Fall Spirits Check: Frankly Organic Vodkas
Frankly, Chicago, you should all be drinking organic spirits. Without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides, and made with fresh flavors, the spirits will take your cockatils to the next level. And that’s true if you’re drinking at home or at your favorite Chicago bar! Organic spirits essentially help you create a “better for you” cocktail that’s transparent in it’s ingredients. This was the goal of the founders of Frankly Organic Vodka, who had spent years living healthy lifestyles, but wanted more from that journey. Co-Founder & SVP of Marketing Communications, Kristen Risk, started Frankly with her husband Philip before bringing in industry expert Kent Croutcher to help kick-start their organic revolution. Frankly Organic Vodka has now hit Chicago, in our city’s hottest restaurants as well as your favorite liquor stores and markets. To help you begin your organic spirits journey, Kristen is breaking down organic vodka and telling us frankly why we should all be drinking it…
DI4W: Explain the meaning behind the name of the brand.
Risk: To Live Frankly is to live honestly. The spirits industry does not have the same transparency requirements as other beverage and food categories. We wanted to share our ingredient list on the labels as well as a nutritional panel to be fully transparent about what our consumers are cheers-ing to. Furthermore, we wanted to use real fruits, roots, and botanicals without refined sugars.
If someone had never heard of Frankly Vodka before, how would you describe the flavor profile?
Real ingredients, layered.
What makes organic alcohol a great choice for us all to be drinking?
USDA Certified Organic is a strict process that ensures there are no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides sprayed on our raw ingredients. Plus, the seeds which are planted to create our fruits, roots, and botanicals are not genetically engineered. We prefer to craft our vodkas the way nature intended.
How has the reception and partnerships with Chicago restaurants and bartenders been?
We launched Chicago during the pandemic, which was tough, however the city has since embraced the brand! We’re continuing to increase our awareness through liquid to lip activations. We’re growing now and are excited for the future!
You're also supporting local nonprofits like the upcoming Taste of Hope event for the American Cancer Society! Why is this an important part of the brand mission?
Since our launch in September 2018, social responsibility has always been a big focus. Supporting the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope allows us to contribute towards cancer research right in our local communities. Furthermore, our philanthropic mission is donating 1% of revenue to animal welfare organizations. We give because we truly care about these causes.
What are some of your favorite food and Frankly pairings on Chicago restaurant menus?
Rose Mary in Fulton Market prepares a Wild Halibut that complements the Southside(ish) cocktail on the menu perfectly. The cocktail is crafted with Frankly Organic Original Vodka, St. Germain, mint, cucumber, lime and garnished with sage.
What is your favorite Frankly flavor or cocktail right now?
Apples and autumn go hand and hand. Frankly Organic Apple Vodka is perfect for the fall and winter seasons; the profile is complex with layers of apples, ginger, lemon, and a kick of cayenne. This varietal was the inspiration for our brand, inspired by a wellness shot. It makes a tasty Mule or Hot Toddy, but whiskey-lovers will prefer it on the rocks.
What do you all have coming up for the fall and holiday season?
The last few months of the year happen to be the busy season for the spirits industry, so we are continuing to expand brand awareness through tastings and our holiday marketing campaign to ensure another year growing the top line revenue. Plus, we get to see people celebrate with our spirit!
Want to buy Frankly Vodka right now? It’s all over Chicago!
Evanston SPACE {1245 Chicago Avenue, Evanston; 847.492.8860}
BLVD Steakhouse {817 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.526.3116}
Rose Mary {932 West Fulton Street, Chicago; 872.260.3921}
Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk {91-95 East Riverwalk, Chicago; 312.404.4949}
Legends Grill & Bar (suburban locations)
Pierce Tavern {5135 Main Street, Downers Grove; 630.869.5333}
