Summer Spirits Check: Deep Eddy Vodka + Soda
Summertime is for cocktails in the sunshine. Sure, it’s for other things too… but most of all, it’s for a crisp beverage, enjoyed outside 😊 That’s why it’s also the perfect season for a canned cocktail! You can enjoy them at home, at your favorite bar, or even bring them to the park or beach. So when we found out that Deep Eddy, one of our favorite vodka brands, had vodka + soda canned cocktails available in Chicago, we knew we had to learn more! We did some sampling (it’s a rough life, but someone has to do it 😉) and then we talked to Lynn House, Heaven Hill National Portfolio Mixologist and Deep Eddy expert, to learn about what makes a smooth vodka, what flavors pair well with vodka cocktails, and just how to make the most of the last few weeks of summer…
DI4W: For those who haven't tried Deep Eddy yet, tell us about the brand!
House: Deep Eddy Vodka is inspired by the oldest swimming hole in Austin, Texas — a place where people come together to enjoy good times that never seem to end. Deep Eddy Vodka embodies that same spirit! We eat, sleep and yes, drink, for one purpose: To bring people together for good times. Whether it’s your backyard, the patio of your favorite bar, the biggest outdoor music fest, or intimate concerts from up-and-coming musicians, Deep Eddy is there.
You're specific in how you create products. For example, your vodka is gluten-free! Why is this standard so important?
Deep Eddy Original Vodka is an award-winning vodka made in small batches from the highest quality. It is 10X distilled in a state-of-the-art column still, and filtered 8X with the purest water, giving it a smooth taste without the bite found in other vodkas. Because we are made from 100% corn, all Deep Eddy Vodka is naturally gluten-free. This allows for a vodka that is clean with a creamy finish. With a high-quality foundation, the addition of real fruit juices and pure cane sugar gives consumers a simple, refreshing drink.
How did you apply this same attention to detail when creating your latest launch of Canned Cocktails?
We launched Deep Eddy Vodka + Soda in July 2021. The new canned cocktails are made with the same integrity of real flavor and attention to quality the flagship brand is known for. Deep Eddy Vodka + Soda first launched in the Ruby Red and Lemon flavors. Now, Deep Eddy Lemon is the fastest selling citrus Vodka and Deep Eddy Ruby Red leads the grapefruit segment. Deep Eddy Lime + Soda launched in June 2022 along with all flavors rolling out nationally. Just like flavored vodka, canned cocktails are an easy way for people to try our brand. Deep Eddy is built on meaningful brand experiences and authenticity. As the first vodka to use real fruit juice as flavors, authenticity is built into each sip.
Why are these cocktails the perfect sip for any season, spot or occasion?
The lime, lemon and grapefruit of our Deep Eddy Vodka + Soda are classic cocktail flavors. In the spring and summer these flavors remind everyone of those seasons. They are bright and refreshing. In the fall and winter, these flavors help us fantasize about spring and summer. The Vodka + Soda is essentially a canned highball, which is a true classic cocktail. People enjoy highball cocktails everywhere - including now in their own homes!
Do you have any ways people can spice up these cocktails or use them in recipes?
The easiest way to enhance the Deep Eddy Vodka + Soda cocktails is to pour it over ice and add a topper of your favorite Deep Eddy Vodka in a corresponding or complimentary flavor. Adding a shot of Deep Eddy Grapefruit to the Vodka + Soda Lime poured over ice makes for a refreshing combination. Adding a dehydrated fruit garnish to the cocktail, like those from Chicago-based Drink Cosmos, cuts down the time in cutting up fresh fruit wedges, elevates the look of the drink and saves money since dried fruit has a much longer shelf life.
Deep Eddy Spritzer:
2oz Deep Eddy Lime
0.5oz Simple Syrup
3 Slices of Cucumber
2oz Prosecco
Combine cucumber, simple syrup and Deep Eddy Lime in a mixing glass with ice and gently shake. Fill a wine glass halfway with ice. Strain cocktail into glass, top with prosecco. Garnish with cucumber and lime wheels.
Ruby Palmer:
2.0 Deep Eddy Sweet Tea
2oz PAMA
0.25oz Lemon Juice
0.25oz Simple Syrup
Combine all ingredients into mixing glass with ice and shake. Strain cocktail into a collins glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Austin City Limits; AKA Deep Eddy Cosmopolitan
2oz Deep Eddy Lemon
0.5oz Triple Sec
0.5oz Lime Juice
Splash of Cranberry Juice
Orange Peel Twist
Combine all ingredients in mixing glass with ice and shake. Strain and serve up into cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel twist.
What recipes would you pair with these cocktails?
Cocktails made with Deep Eddy Vodka have great versatility when it comes to what foods they pair well with. The citrus flavors are great with seafood, chicken, picnic fare and even brunch. The Sweet Tea, which is my personal favorite, is my go-to for BBQ. Peach is lovely for brunch - I like mixing it with prosecco and creating a Bellini with it! The Sweet Tea and Cranberry also lend themselves to heartier dishes like a perfectly grilled steak and potatoes.
Lynn House
Where can you buy or try the cocktails in Chicago?
Deep Eddy Vodka and the Deep Eddy RTDs can be found throughout Chicago. However, here are a few places people can go and find our cocktails:
Tell us about your Deep Eddy Cares program as well!
Since its founding in 2010, Deep Eddy has been dedicated to giving back to the Austin community. The brand’s charitable efforts were given the formal name of “Deep Eddy Cares” in 2019 and currently work with the SIMS Foundation and PFLAG along with participating in efforts to help local teachers clear their lists and sponsoring the Jackson Chance Fundraiser. The program also raised funds for disaster relief in Texas over the last several years, as well as for Covid relief for the hospitality community.
Deep Eddy Cares has been working with SIMS for the past three years, executing joint initiatives, which support the removing the stigma behind mental health and substance use issues. Through education and community partnerships, Deep Eddy works with SIMS to enhance the wellbeing of the Texas music community. Deep Eddy Cares is also in its first year of partnership with PFLAG, which is the first and largest organization for LGBTGIA+ people, their parents, families, and allies. We are excited to work with their 400+ chapters across the country supporting through advocacy and education.
Anything else you want to add?
Remember: Vodka is fun! It Is a great spirit to work with. It provides a beautiful canvas to other flavors and is a spirit that can be enjoyed by everyone and every occasion! Cheers, Chicago 😊
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor