Ciroc Passion With Cooler Tote

This is CIROC Passion, a flavored vodka sold here as a bundle with a cooler tote. Unlike a neutral grain vodka, a bottle in this line is built around its flavor. Expect passion fruit to lead, with a ripe, tropical, slightly tart aroma. CIROC is generally known for distilling from grapes rather than grain, which tends to give a softer, rounder texture than a sharp, peppery rye or wheat spirit. Treat that as the brand's usual style, not a measured profile of this bottle. The tote is part of the package, and it suits carrying the bottle with ice to a picnic or beach. Because the flavor is built in, this bottle works best where the fruit is wanted. It suits the Cosmopolitan well. Passion fruit backs up the cranberry and lime, so you can cut back on extra sweetener. In a Moscow Mule, the ginger beer's heat and the lime balance the fruit, and a squeeze of fresh lime keeps it from tasting sweet. A passion-fruit Martini is another natural use. Shake it with a little lime juice and a splash of simple syrup, then strain it into a chilled coupe or martini glass. For an Espresso Martini, use it if you like a fruity twist on coffee. A classic dry Martini and a Bloody Mary are better made with a neutral, unflavored vodka, because the fruit would compete with vermouth, tomato and spice. For serving, keep the bottle in the freezer or pour it over plenty of ice. Chilling softens any sweetness and makes the texture feel cleaner. Serve neat shots or small pours well chilled in a rocks glass, or stretch it with soda water and a lime wedge in a tall glass for a lighter drink. It also mixes easily with pineapple, grapefruit or orange juice, which share its tropical character.