Spices have always been a key element of the Ukrainian vodka tradition. They do not create the character of the drink, but emphasise its identity. The spicy flavour of vodka is back in vogue. After all, modern consumers are looking for authenticity and complexity instead of simple neutrality.
Nemiroff has been embodying this philosophy in its products for over 150 years. The company combines traditional recipes with innovative production technologies. Today we are talking about how these unique flavours are created, what spices are used, and why spicy cocktails with vodka are in demand right now.
The taste identity of Nemiroff
Ukrainian Nemiroff products are known for their diverse flavour profiles. Each product is made using natural ingredients. The taste identity of Nemiroff has always been based on the use of high-quality alcohol and pure natural water. But it was the spiced tinctures that allowed the brand to create a unique case.
The Inked Collection Bold Orange – tincture with orange extract, 20+ spices and honey
The Inked Collection Bold Orange tincture demonstrates the manufacturer’s desire to experiment with complex flavours. It combines bright citrus orange extract, which adds freshness, with over 20 types of spices and natural honey. This multi-component bouquet includes cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. It creates a multi-layered and warming profile.
Bold Orange is ideal for creating spicy vodka cocktails.
New: The Originals Spiced is a new product, available in a limited edition launch in November 2025.
At the end of 2025, Nemiroff announced the limited edition of a new vodka in The Originals line – Spiced. This product pays tribute to the oldest traditions of tincture production and experimental flavours. The company focused on using rare and forgotten spices combined according to classic recipes.
The limited edition emphasises the exclusivity and collectible value of these drinks. It will allow connoisseurs to discover the authentic flavours of the past in a modern interpretation. The new vodka, added to the Nemiroff production, bridges the centuries-old history of the brand and its innovative future.
Signature spiced cocktails based on Nemiroff
Spicy vodka drinks have a balanced taste with warm notes of honey and controlled spiciness. A spicy cocktail with vodka based on Nemiroff lines has a clean base and sufficient aromatic accents.
To create a spicy cocktail with vodka, bartenders use:
– Nemiroff Bold Orange for fruity and spicy mixes.
– Nemiroff Burning Pear for milder dessert profiles.
Professional bars create spicy vodka cocktail recipes in line with local styles. But the principle remains the same — spices in moderate, carefully measured quantities enhance the natural sweetness of honey and fruity notes.
Homemade tinctures: craft and tradition
The art of making homemade tinctures is experiencing a renaissance. It allows everyone not only to taste, but also to create a unique product according to his own preferences. The key to success is a high-quality base, such as Nemiroff De Luxe, and the right spices.
Even a simple recipe can yield incredible results if you follow the basic principles. The main thing is to give the drink time for all the flavours to fully develop and blend together. Spices for infusions should be chosen carefully, as each has its own strength and character.
Top 5 spices for perfect balance: cinnamon, ginger, pepper, cardamom, cloves.
To create the perfect tincture at home, it is important to strike a balance between spiciness, sweetness and aroma. To do this, you need to take into account the characteristics of each ingredient:
– Cinnamon — creates warm, spicy notes. Cinnamon sticks are better than ground cinnamon — they give a softer, more complex flavour. Infuse for 7-10 days. Cinnamon goes well with honey and apple. It is ideal for winter infusions.
– Ginger — adds freshness and a light spicy accent. Fresh ginger root gives a brighter flavour than dried ginger. Finely chop 50-70 grams of root per litre of vodka. Infuse for 5-7 days. It will add that piquant spiciness and citrus notes that work well with honey.
– Chilli pepper — adds spice and depth. It provides the necessary warming effect. It is especially popular in drinks such as vodka Nemiroff Honey Pepper.
– Cardamom — adds a complex, resinous, lemony aroma that emphasises the premium taste. It creates a rich aftertaste with warmth. Use 10-12 pods per litre, lightly crushed before adding. Infuse for 7-10 days. It works great in combination with citrus fruits.
– Cloves — have a strong, spicy, slightly sweet aroma. It is suitable for winter mixes. 5-7 buds per litre are enough. Infuse for 5-7 days. This spice goes perfectly with cinnamon and orange peel.
The best results are achieved by combining several spices. The classic combination is cinnamon + cloves + cardamom. A modern approach is ginger + pepper + citrus zest. A winter option is cinnamon + cloves + nutmeg. Basil and thyme refresh and enhance the aroma. They are suitable for summer infusions with fruit. Nutmeg creates a rich aftertaste, but caution is needed — the spice is very intense.
The main rule for making vodka cocktails with spices and infusions is to use high-quality vodka as a base so that the taste of the spices is not drowned out by impurities.
Consumer culture and food pairing
Spiced tinctures require a special approach to serving and pairing with food. As for temperature, Nemiroff tinctures are served chilled to 8-10°C. This allows the balance between alcohol, honey and spices to unfold. Vodka that is too cold loses its aroma. Room temperature makes the alcohol too aggressive.
For cocktails, vodka can be slightly warmer to mix better with other ingredients. Ice in a shaker will cool the drink to the desired temperature.
Food pairing is a science in itself. For example, hard cheeses with an intense flavour go well with spicy infusions. Roquefort, Camembert and aged Cheddar create a dynamic contrast between the sharpness of the cheese and the smoothness of the cocktail.
It is also important to consider the seasonality of consumption. Spicy infusions are versatile, but have seasonal characteristics. In winter, warming options with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger are popular. In summer, refreshing combinations with mint, basil, and citrus fruits are more suitable. Autumn is a time for experimentation with Nemiroff burning pear vodka combined with apples and cinnamon. Spring symbolises lightness, with the first berries and herbs.Nemiroff adapts its products to different seasons.
The culture of consumption is changing. The modern approach values quality over quantity, experience over simple consumption. Spicy tinctures reflect this philosophy — each sip tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation.
