About Skyy Vodka
Vodka might be the cleanest liquor on the market: clear in color, neutral in flavor, and tall but devoid of a nose. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t nuances in the vodka-making process, producing different styles and qualities of the spirit. Keep reading to learn how Skyy redefined vodka, adding mineral-rich water and achieving an especially smooth cocktail base.
Skyy was created in the 1990’s in San Francisco, California. While many vodkas are created from a desire to produce something extra tasteless, or extra trendy, or otherwise unique, Skyy’s recipe and process was founded on a single desire: crafting the perfect martini.
Of course the brand has further developed its mission since then, including the formulation of several infused vodkas to the permanent lineup. Skyy also focuses heavily on the water it uses in its vodka, ensuring pure, mineral-enriched water is added to every bottle and every pour. But it really all comes back to the martini: every step Skyy takes along the way has a heavy focus on what elements can be added to the vodka to help it create a perfect, icy, smooth classic martini.
Skyy uses a quadruple distillation, triple filtration process to create something exceptionally smooth, almost perfect, even. But the biggest contribution to Skyy’s unique quality of flavor and mouthfeel is the mineral-rich water used in preparation. Skyy utilizes the help of water sommeliers, master mixologists, and chemists to choose which Pacific minerals from the bay area to include in Skyy vodka.
Where to Buy Skyy Vodka
Skyy has become a household brand since its establishment in the 1990’s, and it’s available almost everywhere. Most Costco’s that sell spirits have Skyy consistently stocked on shelves, as well as other grocers, liquor stores, and markets.
Skyy Vodka Prices
| Item | Alcohol (ABV) | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Grain Vodka | |||
| Skyy Vodka | 40% (80 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Infused Vodka | |||
| Skyy Infusions- Pineapple | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Watermelon | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Citrus | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Blood Orange | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Grape | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Moscato Grape | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Passion Fruit | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Blueberry | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Coconut | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Raspberry | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 | ||
| Skyy Infusions- Cherry | 35% (70 proof) | 50ml | $1.20 |
| 375ml | $8.00 | ||
| 750ml | $14.00 | ||
| 1L | $17.00 | ||
| 1.75L | $22.00 |
Skyy Vodka Buying Guide
Skyy has two distinct product lines: Skyy’s original vodka and Skyy’s infused vodkas. Let’s explore the differences here.
Skyy’s original vodka recipe consists of all American grains and Pacific mineral infused water. This vodka is exceptionally smooth, designed to create the best classic martini in the world. It’s smooth, has a neutral flavor for mixing complex cocktails, and has virtually no nose.
Skyy has many, many flavors of infused vodka, ranging in all bottle sizes. They have a solid lineup of permanent flavors and they produce seasonal flavors as well. These are infused vodkas, not flavored ones, so they’re light and smooth with a flavored finish.
The Best Way(s) to Drink Skyy Vodka
Skyy Vodka was designed for ease of drinking. Nothing fussy – just a good, clean flavor. Because the original recipe and infused vodkas alike are so light, they are easy to mix with flavors or single mixers for a flavor that’s natural and light.
Skyy Cocktails
1) Thyme for Skyy
- 1 sprig Thyme
- ¾ part Simple syrup
- ¾ part Lemon juice
- 2 parts SKYY® Vodka
Method: “Slap” thyme to express oils/flavors and add to shaker tin. Add remaining ingredients to the shaker, add ice and shake until chilled. Double strain into coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with thyme sprig.
2) Turtledove
- 2 parts SKYY® Vodka
- 1 part Grapefruit juice
- ½ parts Simple syrup
- 2 Basil leaves
- Pinch of salt
- 4 parts Soda
Method: Add first five ingredients to tin and shake with ice. Strain into Collins glass. Top with soda and garnish.
3) Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
- 1½ parts SKYY® Vodka
- 1 parts Lemon juice
- ¾ Lavender syrup*
- 4 parts Soda
Method: Add first three ingredients to tins and shake with ice. Strain into collins glass. Top with soda and garnish.
4) Golden Gate
- 1½ parts SKYY Infusions® Blood Orange
- ¾ parts Honey syrup*
- ¾ parts Lemon juice
- 3 parts Soda
- Cubed ice
Method: Add first three ingredients to tins and whip with a few cubes of ice. Add soda to tin and pour into a Collins glass over ice. Garnish.
5 Best Things to Mix with Skyy
A cocktail doesn’t have to consist of many complicated ingredients, garnishes, and herbs. It can be as simple as a single mixer poured over a Skyy vodka. Here are some of the 5 best.
- Tonic: Because Skyy has a neutral flavor, tonic is a great savory mixer for an after-dinner nightcap.
- Soda water: Especially with Skyy’s infused vodkas, soda water is an excellent refreshing mixer. With no added flavor, it simply highlights what the vodka has to offer.
- Pineapple juice: Pineapple juice is a great mixer for many spirits because it cuts through the flavor of ethanol, but it also happens to pair nicely with most of Skyy’s infused vodkas.
- Ginger beer: Ginger beer is a classic vodka mixer, but add one of Skyy’s infusions for something a little offbeat.
- Cranberry: Vodka and cranberry is arguably one of the most popular late night combinations thanks to its added antioxidants and hydration.
FAQs
Alternatives to Skyy Vodka
- Smirnoff Vodka: $14- While Smirnoff was originally a Russian vodka, the creators of the vodka fled to the United States in the early 1900’s. They left the country during prohibition but set up shop in New York once prohibition was lifted. This unique Russian style American vodka is spicy and stout.
- Deep Eddy Vodka: $15– This Texan corn vodka is known for its fun flavors and Texas roots. It’s an affordable American vodka, and great for mixing with summer beverages.
- New Amsterdam Vodka: $19- New Amsterdam is another California vodka, like Skyy. But instead of a neutral flavor, it has a bright palate with hints of citrus, even in the unflavored variety.
- Tito’s Vodka: $25– Tito’s is one of the best selling vodkas in America thanks to the craft spirit and family owned values behind this Texas corn-based vodka, distilled in copper pot stills.
- Silver Dollar Vodka: $26- This American vodka hails from Las Vegas, Nevada, and it tastes like water with a slight aftertaste of sweet corn and the copper it’s distilled in.