When it comes to mixing up a killer cocktail, vodka’s relatively neutral flavour has made it a favourite as it can be combined with a wide variety of different flavours without clashing.

With the versatility of vodka, companies like Stolichnaya have introduced flavoured vodkas over the years, with Stoli launching the first line of premium flavoured vodkas.

In order to introduce two recent additions to the Stoli line-up to bars and restaurants around Cayman, Tortuga recently hosted Meagan Sacher, Stoli Diplomat for South Florida.

Meagan was at the centre of a number events on Island to introduce local restaurateurs and bartenders to new additions to the Stoli line-up and how these can be blended into some unique creations.

With her experience working in various hospitality positions in bars, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs throughout South Florida, Meagan is certainly well qualified to know what works in a hot, beach driven environment like Cayman.

Her most recent tenure has been at The Living Room at the W Hotel South Beach, one of Miami’s leading mixology bars.

According to Meagan, flavoured vodkas are growing at a greater rate than the vodka category in general, and with the introduction of Stoli Chocolat Razberi, the brand has added a new sweet, indulgent taste profile.

Flavoured vodkas are also introducing many people to vodka for the first time. However, another growth area has been ultra premium vodkas, so Meagan also spent some time introducing Stoli elit, the highest rated vodka in the world according to the Beverage Tasting Institute.

As with all Stoli vodkas, it is crafted from Russian wheat, rye and well water and then distilled and filtered four times.

According to Meagan, the reason for Stoli ‘only’ being filtered four times is that putting vodka through more filtration removes much of the taste profile of vodka, which might be a good thing for brands made with inferior ingredients, but not so good for a vodka that aims to remain true to the taste of real vodka.

Where Stoli elit differs is that it is put through a freeze filtration process to increase the density of the vodka and ensure no imperfections remain.

With Stoli Chocolat Razberi adding a unique taste to cocktails and Stoli elit taking vodka to a new level, the two can be used in quite different cocktail creations.