Cherry Basil Collins + a product review: Purity Vodka

Could it be?  I never would have imagined.  I am becoming a connoisseur of spirits!  I'm thinking it was probably my immature taste buds and feather-light wallet that led to believe that spirits were harsh, grimace-inducing, fire-breathing entities before.  I count myself very fortunate to be able to sample beyond my means (on a normal day) on occasion.  Although I only had a sample bottle to taste, I nursed it and used it incredibly wisely.  Purity Vodka is surprisingly smooth, round, and floral, almost.  Never did I imagine that I would be able to enjoyably sip vodka.  Distillation, I've come to believe, is key.   

Combining heritage and innovation, Purity Vodka comes to life in a proprietary pot still at the Purity Vodka Distillery at Ellinge Castle in the south of Sweden. Unlike other vodka producers, Purity has developed a still designed specifically for vodka production. During the thirty-four distillations, ninety percent of the liquid is lost. The remaining spirit is so pure that no filtration is necessary, leaving all the natural flavours and character in the vodka. Because taste does matter.  ~from the Purity Vodka website

I'm going to make it a personal goal to visit some distilleries.  I've always wanted to take the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky (almost made it one year).  And how awesome would it be to go to Sweden to visit the castle in which the Purity Vodka distillery is housed?  So awesome.  Until then, I will continue to sample and research whenever possible.  I recommend Purity Vodka...and these utterly delicious and addicting and far-too-easy to drink Cherry Basil Collins...as the perfect starting point.

Cherry Basil Collins
slightly adapted from Kathy Casey (Liquid Kitchen) via Purity Vodka  

Makes 1 cocktail

3 fresh cherries + more for garnish
1 small basil leaf + more for garnish
1 1/2 ounce Purity Vodka
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup*
2 ounce club soda, chilled

Drop the cherries and basil into a cocktail shaker. Press with a muddler to release the juices. Measure in the Purity Vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill cocktail shaker with ice, cap and shake vigorously. Pour drink into a Collins glass...or another type if you don't have a Collins glass (like me). Add soda water and stir. Garnish.

*simple syrup: combine equal parts water and sugar in a small sauce pan. Bring to a quick boil then immediately remove from heat and cool completely.  Store refrigerated for up to one month.

I received one mini-bottle of Purity Vodka for free to test and review.  All opinions stated in this post are 100% mine.