The Liquid Muse

O2 Vodka - A Breath of Fresh Air

Like many of you sipsters, I love a little bubbly. I indulge in champagne as an apertif, with dessert, or all on its own. Oh hell, who am I kidding? I'd bathe in the stuff if it didn't leave my skin so sticky.

Now, though, there is a new way to revel in the light tickle of tiny bubbles. O2, touted "the world's first sparkling vodka," adds extra glamour to any ordinary vodka cocktail.

The Brits (who have introduced us Yanks to pop-culture phenomenons like James Bond, Coldplay and The Full Monty) are at it again! Produced by International English Distillers and due to reach our shores by January 2007, O2 Vodka's crisp taste, extensive distillation (the Premium version is thrice distilled and the Super Premium version is distilled five times) and high alcohol content (Premium is 80 proof and Super Premium is 94 proof) are sure to grab thirsty American party-goers' attention.

Who knows? By 2008, we may be ringing in the New Year, drinking vodka mimosas with brunch and toasting newly marrieds with O2 Sparkling vodka. Not to burst champagne's bubble but it suddenly seems there's a little competition for sparkling cocktails on the horizon...

Here is one of my the results of my playtime with O2:

The Liquid Muse Vodka Royale
2 oz. O2 Sparkling Super Premium vodka
1 oz. Chambord
1/2 oz. freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Pour vodka into a fluted champagne glass, slowly add Chambord. Top with a squeeze of lemon and garnish with swirly lemon twist. DO NOT shake or stir this drink, or the carbonation goes flat more quickly.