Brew Crew: Purpus Vodka Soda

5% Alc./Vol., 355 mL

Radlers and IPAs have been unseated as the reigning summer beverage champions by the unassumingly simple vodka soda. Gluten-free, typically sugar-free, and so low in calories they are guilt-free, vodka sodas were my favourite drink this summer, and certainly for summers to come. 

As the market has become increasingly inundated with options (perhaps the only thing I have enjoyed about capitalism as of late), I wanted to try a Western Canadian-produced vodka soda and support small business. I was happy to see Purpus Vodka Soda on sale at my neighbourhood liquor store. 

What caught my eye about Purpus was the graphic on the can, and the fact it was rosé flavoured! Rosé is undeniably the best wine to drink in the summertime, and the prospect of the ultimate summer spritzer crossed with the best summer wine was awesome. 

The Purpus Vodka Soda has a really sweet aroma. The flavour is very sugary, almost akin to pink bubblegum. The drink is not very carbonated, and has a very round and full mouthfeel for a vodka soda. I don’t think it necessarily tastes a whole lot like rosé, but it does taste pleasant and vaguely like a drier wine. I enjoyed my first drink straight from the can, but the drink is sweet enough to be enjoyed over ice and muddled with some tart strawberries. Alternatively, those looking for a slightly stronger drink could easily add another shot of vodka and it wouldn’t taste overly boozy.

I personally prefer tart and bitter refreshing drinks, but for fans of sweet cocktails and mixer drinks, this should be right up your alley. For those of you who are perhaps looking to graduate from the calories and sugar alcohols of traditional vodka mixers, Purpus Vodka Soda is an excellent choice. 

You can also read my previous reviews of the White Claw and Cottage Springs Beverage Co. vodka sodas.