WE THOUGHT we’d seen everything there was to see when it came to flavored vodkas — but luckily for this column, we were wrong. We stumbled into our first taste of Van Gogh Banana Vodka out of pure curiosity. Seriously, who thinks up these things? But a few furtive under-the-desk sips later and we were converted. A little taste of the tropics when springtime winds are still whipping through Boston, the vodka is small-batch distilled in Holland at the Royal Dirkzwager Distillery using an innovative process that infuses flavor into the spirit. We trust their expertise: after all, the company has 125 years of experience. How to drink it? Shots of banana aren’t really our thing. But when it comes to cocktails, we’re sure that idea-strapped bartenders had a heyday with this one. With a hint of natural sweetness, Van Gogh Banana is ideal in after-dinner drinks. One of our favorite flavor combinations comes to life in the Chocolate Banana Martini (Van Gogh Banana, Godiva White and Dark Chocolate Liqueurs, and a splash of crème de banana), while the Tropical Latin Nights cocktail (1.5 ounces of Van Gogh Banana and an ounce each of guava and papaya nectars) fast-forwards us to a steamy day in summer. And we’d forgo our usual Saturday-morning brunchtime Bloody Mary for a smooth Banana Dreamtini (Van Gogh Banana, Crème de Banana, cream, and orange juice). More recipes are available online at www.vangoghvodka.com, and you can pick up a bottle ($25.99) at Kappy’s Liquors (10 Revere Beach Parkway, Medford, 781.395.8888). If it’s variety you crave, Van Gogh’s other flavored vodkas include Acai-Blueberry, Dutch Chocolate, Double Espresso, and Pineapple.
