Smirnoff's flavoured vodka range is built on a simple premise: take the world's best-selling vodka — Smirnoff Red, No. 21 — and add natural flavourings. The Vanilla expression applies this formula to one of the most universally appealing flavours, and the result is predictably competent.
The nose is straightforwardly vanilla — extract rather than pod, but pleasant enough. On the palate, the vanilla is sweet and smooth, sitting on top of Smirnoff's characteristically clean base spirit. At 37.5% ABV, it is light enough to be easily drinkable, which is rather the point.
Where Smirnoff Vanilla earns its keep is in mixing. A vanilla vodka and cola is a guilty pleasure that this bottle facilitates admirably. An Espresso Martini gains an extra dimension with this substituted for plain vodka. Even a vanilla vodka soda with a squeeze of lime is surprisingly refreshing.
At £21.50, it is honestly priced for a branded flavoured vodka from the market leader. It will not change your life, but it will reliably improve a wide range of cocktails. Sometimes that is enough.
