Introduction to UV Vodka
Family Owned
UV Vodka is a brand associated with the family-owned Phillips Distilling Company. Phillips is a family owned company that started in 1912 and prides itself on being one of the oldest family owned distilleries in America. Phillips owns a myriad of spirits brands producing virtually every genre possible from vodka to rye to bourbon to whiskey. While it is a “family run” company, Phillips and its brands are fairly widely distributed.
Extra Distillation
UV states that they distill their vodka four times, where other vodka producers will stop at three. UV vodka is filtered with activated carbon, which they believe alongside the extra distillation, provides drinkers with a very clean, smooth tasting vodka.
Flavors Galore
The UV vodka line is quite extensive, full of unique flavor profiles like blue raspberry and pink lemonade. The UV vodka may be best suited for quirky cocktails, as they only have two non-flavored options - the Silver (80 proof) and the 103 (103 proof) versions. UV has even sent some flavors packing along the way. Some of the more unusual: candy bar, salty caramel apple, and a sweet green tea flavor. Like I said - unusual.
UV Vodka Pricing
Type | Size | Avg Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
UV Vodka | 750ml | $10.99 | 80 |
1L | $15.89 | 80 | |
1.75L | $21.86 | 80 | |
UV Blue | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Cherry | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Cake | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Lemonade | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Pink Lemonade | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Blue Raspberry | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Apple | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Sour Apple | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Orange | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Grape | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Citrus | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Whipped | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Coconut | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Vanilla | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
UV Peach | 750ml | $10.99 | 60 |
The Cheap Stuff
Vodkas at the price point that UV is offered are often scorned by any stuffy connoisseurs. However, it can be challenging to turn away a bottle of any spirit for the price we are finding UV Vodka. As seen in this handy chart, UV Vodka prices are quite low in comparison to other vodkas. However, the shelf rating, which indicates where you might find a bottle on a bartender’s shelf (bottom - used for those drink “specials”, middle - commonly used for cocktails, or top shelf - for high-end cocktails and straight up drinking), reveals that UV Vodka may be priced appropriately after all.
Brand | Shelf Rating | Bottle Size | Typical Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
UV | Bottom | 750 mL | $10.99 |
Bottom | 750 mL | $11.99 | |
Middle | 750 mL | $18.99 | |
Middle - Top | 750 mL | $19.99 | |
Top | 750 mL | $28.99 |
Use the Chart Wisely
Okay, so we have established that UV Vodka falls squarely to the bottom of the pricing comparison and bartender’s shelf chart. That does not mean that a brand like this should be avoided at all costs. If you use the chart appropriately, it can guide you into use for all spirits, including UV Vodka. It may be on a bartender’s bottom shelf, but at least it is on a shelf. With the interesting flavors and low price point, UV vodka could be perfect for crafting large batch, unique cocktails. With that said, here are a few recipe ideas to convince the bartender to reach down for UV Vodka.
Common UV Vodka Recipes
Apple Pie Shot
Let’s start with something strong and fun to get the UV party started. This apple pie shot is easy to make and makes use of one of UV vodkas many unusual flavors - UV Apple Vodka.
Pour apple cider and UV Apple vodka into a shaker with ice. Shake, of course. Strain into shot glass(es). Top with a squirt of whip cream for that real apple pie look and feel.
Sriracha Bloody Mary
Well there is a use for the UV Sriracha flavor after all! Make a traditional bloody a little spicier with this recipe.
Combine UV Sriracha vodka with bloody mary mix in a tall carafe. Pour over ice in a tall glass. Leave space at the top of the glass as the garnishes will raise the liquid! Garnish at will.
Windex
If you want to take this recipe a step too far, pour it into a clean, newly purchased spray bottle. Then spray it into your mouth in front of an unsuspecting friend. Fun times!
Combine all ingredients into a highball glass over ice and serve - or do the spray bottle thing.
UV Lady Liberty
When a company specializes in unique flavors and unusual colors, its best to take advantage. This recipe utilizes the UV Blue vodka, aptly named, to create an unusual but very presentable cocktail.
Fill a glass (an old-fashioned glass, like the kind an old-fashioned would be served in) halfway with ice. Put a scoop of sherbert on top. Pour in vodka. Then add soda. The order is very important or the colors will be off!