Food & Drink
EVENT: FOU-DRÉ Vodka Tasting
by Couch Sessions
The recent tasting event for this cleverly-named spirit (foudré is the French word for lightning) brought quite a lovely crowd to the garment district at the end of fashion week in NYC. Elegant themes graced the décor to match the design of the vodka’s bottle – destined to double as an artistic element to a wet bar after its contents are consumed.
Speaking of which – we first tried the vodka solo, and were impressed by the smoothness, as that is usually a challenge for vodka at 80 proof. Requiring no mixer, Fou-dré has a sweet, fruit-infused flavor (which fruits and how many seems to be a well-kept secret) that would work well over ice or alone. This is not what I would call a shooter – although the ice sculpture luge was a fun way to enjoy it.
We then tried a few of the six or seven well-thought-out cocktails. Our favorites incorporated savory notes like the “Darker the Berry” which had peppercorn, or the “Anti-Oxidant” with basil. These showcased complexity and a variation on what could be done with this vodka. The “Fou-dré Sunset” unexpectedly evoked a delicious rum punch without the rum. This is liquor that plays well with others yet aspires to stand out amongst premium brands.
No less ambitious is Fou-dré’s founder, Chanel Turner, who is the first African-American female to create a vodka. When I asked her “why vodka?” She answered, “It’s the number one consumed spirit in the world”. Her careful curation of Fou-dré may very well allow it to capture that elusive space on the competitive top shelf.
To learn more Fou-dré, check out their website.
Recipe: Fou-Dré Sunset
1 part Fou-dré
1 part Apricot Brandy
¼ part Lime Cordial
¼ part Ginger Syrup
2 parts Mango Nectar
Combine & serve in a tumbler or tall glass