Review: Smirnoff Cranberry Vodka
Smirnoff Cranberry vodka was introduced in 2003. It was originally called Twist of Cranberry. It is one of 39 flavors they create with their Recipe 21 vodka as the base. Recipe 21 is made with premium grain which is triple distilled and filtered ten times. Smirnoff Cranberry adds natural cranberry flavor. Natural cranberry is tart but not sweet so to offset the tartness cranberry juice is filled with added sugar. To offset the tartness of cranberry, several distillers have added a second much sweeter fruit to their cranberry flavored vodkas. Smirnoff Cranberry does not add a secondary fruit flavor.
The aroma is cranberry and vodka. The flavor enters as a lightly sweetened cranberry and builds to a tart cranberry peak before fading with a hint of olive juice and vodka flavor with a mild mouth warming. Additional sips bring out a little cranberry coughdrop flavor and a lightly peppered finish. Smirnoff Cranberry is a vodka I feel is best enjoyed in a cocktail, and because it is not oversweetened the options are not limited.
Cranberry Grand
1 1/2 Oz. Smirnoff Cranberry vodka
2 Oz. Fresh Grapefruit juice
1/4 Oz. Fresh Lime juice
1/4 Oz. Grenadine
Shake and serve on the rocks
Made in the US
35% Alcohol
Grade 89 Award Silver Medal