Pushing the limits on flavored vodka.
When absolut introduced its first flavored vodka in 1986, it might have seemed like a miscalculation of America's appetite. In a nation of Budweiser drinkers, who would spring for a pricey, pepper-infused vodka? But 25 years later, flavored varieties are still on the rise, accounting for 15% of the $4.8 billion vodka market in the U.S., with citrus and vanilla among the top sellers. Increasing competition has led to ever wackier flavors. Some are infused the old-fashioned way, while others, according to Modern Mixologist author Tony Abou-Ganim, are "imitation-flavor crap." Here's a sampling of the funkiest newcomers.