What is UV Vodka?
UV Vodka is a brand of American-made, naturally flavored vodka produced by the Phillips Distilling Company, based in Princeton, Minnesota. Unlike many premium brands that focus on an unflavored, neutral spirit, UV specializes in a wide range of colorful, flavored vodkas designed to be mixed into cocktails. The company prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and a meticulous distillation process to create a smooth, approachable product.
The brand’s most famous offering, UV Blue, is a vivid blue raspberry-flavored vodka that has gained significant popularity for its eye-catching color and sweet-tart profile. The entire UV line is distilled four times from American Midwestern corn, a step that the company claims results in a purer, higher-quality spirit. This attention to detail and a consumer-focused approach to flavor has made UV a staple in bars and liquor stores nationwide.
The Famous UV Blue Raspberry Vodka
The UV Blue variant is arguably the most recognizable product in the UV portfolio. Its bright, electric-blue hue and distinct raspberry flavor make it a favorite for creating visually appealing drinks. The flavor is derived from naturally sourced, vine-ripened raspberries, providing a juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy taste profile reminiscent of blue raspberry candy or slushies. This sweet profile makes it an excellent mixer that can easily be paired with a variety of sodas, juices, and other spirits.
How UV Blue is made
UV Blue's production follows a specific process that ensures both flavor and quality:
- Quadruple Distillation: The base corn spirit is distilled four times, which helps to remove impurities and create a smooth finish.
- Advanced Filtration: It is filtered through a combination of activated carbon and diatoms, further refining the spirit.
- Natural Flavoring: The clean vodka is then infused with natural raspberry flavors.
- Water Sourcing: The water used in production is sourced from deep aquifers in Princeton, Minnesota.
Comparison of UV Vodka and Standard Vodka
Understanding the differences between UV flavored vodka and traditional unflavored vodka can help you decide which is best for your needs.
| Feature | UV Flavored Vodka | Standard Unflavored Vodka |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Naturally flavored with fruit or other infusions (e.g., raspberry, grape, citrus). | A neutral, odorless, and flavorless spirit. |
| Appearance | Often features vibrant colors corresponding to its flavor (e.g., bright blue for raspberry). | Typically a clear, colorless liquid. |
| Distillation | Distilled four times for a clean, smooth finish, even when flavored. | The number of distillations varies by brand, but the goal is to achieve neutrality. |
| Best For | Mixing into cocktails, shots, or sweet mixed drinks where flavor and color are desired. | Classic cocktails, martini preparation, or sipping neat where a pure, clean spirit is needed. |
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | Typically 30% ABV (60 proof), such as the UV Blue. | Usually 40% ABV (80 proof), though some variations exist. |
| Target Audience | Consumers looking for fun, mixable spirits with vibrant flavors and colors. | Consumers and mixologists seeking a versatile and clean spirit base. |
Other Varieties of UV Vodka
While UV Blue is the brand’s most recognizable product, Phillips Distilling Company offers a full spectrum of other colored and flavored vodkas, each designed to add a different twist to mixed drinks. Some of the other popular flavors include:
- UV Pink: A pink lemonade-flavored vodka.
- UV Green: An apple-flavored vodka.
- UV Grape: A grape-flavored spirit known for its sweet, purple profile.
- UV Cherry: A vibrant red, cherry-flavored option.
- UV Citrus: A tangy, citrus-flavored vodka.
This variety of naturally flavored options allows drinkers to experiment with a wide range of cocktails, creating new and exciting combinations for any occasion. The brand’s focus on mixability has made it a versatile tool for both amateur and professional bartenders.
Conclusion
In summary, the type of alcohol that UV is, is a flavored vodka. Its best-known product, UV Blue, is a raspberry-flavored vodka that stands out with its vibrant color and sweet, tangy profile. Produced by Phillips Distilling Company, UV vodkas are American-made, quadruple-distilled spirits that prioritize flavor and mixability over neutrality. With its diverse range of colors and flavors, UV provides an affordable and fun option for creating a wide variety of colorful and flavorful cocktails.
Phillips Distilling Company is the parent company behind the UV Vodka brand, providing a deep history of spirits innovation dating back over a century.
