Smooth Spirits, Sustainable Mission: The Story of Blue Shark Vodka
This shark won’t bite, but it will go down smooth! Discover Blue Shark Vodka.
North Carolina based Blue Shark Vodka is rooted in family and sustainability with a mission to deliver “the world’s smoothest vodka” in a visually striking bottle while shining a light on blue shark conservation.
Blue sharks are fundamentally misunderstood ocean dwellers, known for their curiosity and docile manner. Unfortunately, as with many shark species, the blue shark is threatened due to overfishing and habitat loss, which has implications for the entire marine ecosystem. Blue Shark Vodka spotlights this ongoing challenge for the species through its one-of-a-kind premium North Carolina vodka.
Blue Shark Vodka starts with non-GMO heirloom sweet corn, grown locally in North Carolina’s Southern Piedmont region. The corn’s unique qualities bring a natural sweetness and smoothness to the vodka. The process begins with the corn mash mellowing for 28 days to enhance its flavor profile. The spirit is then distilled four times and triple charcoal filtered, making for a shark “that doesn’t bite” just like its namesake.
“It’s not just about quality, it’s about crafting a vodka that tells a credible story about North Carolina’s fertile lands and breathtaking coast and the care we put into every bottle,” says Brooke Bloomquist Director of Marketing at Blue Shark Vodka.
For bartenders, the vodka’s versatility is key. Thanks to the meticulous distillation and filtering process, the spirit possesses a unique smoothness making it great for cocktails or enjoying neat. Guests appreciate the authentic story and family ownership, as well as the non-GMO ingredients and gluten free spirit.
“While many premium vodkas focus solely on taste, we pair our top-shelf spirit with an iconic bottle that captures attention on any shelf,” Bloomquist says.
The handcrafted bottle stands out for its award-winning design and handmade sharks that make them a collector’s item. The team took inspiration from the concept of a ship inside a bottle and set out to create one with a shark floating inside. After many failed attempts, they finally succeeded.
In addition to the thought put into the design of such a striking bottle, Blue Shark kept bartenders in mind by designing two different 750ml bottles. The signature hand-blown bottle stuns on any bar, while the other is designed with speed of service in mind.
“Sustainability is at the core of Blue Shark Vodka’s mission,” says Bloomquist. The brand has partnered with the Atlantic Shark Institute to support blue shark research and conservation and the Wyland Foundation to promote protection of the oceans. They also organize beach cleanups in coastal North Carolina communities.
Five years of planning went into the launch of Blue Shark Vodka in 2019 and many accolades have followed in its first five years including winning the SIP Platinum Award three years in a row. Now this independent North Carolina based brand is poised to expand into additional markets and further showcase the need to preserve our oceans and their endangered inhabitants. Who says some vodka can’t also do some good?
Preparation
Fill shaker with ice, add ingredients.
Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon peel and an edible orchid.
Chilled Fallen Apple
Ingredients
2 oz. Blue Shark Vodka
4 oz. chilled apple cider
½ oz. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Ice
Cinnamon sugar (for the rim, optional)
cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Preparation
If desired, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it in a plate of cinnamon sugar.
Combine Blue Shark Vodka, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
Add ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
Fill the prepared glass with ice.
Strain the cocktail into the glass over the ice.
Garnish with cinnamon stick.
The Blue Shark Tooth
Ingredients
2 oz. Blue Shark Vodka
4 slices peeled cucumber
4-6 mint leaves
½ cup Ginger Ale
Handful fresh blueberries
Lime slice (optional)
Preparation
Muddle the cucumber, 6-8 blueberries, and mint leaves.
Then, add ice and 2 ounces of Blue Shark vodka.
Shake thoroughly, then pour your mixture into a mug.
Add ½ cup of Ginger Ale and top with your remaining blueberries.
Garnish with Mint and Cucumber.
The post Smooth Spirits, Sustainable Mission: The Story of Blue Shark Vodka appeared first on Chilled Magazine.