Czar's Original Cranberry

Czar's Original Cranberry is a cranberry-flavoured vodka produced by the Ladoga Group in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Production uses cranberries gathered and quick-frozen fresh from the Arkhangelsk region, together with the "Korall" variety of lingonberry (brusnika) grown in Siberia. Its name on the Russian label is Царская Оригинальная Клюква.

The flavoured products in Ladoga's Czar's Original range (Царская Оригинальная in Russian) use Lux-grade grain alcohol; the aromatic spirit is obtained by distilling fresh fruit, berries and spices in copper stills. The range was developed as the flavoured arm of Ladoga's Czar's Original vodka, launched in 2003 for Saint Petersburg's 300th anniversary.

What does Czar's Original Cranberry taste like?

The producer describes this vodka as having a character evocative of Russia's north. The nose carries a soft red-berry aroma, with an almost imperceptible bitterness from the lingonberry in the background. On the palate, the taste of fresh red berries comes to the fore.

How should it be served?

It can be served well chilled neat in small glasses, or made into a long drink with ice, soda or tonic. Its red-berry character stands out clearly in simple mixes with cranberry juice and in Cosmopolitan-style cocktails.

What does Czar's Original Cranberry pair well with?

The producer recommends this vodka with toasted rye bread and duck pâté. Similarly, cold platters of pâtés, smoked meats and pickles, as well as mature cheeses, make a good accompaniment to its fruity, lightly tart character.