I had long ago decided that vodka was my favorite spirit to mix with, and since this decision I have tried a variety of brands. Being a poor college student when this research started, I have tried all from Barton's to Skyy to Absolut, and Smirnoff.
Regular Smirnoff
I enjoy plain vodka when mixing most of my drinks. Favorites include simple things such as a Screwdriver (mixed with Orange juice) or Cape Codder (Cranberry juice). When I mix with Smirnoff, I am not disappointed. The taste is always smooth and never smells like rubbing alcohol, something that I find in cheaper brands of vodka. I find it comparable to the more expensive brands, yet it has the luxury of being a few dollars cheaper. I often can even find the 750ml bottle on sale for $11 or $12.
I am not a fan of shots of vodka, but when I do have one, this is up at the top with the better brands as well. I don't get turned off by the smell as I bring it to my lips the way I can with other vodkas, and I have no problem swallowing it.
Drinks such as vodka martinis also can work well with this vodka because it is smooth, as long as it's nice and cold (the way a martini should be!).
The FLAVORS!!
There was not a category for the flavored vodkas that Smirnoff had recently put out, so I am including it in this review. Like Absolut and Stoli, there is a number of flavored Smirnoff vodkas on the market and I have been lucky enough to give them a try.
I have found both an Orange and Citrus Twist flavored Smirnoff. I would easily compare them to the Absolut Mandarin and Citron. Granted, the Absolut is obviously a better brand, but also more expensive. With a nearly empty wallet, I purchased the Smirnoff Citrus during a lemonade/Citron craving (my FAVORITE summer drink) and hoped for the best. I was not let down from the moment I opened the bottle and sniffed the familiar scent.
Once I mixed the drink, my expectations were finished being met. It tasted delicious and my craving was satisfied. The same happened with the orange twist mixed with Sprite, another favorite taste of mine. In a straight taste test I may be able to tell it apart from Mandarin or Stoli Orange, but just drinking it you would not be disappointed.
I am a much bigger fan of the flavored vodkas. They make fantastic cocktails, with many more possibilities than just the few I mentioned. Better martinis, drinks, even shots, can come out of the new flavors. It's a wonderful change from the normal vodka drinks.
Flavored or regular vodka, though, I have found that for someone who cares a little about the taste and cares a lot about the price, Smirnoff is the way to go. The taste is expensive enough to drink without wincing, and the price won't break your wallet like the higher shelf brands. Spend the extra buck to move up from the plastic bottles and get something to enjoy.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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