I thought I’d heard all the tortured reasons that people give for choosing a particular vodka, which is, by definition “an unaged, colorless liquor” that is “known for having no smell and little taste.”
But then, along comes VeeV, a new 60-proof liquor that infuses “handcrafted, column distilled base wheat spirit” (a vodka cousin, at least, though the VeeV Web site insists it is not vodka) with acai berries, prickly pear and acerola cherry.
Billed as “A better way to drink,” VeeV is banking on the impressive reputation of acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) berries as a source of anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. In addition, acerola cherries are thought to be powerhouses of vitamin C.
(The VeeV Web site, which is one of the most elegant (if slow-moving) sites out there, states that it does not intend “to imply that VeeV…provides any health benefits.”)
The small purple acai berries, harvested only in the Amazon region, are also credited with boosting energy levels and improving digestion. They’ve been a darling of the health food and gourmet scenes for years, with most being turned into sorbets, frozen purees, juices and smoothies.
Now, they’re showing up at cocktail hour. 
I opened the glamorous VeeV bottle with more than a little skepticism. But I was pleasantly surprised by the unique and inviting aroma that greeted me. And I was won over by the subtle flavor of VeeV and by the role it played in a concoction that involved ginger ale, fresh lime and mint leaves. I also appreciated it’s smoothness; it is 60-proof, which means about 30 percent alcohol, as opposed to the 80 to 100-proof (40-50 percent alcohol) of most vodkas.
On the other hand, I found the cocktails made with Veev and club soda to be flat and uninteresting. VeeV needs a hint of sweetness to bring out its virtues, be that simple syrup, agave nectar (in several Web site recipes) or carbonated sodas such as ginger ale or 7-Up.
VeeV, with a whopping $35-$40 pricetag, is widely available. A dollar from every bottle sold is said to be contributed to the Sambazon Sustainable Acai Project which works to protect the acai berry’s natural environment.
The toast “To Your Health” takes on new meaning with this cocktail recipe (from the Web site) that includes extra acai juice.
VeeV ACAI-TINI
The ultimate antioxidant martini
2 ounces VeeV
1 ½ ounces acai juice
½ ounce fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons agave nectar
Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain and pour into a martini glass garnished with a lime wedge.
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