Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka – Buffalo’s Blue Raspberry Tailgate Spirit

Updated → September 2025

Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka is a unique blue raspberry flavored vodka crafted in New York to celebrate Buffalo’s passionate fan culture. Bursting with nostalgic candy-like flavor and a bold blue hue, this 30% ABV spirit brings local pride into every pour – perfect for tailgate cocktails, game-day toasts, and anyone craving a fun twist on vodka.

• Flavored Vodka’s Comeback
• Buffalo Pride in a Bottle
• The Southern Tier Distilling Story
• Buffalo Blue vs. Mainstream Vodkas
• Buffalo Blue vs. Local Spirit Traditions
• Inspiration Behind Buffalo Blue
• Tasting Notes: Blue Raspberry Bliss
• Bills Mafia Reception
• Bottle Design & Branding
• Serving Suggestions
• Game-Day Cocktail Ideas
• Pairing with Buffalo Foods
• Where to Buy Buffalo Blue Vodka
• Raise a Glass to Buffalo Blue

Flavored Vodka’s Comeback

Flavored vodkas are enjoying a renaissance in the spirits market. After a boom of wild flavors in the 2000s, the trend had cooled – but now craft distilleries are reinventing it. Consumers are seeking nostalgic, fun flavors made with quality in mind. Enter blue raspberry: a flavor that evokes slushies and candy from our youth. By blending childhood nostalgia with adult libations, distillers are capitalizing on a craving for playful drinks that don’t skimp on craftsmanship. Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka rides this wave perfectly – delivering a candy-inspired flavor in a well-made spirit.

Buffalo Pride in a Bottle

Buffalo, NY is a city known for its die-hard sports fans and community pride. From the Buffalo Bills football frenzy to beloved local traditions, Buffalonians bleed their team colors (quite literally blue and red). Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka captures that spirit and pride in liquid form. The product is essentially Buffalo fandom in a bottle – celebrating the city’s passion with a vibrant blue hue reminiscent of team colors. It’s not just another flavored vodka; it’s a tribute to Buffalo’s community, giving locals a new way to show allegiance. Whether you’re cheering on the Bills or celebrating a Buffalo landmark, raising a glass of Buffalo Blue feels like toasting with your hometown spirit.

The Southern Tier Distilling Story

Southern Tier Distilling Company, based in Lakewood, NY, is the creator behind Buffalo Blue Vodka. Founded in 2015 as an offshoot of the renowned Southern Tier Brewing Company, this craft distillery has built a reputation for quality small-batch spirits. They pride themselves on a farm-to-glass philosophy, using local ingredients and innovative recipes. Over the years, Southern Tier Distilling has released award-winning whiskeys, gins, and vodkas – blending creativity with craftsmanship. That pedigree is what sets Buffalo Blue Vodka apart from gimmicky novelty drinks. While the concept is fun, it’s backed by a serious maker. Consumers can trust that the same attention to detail that Southern Tier gives to its bourbons and ales also went into this blue raspberry vodka. In short, Buffalo Blue isn’t a mass-produced afterthought; it’s a craft creation from a distiller that knows how to balance flavor with quality.

Buffalo Blue vs. Mainstream Vodkas

How does Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka stack up against big-name flavored vodkas? First, consider flavor and sweetness: mainstream options like UV Blue or Smirnoff’s blue raspberry offerings are known for their candy-sweet profiles and neon colors. Buffalo Blue Vodka delivers a similar burst of blue raspberry nostalgia, but with a craft touch – meaning a smoother base spirit and possibly a more balanced sweetness. At 30% ABV (60 proof), it’s in line with many flavored vodkas which often dial down alcohol to highlight flavor. The big difference lies in character: Buffalo Blue is a local specialty, not a generic flavor churned out nationwide. It carries a sense of place and pride that mainstream brands can’t match. When you pour Buffalo Blue at a party, you’re not just serving any blue vodka – you’re sharing a conversation piece that resonates with Buffalo fans. In short, while mainstream brands offer convenience, Buffalo Blue Vodka offers an experience uniquely tied to Buffalo and crafted by a respected regional distiller.

Buffalo Blue vs. Local Spirit Traditions

Within Western New York’s craft spirit scene, Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka stands out as a bold experiment. Local distilleries in the Buffalo area (and upstate NY in general) often focus on whiskey, bourbon, or classic vodka and gin – rarely do they venture into playful flavored spirits targeted at hometown pride. This makes Buffalo Blue something of a trailblazer. It takes the region’s tradition of quality distilling and adds a twist of fun, bridging the gap between serious craft spirit and novelty liqueur. Compared to local staples – say, a straight bourbon from Buffalo Distilling Co. or a dry gin from Lockhouse – Buffalo Blue Vodka is unabashedly whimsical. Yet it still aligns with local values: it’s made in New York and meant for New Yorkers. Buffalo’s other alcoholic claim to fame, Labatt Blue beer, has long been a tailgate favorite. Now, Buffalo Blue Vodka joins the lineup, giving fans a spirits-based way to celebrate. It complements rather than competes with those traditions: you might toast pre-game with a local craft beer, then break out the Buffalo Blue for celebratory cocktails when the team scores. In essence, Southern Tier’s creation adds a new chapter to Buffalo’s drinking culture by marrying craftsmanship with regional pride.

Inspiration Behind Buffalo Blue

What inspired Southern Tier Distilling to create a bright blue, blue raspberry vodka? The answer lies in the passion of Buffalo’s fan base and the excitement of game day. Buffalo Blue Vodka was developed as a homage to the “City of Good Neighbors” and its sports fans, especially the Bills Mafia who turn every football Sunday into a celebration. The distillers recognized that Buffalo lacked a signature spirits-based drink to match the city’s enthusiasm. So, ahead of a recent football season, they crafted Buffalo Blue as a limited regional release – essentially bottling the thrill of tailgating at Highmark Stadium. The name “Buffalo Blue” cleverly nods to both the city and the vibrant color of the liquid. From its inception, the vodka was meant to be something locals could rally around. By launching it exclusively in New York, Southern Tier ensured Buffalo Blue Vodka would remain a special hometown secret (or perhaps not so secret, given the buzz!). The inspiration was simple: give Buffalo fans a drink that’s as spirited and bold as they are.

Tasting Notes: Blue Raspberry Bliss

Open a bottle of Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka, and you’re greeted by a rush of sweet, fruity aroma. The blue raspberry scent is nostalgic – think of cotton candy, snow cones, or those bright-blue raspberry candies from childhood. On the palate, this vodka is smooth and sweet. The flavor is a delicious burst of berry with a tangy undercurrent (blue raspberry famously blends sweet blueberry-like notes with a slight tartness of raspberry). It’s definitely on the sweet side, designed to be enjoyed in mixed drinks or as a chilled shot. Despite the candy profile, the finish is relatively clean for a liqueur-like vodka, with the 30% ABV providing just enough warmth to remind you it’s an adult beverage. The mouthfeel is soft, not harsh – one of the perks of a quality craft base. Visually, Buffalo Blue Vodka delights the eyes too: pour it out, and you’ll notice a vibrant electric-blue hue. That color makes any cocktail eye-catching and instantly festive. Overall, the tasting experience can be summed up as “liquid blue raspberry candy,” bringing a smile to your face while still being refined enough to mix nicely with other ingredients.

Bills Mafia Reception

No one embraces a new idea quite like Bills Mafia, and Buffalo Blue Vodka is no exception. Since its debut, local fans have been eager to get their hands on this spirited tribute. It quickly became a popular item at liquor stores around Buffalo – with some shops posting on social media as soon as they had it “back in stock” to alert eager customers. For tailgates and game-day parties, the vodka found a warm welcome. Bills fans are mixing up blue cocktails at their pre-game gatherings, proudly showing off drinks that match their team’s colors. The reception has been enthusiastic: not only is it a conversation starter (“Have you tried that new Buffalo blue vodka yet?”), but it genuinely adds to the fun atmosphere. Even those who aren’t typically vodka drinkers have been giving it a try, drawn in by the hometown branding and playful flavor. Buffalo’s community is tight-knit, so a locally-crafted spirit made just for them naturally stirs up excitement. In many ways, cracking open a bottle of Buffalo Blue Vodka has become another small game-day ritual – a toast to Buffalo, made by Buffalo. The consensus among fans? This blue raspberry spirit is a winner, much like their beloved team.

Bottle Design & Branding

Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka makes a statement even before you taste it, thanks to its bold bottle design. The label and branding lean heavily into Buffalo’s identity: the bottle proudly features a charging buffalo icon and a color scheme of deep blues with pops of red and white – mirroring the city’s sports team colors. It’s the kind of bottle that stands out on a shelf or at a party, practically begging to be picked up. The liquid’s vivid blue color is visible through the clear glass, reinforcing the “blue” in Buffalo Blue. In fact, when you pour it, the bright blue hue immediately signals that this is not your average vodka. The overall aesthetic strikes a balance between fun and quality. The design is playful (after all, how many vodkas are bright blue and decorated with a buffalo?), but the bottle still carries the Southern Tier Distilling Co. logo and a note of authenticity. It feels like a collectible for local enthusiasts – one you might keep on your home bar even after it’s empty, just because it looks cool. Simply put, the packaging underscores the spirit’s purpose: to celebrate Buffalo. It’s a bottle you’d be proud to bring to a tailgate or gift to a Buffalo expat, as it visually encapsulates hometown pride.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka, think fun and easy. One simple way is to serve it as an ice-cold shot – stash the bottle in the freezer and pour out neon-blue chilled shots for your friends. It goes down smooth and sweet, making it quite approachable even for those who don’t typically shoot spirits. For a slightly longer sip, you can’t go wrong mixing Buffalo Blue with lemonade or lemon-lime soda. The tartness of lemon complements the sweet berry flavor perfectly (this combo essentially creates a blue raspberry lemonade in your glass). Another tip: top off a light lager or cider with a splash of Buffalo Blue to create a quick “beer cocktail” – the sweetness can play nicely against a crisp, dry base. If you want to get fancy, rim a glass with red sanding sugar or garnish your drinks with red cherries to play up the Buffalo Bills color theme. Because of its sweetness, Buffalo Blue Vodka doesn’t need a lot of added sugar in mixers; it pairs best with acidic or neutral mixers (like citrus, seltzer, or iced tea) that balance its candy-like profile. And don’t forget plenty of ice – many find this vodka is extra refreshing when well-chilled.

Game-Day Cocktail Ideas

This blue vodka practically begs to be the star of some eye-catching cocktails. Here are a few ideas to bring to your next game-day gathering:

• Dolphin Tears: The distillery’s own signature pour, cheekily named after a division rival. Mix 2 oz of Buffalo Blue Vodka with 3 oz of lemonade over ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge. The result is a vibrant, sweet-tart blue lemonade that’s incredibly easy to sip – perfect for toasting when Buffalo triumphs over Miami.
• Bills Blue Bomb: For a quick shot that packs a punch. Pour a shot of Buffalo Blue Vodka into a glass and drop it into half a cup of lemon-lime soda (similar to a “bomb” shot). It fizzes up a bright blue, bubbly shooter. This one is great for those celebratory moments when your team scores – just remember to enjoy responsibly!
• Buffalo Berry Mule: A twist on the Moscow mule. In a copper mug or tall glass, combine 2 oz of Buffalo Blue Vodka, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and top with ginger beer. Stir gently. The spicy ginger beer and zing of lime play nicely with the sweet berry flavor, creating a refreshing cocktail with a Bills-colored hue. Drop in a few blueberries or a strawberry slice for a red-and-blue garnish.
• Red & Blue Layered Shot: If you’re feeling creative, make a Bills-themed layered shot. Pour 1/2 oz of grenadine (red) into a shot glass, then slowly layer 1 oz of Buffalo Blue Vodka on top (pour over the back of a spoon). The dense grenadine stays at the bottom, and the bright blue vodka floats above, giving you a two-tone Bills pride shot. It’s as fun to look at as it is to drink!

These are just starting points – the possibilities are extensive. Essentially, anywhere you’d use a fruity liqueur or want a pop of color, Buffalo Blue can step in. From spiked punch bowls at tailgates to creative layered drinks at home, this vodka encourages you to get inventive and show off that Buffalo spirit.

Pairing with Buffalo Foods

Buffalo isn’t just famous for its team spirit – it’s also renowned for its food, especially the legendary Buffalo wings. You might wonder, can a sweet blue raspberry vodka possibly pair with spicy, savory wings? Surprisingly, yes, in a fun way. Think of Buffalo Blue Vodka as a palate cleanser or a playful contrast. After a mouthful of hot sauce-laden wings dipped in blue cheese, a sip of something sweet and fruity can actually be refreshing. The vodka’s candy-like sweetness cools the heat a bit, almost like how a sweet soda might. It’s certainly not a traditional pairing, but tailgating is all about indulgence and trying new things. Beyond wings, consider serving Buffalo Blue cocktails alongside other game-day snacks: salty pretzels, barbecue sliders, or chips and dip. The sweetness of the drink provides a counterbalance to salty and spicy flavors. Another idea is to use Buffalo Blue Vodka in a dessert context after the main feast – for instance, drizzle a little over vanilla ice cream or use it to make a bright blue Jell-O shot dessert. Buffalo’s famous sponge candy or charter chocolates might not directly pair with blue raspberry, but hey, game day is more about fun than formality. In summary, while beer might be the classic companion to Buffalo fare, Buffalo Blue Vodka brings a whimsical new dimension to the table, adding a sweet Buffalo twist to any food spread.

Where to Buy Buffalo Blue Vodka

As of now, Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka is available exclusively in New York State – a deliberate choice to keep it local. So if you’re looking to snag a bottle, your best bet is to visit or contact a New York-based spirits retailer. For Buffalo-area folks, you’re in luck: you can find Buffalo Blue Vodka at well-stocked shops in the region. In fact, we have it right here at Union Wine & Liquor in Cheektowaga, NY. Being a local product, it sometimes flies off the shelves, especially during football season when demand spikes. If you’re planning a visit to our store, feel free to call ahead and we’ll set a bottle aside for you if stock allows. Unfortunately, if you’re outside of New York, you might have a harder time getting your hands on this one – interstate shipping of spirits is limited, and the vodka isn’t distributed out-of-state. However, that local exclusivity is part of what makes Buffalo Blue special. It’s a hometown hero you’ll have to come to Buffalo (or at least New York) to experience. For those in Western New York, grabbing a bottle is as easy as stopping by Union Wine & Liquor at 2675 Union Road. We love helping our customers tap into unique local offerings like this. Cheers, and happy shopping!

Raise a Glass to Buffalo Blue

Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka has proven to be more than just a flavored spirit – it’s a celebration of Buffalo’s vibrant culture and love of fun. By fusing a nostalgic blue raspberry flavor with hometown pride, it offers a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. Whether you’re a Bills fan gearing up for game day, a cocktail enthusiast seeking something different, or just someone who appreciates locally-crafted products, Buffalo Blue Vodka is worth a taste. It’s playful, it’s proud, and it’s downright tasty when mixed into the right drink. So why not raise a glass (filled with bright blue goodness) to toast your city, your team, or even just good times with friends? Stop by Union Wine & Liquor to pick up your bottle of Southern Tier Buffalo Blue Vodka and experience this unique spirit for yourself. Here’s to Buffalo’s very own blue raspberry vodka – a true team spirit in every sense. Go Bills, and drink responsibly!