Locals bring grape-based vodka to Keys

Locals bring grape-based vodka to Keys - A close up of a box - Liqueur

CoorangBong and Bombora are smooth and sophisticated

CoorangBong and Bombora vodkas are spirits made by distilling grapes grown in Australia — one of the globe’s best travel and vineyard destinations according to company owner Dave Freyder of Bay Point, at MM 15.

“I fell in love with the Australia,” said Dave. “I wanted to do something related to vodka after selling my previous business. I was always a connoisseur.”

Dave and his wife Michele searched the coast of the country and the island of Tasmania for the finest grapes for the original vodka. After sampling 35 types they decided to collect the grapes from the scenic Borassa Valley and craft a gluten-free spirit. It has only two ingredients: grapes and water.

“I feel okay the next day and never have a crummy hangover,” said Michele about the CoorangBong. “It is cleaner and sits on the tongue well.”

The Bombora is made with both white and red grapes and distilled seven times, making it clean, pure and smooth. The CoorangBong is distilled 10 times and made exclusively with red grapes. It gives glamour vodkas like Grey Goose and Belvedere a run for their money. Surprisingly CoorangBong is only $23 at local liquor stores and Bombora is just $18.

Bottles and marketing material feature the iconic symbols of Australia — big waves and surfers. Both vodkas are named with Aboriginal words. “Bombora” is a term for an area of large sea waves breaking over a shallow area such as a submerged rock shelf, reef, or sand bank. “CooranBong” means water over rocks.

Since the vodkas are made with fruit, it mixes well with fruit. Michele and Dave said it is ideal for screwdrivers, Bloody Marys and martinis.

The company donates a portion of sales to MOTE Marine Laboratories. Find store locations and more about the liquors at www.bomboravodka.com.

The Coolangatta Kiss— Bombora Vodka, cranberry juice, sour apple liqueur, club soda (optional, for fizz) and garnish with lime powder/sugar apple slice and lime peel.