PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Kai began in Hawaii. Founded by beverage-industry veteran Marcus Bender, Kai Vodka debuted in 2007 with a plain rice vodka and a lychee flavor, timed to the lychee martini boom in Hawaii, and the lychee quickly outsold the plain vodka three-to-one. That told Bender that the brand’s niche was unique Pan-Asian flavors, and in 2011, he added Southeast Asian-inspired flavors like lemongrass and ginger. Today, Kai’s vodka and shochu are distilled in Vietnam from locally grown yellow blossom rice, a base that gives a cleaner, softer, slightly sweet character compared with grain vodkas.
Lemongrass is one of the signature flavors of Southeast Asian cooking, in tom yum, Thai curries, and marinades, and the vodka captures its bright, lemony, herbal side. The brand describes it as “a flavor synonymous with Asia, crisp and light with a bouquet of lemon and herb.” Tasting descriptions find a nose of “fresh lemongrass, citrus zest, and delicate herbal notes,” a palate where “vibrant lemongrass flavors unfold alongside hints of lime peel, sweet citrus, and subtle tropical undertones,” and a finish that is “clean, smooth, and lingering with notes of citrus and herbal freshness.” It’s bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV).
It’s a natural cocktail ingredient: the brand’s original serve is the Lemongrass Martini, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass with a lemon spiral, and it also works in a gimlet, a vodka soda, a Moscow mule, or any drink where you’d want lemongrass, lime, or ginger. It’s a good fit for customers who cook Thai, Vietnamese, or other Southeast Asian food, for hosts planning an Asian-inspired menu, and for anyone who wants a flavored vodka that tastes like an ingredient and not candy.
Kai Lemongrass Vodka is produced by Kai Vodka, founded in Hawaii by Marcus Bender, and distilled in Vietnam from locally grown yellow blossom rice, infused with lemongrass. Bottled at 35% ABV / 70 proof, 750ml.
No professional critic scores are published for this product.
Kai (brand description):
“A flavor synonymous with Asia, crisp and light with a bouquet of lemon and herb.”
Retailer tasting notes:
“The nose opens with aromas of fresh lemongrass, citrus zest, and delicate herbal notes. On the palate, vibrant lemongrass flavors unfold alongside hints of lime peel, sweet citrus, and subtle tropical undertones, creating a crisp and refreshing profile with remarkable balance. The finish is clean, smooth, and lingering with notes of citrus and herbal freshness.”
Nose
Fresh lemongrass, citrus zest, and delicate herbs.
Palate
Crisp and light, with lemongrass, lime peel, sweet citrus, and a subtle tropical note, on a silky rice base.
Finish
Clean and lingering, with citrus and herbal freshness.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Flavored Vodka — Lemongrass |
| ABV / Proof | 35% ABV / 70 Proof |
| Base | Rice (yellow blossom rice, Vietnam) |
| Flavor | Lemongrass |
| Brand | Kai Vodka — founded in Hawaii by Marcus Bender (2007) |
| Style / Identity | A crisp, light, citrusy Pan-Asian flavored vodka for cocktails |
| Aromas & Flavors | Lemongrass, lime peel, citrus zest, herbs, subtle tropical fruit |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
A bright, herbal, lightly spicy riff on a gimlet, built around Thai flavors: lemongrass, lime, and Thai basil.
Method: Gently muddle the basil leaves (and chili, if using) with the simple syrup in a shaker. Add the vodka, lime juice, and ice, and shake hard for about 10 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe, or over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with the basil sprig and a lime wheel. For a longer drink, strain over ice in a tall glass and top with 2 oz of soda water.
Lemongrass Martini — the brand’s original serve: shake with ice and strain into a martini glass, garnished with a lemon spiral.
Lemongrass Ginger Highball — vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a lemongrass stalk.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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