-follow recipe card.

6. Try Smoking Your Cocktails

Infuse an element of mystery and depth into your vodka creations by introducing a smoky twist. Use a handheld smoker to infuse a hint of smoke into your cocktails (try covering the top of the cocktail with a larger glass or bowl to enhance the strength of the smoky flavor). We love a good smoky and spicy Bloody Mary garnished with a thick slice of smoky bacon. If you’re a fan of mezcal, you’ll certainly enjoy a smoky vodka cocktail.

7. Experiment with Unique Salt & Sugar Rims

A salt or sugar rim is an excellent (and easy!) way to add a little extra flair to your cocktail. Rimmed glasses are not just for margaritas anymore! Ditch the standard salted rim and explore creative alternatives such as chili-lime salt or smoked sea salt for a hint of complexity. For those with a sweet tooth, experiment with unconventional sugar rims like lavender-infused sugar, ginger-spiced sugar, or even a citrus-infused sugar blend. The secret lies in the balance of flavors, as these artisanal rims not only enhance the aroma but also harmonize with the cocktail’s ingredients. Plus, the color adds that extra pop that will make your guests say “wow”!

Elevating your everyday cocktail experience with Hanson of Sonoma Vodka is all about embracing creativity and experimentation. Whether you choose to infuse flavors, play with presentation, or add unique garnishes, the key is to have fun and craft beverages that resonate with your taste preferences and personal style. With a little inspiration, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master home-mixologist, delighting your guests with one-of-a-kind vodka cocktails that leave a lasting impression. Cheers to raising the bar and sipping in style!