Suggest that someone choose a brand of vodka for purchase and what are the most likely names they will mention? If they have exquisite tastes (and deep pockets), they might mention Grey Goose or some other premium brand. But if a large number of people were asked this question, the brand that would likely get the most number of votes is Smirnoff Vodka, a good all- purpose vodka for making many favorite drinks.

Basic Characteristics of This Liquor:

Smirnoff vodka is completely clear and smooth- flowing, leaving only the slightest trace of legs when swirled in a glass. The aroma is pungent, with the smell of alcohol and a little bit of vanilla as the two primary scents.

Tastes present in this vodka include vanilla, grain, and a little bit of smoke. The finish is, naturally, on the harsh side and a little bit peppery. The aftertaste is strong and bitter at first, but it fades away into almost no taste at all within a few minutes.

Smirnoff makes this vodka using corn as the main ingredient. Pure, filtered water is used in the process and the mixture is triple distilled. It is then filtered through charcoal to purify. The final product has an alcohol level of 40 percent by volume (80 proof) and there are 69 calories, zero protein, zero carbs, and 10.6 grams of alcohol in each one ounce (30 ml) serving.

Drinks Made with This Liquor:

Vodka is a primary ingredient in thousands of drinks. Here is a list of some well- known and lesser known drinks you can make with this vodka:

Screwdriver

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
5 oz. Orange Juice

One of the world’s most popular mixed drinks (and also one of the easiest to create), it is made by pouring vodka and orange juice over ice.

Cape Coddder

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
3 oz Cranberry Juice

Pour vodka and cranberry juice over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

Vodka Martini

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
.75 oz. Dry Vermouth

Shake vodka and vermouth with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an olive.

Baywatch

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
1.5 oz. Galliano Liqueur
Orange juice
Cream

Shake vodka, Galliano, and Orange Juice. Strain into glass over ice and add about one tablespoon (15 ml) cream on top.

Triplesex

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
1.5 oz. Triple Sec
2 oz. Sweet and sour mix
Pineapple Juice

Pour vodka, triple sec, and sweet & sour mix over ice in a tall glass. Add pineapple and adjust to taste.

Fuzzy Nipple

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
1.5 oz. Peach Schnapps
.5 oz. Triple Sec
3 oz. Orange Juice

Shake all ingredients and then pour over ice in a highball glass. Add a cherry for garnish.

Final Thoughts:

Smirnoff vodka is one of the world’s premiere brands. First created back in the 1800’s under the guiding hand of Pierre Smirnoff in his native land of Russia, Smirnoff is now distilled in several locations around the world using the same process perfected by the company’s founder more than 100 years ago.

Smirnoff is another one of those brands of liquor that can claim to have high name recognition among members of the public. Almost anyone, even if they don’t drink vodka at all, is at least familiar with the Smirnoff name. It is the best selling vodka in the United States and, depending on what source you consult, either the best selling or second best selling (some claim Stolichnaya is the world’s best selling) vodka on the planet.

There are two primary reasons for the popularity of Smirnoff here in the U.S.: Price and Mixability. This vodka is moderate to low in price, with a 750 ml bottle selling for only about $9. It is also common to get a substantial per unit discount if you purchase a larger bottle (1.75 liter bottles, for example, often sell for only about $17- less than double the price for more than double the vodka). Also, Smirnoff is very good as a mixer. Vodka is used in more mixed drinks than any other type of liquor, mainly because its taste makes it compatible to almost any type of neutral mixer. Smirnoff, as the leader of the vodka pack, can claim to be part of more mixed drinks made in the USA than probably any other brand name of liquor.

One thing that isn’t great about Smirnoff is its taste if taken straight up. The flavors aren’t offensive, but they are not very memorable either and I can think of several brand names that taste better consumed as a shot. I prefer the vodkas that are distilled from rye or wheat when it comes to drinking a shot. But Smirnoff is still very tasty mixed with other non- alcoholic soft drinks.

Smirnoff likes to claim its vodka is premium, but this is pushing it. There are far better vodkas in overall quality than Smirnoff, and although it may very well be distilled using a premium process, the taste is only average overall. Taken straight, it would rate two stars. But its flavor, when served as part of a mixed drink, rates four stars. This means that, overall, Smirnoff is a very middle of the road type of vodka.

In summary, Smirnoff is a great- selling spirit for good reason. It isn’t out- of- this- world in taste and it doesn’t rank among the world’s best vodkas by the Beverage Tasting Institute or other official standards board. But it is good and- probably most important here in the USA- it is inexpensive compared to the premium brands. These qualities make Smirnoff a good, practical vodka and a nice addition to any liquor cabinet.


Recommended: Yes