In the pantheon of fruit, blackberry’s a pretty uncommon flavor, relegated to the wasteland somewhere between blueberry and plum. Is it a little odd then that Stoli’s latest infused creation used blackberry for its sweetness? Not at all, as it adds a unique spin to summer cocktails that you’re unlikely to get anywhere else.

As with most off-the-shelf infusions, Stoli Blakberi is a little harsh on its own, too tart and with a chemical aftertaste that’s tough to drink much of. Stoli’s not alone here, of course, and Blakberi’s clearly intended for fruity cocktails. There, it shines. With mixers the blackberry flavor comes through far more prominently, imbuing a drink with a more subtle berry flavor than you get with, say, Stoli Blueberi (though I like that flavor very much, too — in fact, it works well with Blakberi as a combo in cocktails).

Stoli Blakberi is pretty versatile, working with all kinds of mixers well. My favorite: A spiked blackberry lemonade (recipe below the bottle shot, scroll on down).

70 proof.

B+ / $20

Spiked Blackberry Lemonade
4 blackberries
1 1/2 oz. Stoli Blakberi vodka
lemonade

Muddle blackberries in a tall rocks glass, add vodka, and fill with ice. Top up with lemonade and stir.

Omit the blackberries or sub in blueberries, raspberries, or other fruit if you don’t have them. Try adding a splash or two of Stoli Blueberi for a different twist.

Stolichnaya Stoli Blakberi Flavored Vodka

$20

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

Related Stories:

Review: Stolichnaya Stoli Chocolat Razberi Vodka Review: Stolichnaya Stoli Wild Cherri Vodka Review: Stolichnaya Stoli Hot and Stoli Sticki Vodkas Review: Stolichnaya Stoli Crushed Ruby Red Grapefruit and Pineapple