Planning for a nice weekend out and
want to bring along your trusty old hip flask? You
may be wondering what alcohol to fill it with. Vodka? Wine? Gin? Well, experts
agree that hip flasks are best used to hold hard liquor only. This means that
drinks with lower alcohol content such as wine, beer, or cocktails are not
recommended to be put into a hip flask as their quality will deteriorate when
combined with the flask material.
Hence, let’s look at the best types of alcohol to put in a flask:
Vodka
keeps well in a hip flask as it is 80 proof alcohol. It is one of the most
popular drinks as it comes with many different flavors to suit different
preferences. If you want a refreshing cold drink on a hot summer’s day, a
citrus-flavored vodka will hit the spot. Or if you prefer more fruity flavors,
you can opt for vodka with grapefruit, orange or peach flavors. If you prefer a
spicy kick from your vodka, you can bring along vodka infused with jalapeno
peppers, bell peppers, cilantro. and lime peel. Whatever your fancy, a nice
flask of vodka is the way to go.
Scotch
is the perfect smooth drink to bring along for a relaxing evening. Scotch
whiskey is made out of barley malt mixed with grass and heather compost that
gives it that signature smoky flavor. Scotch whiskeys are mainly distilled in
Scotland. It is suitable to keep in hip flasks as it has high alcohol content.
There are two types of Scotch you can choose from. First is the single grain
Scotch which is a type of scotch that is distilled in only one distillery but
may include other whole grains and cereals. Hence, it is usually made of a
mixture of grains. The name single grain actually refers to using only a single
distillery in making and blending of the grains in the scotch blend. The other
type is known as Single Malt Scotch which is a scotch that has also been
distilled in a single distillery. It is made from a mixture and blend of malted
barley using a pot still distillation process.
Bourbon
is another type of alcohol that keeps well in hip flasks due to being 80 to 100
proof. Bourbon is aged in a charred oak barrel and is made mostly from corn. It
is a popular type of American whiskey, especially in South America. Hence, if
you are planning a trip to the south, bourbon is perfect to get you in the
mood. Bourbon is often mixed with fruity flavors such as orange, red berries,
and blueberry. Sweet additions such as vanilla are popular as well as brown
sugar, caramel, and sometimes even
chocolate. Nuts such as almonds are a great addition as well as spices
including cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
In sum, hard liquor that is above 80 proof can
keep well in your hip flask, and that includes alcohol such as bourbon, scotch,
and vodka.
