Flavored Vodka has exploded in recent years. While some of the more traditional lemon and lime flavors have been around for a while, we’ve seen an explosion in options available from espresso to marshmallow to… bacon? (Yes, you can buy bacon flavored vodka, and no it’s actually not that bad). While some feel that the explosion in flavored vodka is getting ridiculous consumers don’t seem to be listening. Flavored vodka sales account for nearly 25% of total vodka sales in the last couple of years.

One of the more recent entries into the market and a quickly rising star is Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka. The company was founded by the match-made-in-heaven duo of Clayton Christopher of Sweat Leaf Tea and Chad Auler of Savvy Vodka. When the pair tasted some of the leading brands of Sweat Tea Vodka back in 2010, they knew they could produce a better product.

They formed Deep Eddy Vodka, named after a local swimming hole outside of Austin, Texas that they both went to as kids, and have been exploding ever since with distribution in sixteen states after only two years. Co-founder Clayton Christopher attributes much of the succes to the vibrancy of Austin, Texas, where the company is based, and the passion with which the community embraced Deep Eddy.

More likely, a large measure of their success is to the quality of their product. The Sweet Tea Vodka is distilled 10 times and infused with a whole-leaf Indonesian tea before it’s blended with real Texas honey. It’s already the number one selling Sweet Tea Vodka in Texas and is well on it’s way to claiming the same distinction nationally. Their more recently launched premium Vodka was given 5 stars by VodkaBuzz.com who said they “couldn’t ask for more from a vodka.”

If you’re starting to gear up for the Spring, the Sweet Tea Vodka variety of Deep Eddy’s is worth a look, especially if you’re South of the Mason-Dixon line where sweat tea consumption is seemingly ubiquitous in the warmer summer months. If you’re catering an outdoor get together or wedding, it’s a perfect addition to a traditional wine and beer bar for guests that like something a little different.

Recipes

The 72 and Sunny

This recipe couldn’t be any easier and is perfect for a Spring party on the lawn.

1/2 Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka
1/2 Lemon-Flavored Mineral Water (Substituting Plain Water works as well)
Wedge of Lemon

Mix and serve over ice

The Skinny Dip

For those of us who like a little bit of bubbly…

1/2 Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka
1/2 Diet Sprite
Lemon

Mix and Serve over Ice

The High Tea

For those that like to keep it classy

1.5 oz. Deep Eddy Sweat Tea Vodka
2 Blackberries
4 Mint Leaves
1 oz. Simple Champagne Syrup

Muddle the blackberries and mint with 1/2 oz of champagne syrup. Add Vodka and Shake. Strain into champagne flute and top with champagne syrup. Garnish with a mint leaf or blackberry.