Reyka Vodka and Trevor Schneider shake up favorite fall flavors

While the spooky season might put many people in the Halloween spirit, Reyka Vodka and its brand ambassador Trevor Schneider are ready to put a slightly different spin on those fall flavors. While the Icelandic vodka is known for its unique flavor, these cocktails will have many people appreciating another chilling sip.

Considered a very versatile spirit, vodka has a multitude of distillers. While each brand has its own spin, the methods of distillation impact the resulting flavor.

Recently, FoodSided spoke with Reyka Brand Ambassador Trevor Schneider about the Icelandic vodka. Known as the “Cocktail Ninja” on Instagram, his social media account showcases the versatility of this vodka. From a favorite espresso martini to even an unusual beet forward cocktail, the smooth-tasting vodka can be mixed with almost anything.

As the brand’s website touts “an experience unlike anything else,” the small-batch liquor seeks to forge its own path. According to Schneider, “Reyka Vodka is created using Icelandic glacier spring water, adding to Reyka’s silky finish. We use lava rocks as a natural and efficient filtration system.” While few people might be able to experience this view in person, sipping on a glass can have drinkers imagining nature’s path.

What do Reyka Vodka and Trevor Schneider recommend for fall cocktails?

From Halloween to the fall harvest, there are many options to keep that cocktail shaker moving. Since the spooky season is here, Schneider mentioned that his favorite holiday is Halloween.

Although some people might appreciate the candy and the costumes, Schneider had a different response. He said, “Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because it gives people the chance to express their creativity. When it comes to cocktails, creativity is very important, especially when I am experimenting with new Reyka Vodka recipes – including our Pumpkin Spice Lebowski, which is perfect for Halloween.”

While Schneider refers to this cocktail as “Fall in a cup,” the name might have a few people wondering if there is a connection to an infamous character or even a bowling alley. In some ways, this cocktail is a riff on a White Russian, the signature cocktail in the Big Lebowski.

With this fall twist, the pumpkin becomes the star flavor. Although drinking one does not guarantee a strike, it will have everyone raising a toast to good times.

Pumpkin Spice Lebowski recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Reyka Vodka
• 1 part Coffee Liqueur
• 1 part Heavy Cream
• 1/2 tsp. of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Method:

Combine heavy cream and pumpkin pie spice into a cocktail shaker and shake. Add Reyka Vodka and Coffee Liqueur and shake with ice. Serve on the rocks and garnish with cocoa puffs.

What other flavors does Trevor Schneider recommend with Reyka Vodka?

Since some people might have hit pumpkin spice overload, there are other flavor choices that showcase the smoothness of the Reyka Vodka. As the holidays come into view, cranberries take center stage. Often that flavor is a signature at holiday parties.

When it comes to hosting a holiday party, Schneider has one simple recommendation to keep the host in the mix and out from behind the bar. He said, “Always have at least one batched cocktail for your holiday parties. This will save you time and allow you to be with your guests longer. Having everything prepped and ready will help ensure that the party will run smoothly and frees you up to host.”

Although not a huge batch cocktail, another great option that Schneider recommends for the chilly weather is the Cran-Spiced Martini. Featuring a vanilla spiced syrup, this cocktail is perfect for sitting by the fire or even an after-dinner drink.

Cran-Spiced martini recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Reyka Vodka
• 1 part Cranberry 100% juice
• .75 part Vanilla spiced syrup

Method

• Combine all the ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Serve with skewered cranberries.

Vanilla spiced syrup recipe:

• Bring 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 5 allspice, 1 cinnamon stick 2.5in. Bring to a boil in a pot. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool completely. Fine strain and add .5 oz vanilla extract.

With all the cocktails flowing, it is always important to have some food in close reach. What snacks does Schneider recommend? He said, “It, of course, depends on the Reyka cocktail you are serving, but snacks like chocolate-covered pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, brownie brittle and puppy chow are always great options.”

From the witching hour to the holiday festivities, there is always a reason to shake up a cocktail with Reyka Vodka. What cocktail is in your glass?