Eristoff Vodka is a Georgian brand first created in 1806 for Prince Eristavi of Duchy of Racha. The name is pronounced as “air-wrist-off”. Back then, the quality of a family’s vodka reflected their standing in society, so it’s no wonder that the Eristoff family worked hard to perfect their secret recipe for a premium vodka, which remained a well-kept secret for the family.
The Eristoff logo features a wolf howling at a crescent moon, with roots in folklore. The Persian name for Georgia is Virshan, meaning “Land of the Wolf.” The animal itself was highly revered by the noble Eristavi, a Georgian feudal office, for its physical and mystical powers. The wolf’s nocturnal creativity and fearless exploration of its boundaries are woven into the philosophy of Eristoff Vodka.
In the early 2000s, when Bacardi took over the reins of the business, they launched Eristoff Black Vodka, a testament to the enduring Eristoff values. Like all products bearing the Eristoff name, this black vodka is crafted from 100% pure grain and water, undergoing a triple distillation process to produce a vodka of unparalleled purity and smoothness.
Eristoff Black Vodka is produced by blending neutral spirit with demineralised water. The distinctive black colour and magnificent flavours result from infusing blackcurrants and wild berries. Finally, the right amount of sugar syrup is added to the mix to achieve perfection. The result is a vodka that stands out for its colour and eclectic blend of wild berries with a hint of liquorice, notes of green apple, and spiced woods of the forest.
While you can enjoy Eristoff Black Vodka alone, it’s also great in cocktails; see below for cocktail inspiration. Remember that this vodka has a strong berry flavour, so we don’t recommend mixing it with flavoured liqueurs unless they’re also berry-centred. You can also pair your Eristoff Black Vodka cocktail with food. We recommend pairing them with a mixed greens and strawberry salad or fruit tarts and berry-based pastries. Below, you’ll find a recipe for a delicious, easy-to-make blueberry tart to accompany your drink.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 3 cups fresh blueberries, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and ice water. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and gently knead until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C.
- Roll out the dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss until the blueberries are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Assemble the tart:
- Arrange the blueberry mixture evenly in the prepared tart crust.
- Bake the tart:
- Place the tart pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the tart to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan. Transfer the tart to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Slice the tart into wedges and serve it at room temperature. You can optionally garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy your homemade blueberry tart
Black Widow Cocktail
- Chill glass in freezer for 2-3 minutes before starting.
- Muddle 2-3 blackberries, ¾ of a tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract at the bottom of the chilled glass.
- Add 1 part lemon juice and 3 parts vodka, then mix until sugar is dissolved.
- Add more blackberries and ice, and top up almost to the rim with soda water.
- Serve immediately.
Black Cosmopolitan
- Add 1 part vodka, 2 parts cranberry juice, a dash of triple sec and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a slice of lime and serve.
Eristoff Vodka is a brand that has always been dedicated to quality and tradition. From its origins in the 19th century to its modern incarnations, Eristoff Vodka consistently delivers quality spirits. Eristoff Black Vodka takes you on a sensory journey, combining wild berries with hints of citrus and spice. [We would love to hear from you, whether you are interested in the history and craftsmanship of Eristoff Black Vodka or would like to share your cocktail recipes. Please drop your comments below and share your thoughts on Eristoff Black Vodka.] Cheers!