GREY GOOSE’S NEWLY MINTED ESSENCES CALL UPON THE SUBTLE POWER OF FRESH FRUIT AND BOTANICALS FOR AN INVIGORATING SUMMER SIPPING EXPERIENCE

BY AMANDA MCCOY

Born from global spirits baron Sidney Frank whose unorthodox marketing wizardry took stateside Jägermeister sales from a meager 500 cases per year to two million GREY GOOSE was an early pioneer of the super-premium vodka category and a masterclass in building a luxury brand. Comprised of fermented winter wheat grown in France’s Picardy region and spring water from Gensac in the Cognac region (Cognac cellar master François Thibault developed the recipe), the Goose debuted in 1997 with a then astronomical price tag of $30. Goose martinis and cosmos soon became go-tos for the sophisticated tippler, and by the time Bacardi acquired the brand for $2.3 billion in 2004, the blue Goose accounted for 85% of premium vodka sales in the U.S. Decades after its debut helped shape the high-end vodka industry, GREY GOOSE launched its “most expansive innovation” to date: Essences. As trends like essence-flavored seltzer and mindful cocktails continue to rise, the fruit and botanical-infused vodkas were created to take the guesswork out of the perfect spritz. Three styles are available: Strawberry & Lemongrass, Watermelon & Basil, and White Peach & Rosemary. e ABV is slightly lower (30% instead of 40) and there are zero grams of carbs and sugar, but each expression offers subtle yet powerful notes of fresh fruit for crisp summer cocktails.

WATERMELON AND BASIL FIZZ
The spritz is a staple of the season a perfect warm weather sidekick for backyard BBQs, pool parties, and other daytime soirées. Goose’s iteration elevates the summer classic, served in a chilled long-stemmed wine glass and garnished with colorful pieces of fruit and herbs.

1 ½ oz GREY GOOSE Essences Watermelon & Basil
4 ½ oz Soda
Sliced Watermelon
Basil
Lime Twist

Fill a chilled glass with cubed ice and add GREY GOOSE Essences Watermelon & Basil. Top with soda. Garnish with basil, fresh watermelon, and a lime twist.

Circus Wines, Beer & Liquor Middletown: 853 State Highway 35 / Red Bank: 56 Newman Springs Road / Sea Girt: 2204 NJ-35 / Lincroft: 728/720 Newman Springs Road, Suites 4 & 5, circuswines.com