Vodka, vodka everywhere!

Vodka has certainly enjoyed quite the renessaince over the past 15 years or so. Of course you know that flavored vodkas started appearing en masse several years ago (yes, I know the Absolut flavors have been around longer than that, but things have certainly gotten more exotic lately, no?). Here are a few that interest me, and with which you could make some intriguing cocktails. New this summer is Firefly's Sweet Tea Vodka. I don't think it's in Chicago yet, but I imagine you could have some fun mixing it with lemonade, or perhaps lemon-lime soda or ginger ale.

For warmer weather, I like coffee vodkas such as Vincent Van Gogh Double Espresso. Mix it with some Voyant Chai Cream Liqueur, and you have a reason to stay in!

I saw this mentioned on a message board this spring, and have been dying to make it ever since. I think bacon-flavored vodka could be just the thing for Bloody Marys while tailgating...