Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka

Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka is a flavored vodka made in Connecticut, in the United States, so it's a clear, neutral spirit with raspberry flavor added. The listing doesn't give a proof, so check the bottle label for strength. Flavored vodkas in this style usually keep the grain-neutral body of a standard vodka, with a light, clean texture and little of the sweetness of a liqueur. Expect a bright, jammy raspberry aroma, a hint of tartness on the palate, and a short, dry finish. The raspberry flavor lets this bottle replace a splash of fruit syrup or muddled berries in mixed drinks. It works well in a Cosmopolitan, where raspberry sits easily next to cranberry and lime and gives the drink a deeper pink color and a rounder fruit note. A raspberry Moscow Mule is another good use: the berry flavor holds up against the ginger beer's spice and the lime juice's acidity, and it's best served in a copper mug or highball glass over plenty of ice. For a simple long drink, try it with soda water and a squeeze of lemon, or with lemonade, which brings out the tart side of the fruit. In a Martini-style drink, use it in place of plain vodka with a little dry vermouth and a lemon twist. Keep the vermouth light so the raspberry stays in front. It also suits a dessert-style Espresso Martini, where the berry and the coffee's bitterness work like raspberry and dark chocolate. A Bloody Mary is a poor match, because the fruit flavor competes with tomato, horseradish and spice, so use an unflavored vodka for that. To drink it on its own, keep the bottle in the freezer or chill it thoroughly. Cold mutes the sweetness and keeps the fruit flavor clean. Serve it in a small chilled glass or a martini glass, or pour it over ice in a rocks glass with a few fresh raspberries or a lemon wedge. Raspberry vodka also pairs well with desserts such as dark chocolate, cheesecake, shortbread and fruit tarts.