Flavoured Vodka: How Newest Variations Are Revolutionising Modern Cocktails
Indian flavours are making a splash in the world of mixology. Think mango and chilli, jamun and mint, or the brightness of lime. Smirnoff’s newest range of vodkas is all about exploring regional flavour combinations that bring a burst of creativity to cocktail making. Rolling out across several Indian states, these releases tap into the growing enthusiasm for regional tastes and recipes, particularly among budding bartenders and mixologists. As homegrown mixology continues to thrive, the modern consumer is increasingly drawn to spirits that carry an eclectic yet distinctly local flair, reflecting a move from traditional bar culture to more casual, Gen Z-inspired spaces that celebrate vibrant, homegrown experimentation.
Rooted in premium quality and a strong local connection, the three new variants are a tribute to the cultural energy shaping today’s mixology scene. Each offers a unique blend of fruity, citrusy, and tropical notes balanced by the warmth of chillies and the crispness of mint. In keeping with its ‘Flavour Is A Vibe’, here’s what Smirnoff’s latest flavours bring to its world of homegrown vodkas:
Minty Jamun — Combines the flavours of this purple, sweet and tangy fruit with the contrasting herbal and sharp notes of fresh mint to craft a vibe reminiscent of tropical summers and monsoons.
Mirchi Mango — In a classic coming together of the sweetness of mangoes and the sharp spice of chillies, this vodka can be a fruity liquor inspired by Indian cuisine’s preference for spicy flavours and tropical flavours.
Zesty Lime — One of the freshest, citrusy flavour options out there, the zesty lime is a vodka that brings forth the tang and acidity of limes in a spirit well-suited to becoming the base for citrus-forward cocktails.
As home mixologists experiment with flavour-forward cocktails, Smirnoff’s flavoured vodkas become interesting base ingredients that contribute to the tasteful creation of drinks rooted in regional flavours. Here are some recipes to blend cocktails using Smirnoff’s latest flavoured vodkas:
Smirnoff Flavoured Vodka Recipes
Smirnoff Deep Purple
Deep Purple is a striking, aromatic cocktail that combines the cool mint and the unique flavour of Jamun (Indian blackberry) with the crispness of green apple and lime. Its vibrant colour and layered flavours make it a perfect signature drink for those looking for something exotic.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Smirnoff Minty Jamun
- 15ml Monin Green Apple Syrup
- 15ml Lime Juice
- 8 Fresh Mint Leaves
Method:
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice to chill.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, combine 60ml Smirnoff Minty Jamun, 15ml Green Apple Syrup, 15ml Lime Juice, and 6 mint leaves.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and aromatic.
- Strain: Double strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring a smooth pour without mint leaf bits or pulp.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a slice of green apple, a sprig of mint, and a slice of Jamun (Jawa plum) for a vibrant, colourful presentation.
Glassware:
- Rocks glass
Garnish:
- Green apple slice
- Mint sprig
- Jamun slice
Serving Tips:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the layered flavours and fresh aroma.
- Lightly press or slap the mint sprig before garnishing to release more fragrant oils.
- Use fresh Jamun for authentic colour and flavour, or a Jamun slice for visual contrast.
Smirnoff Mirchi Magnet
Mirchi Magnet is a vibrant, spicy cocktail balancing the sweet heat of mango mirchi with the tang of passion fruit and lime. The chilli salt rim adds an extra layer of heat and flavour, making it a bold choice for spice lovers seeking a fresh, tropical kick.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Smirnoff Mango Mirchi
- 10ml Monin Passion Fruit Syrup
- 15ml Lime Juice
- 1/2 Green chilli
- Chilli salt (for rim)
- Dehydrated lime (for garnish)
Method:
- Prepare the Glass: Rim a coupe with chilli salt. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip into chilli salt to coat evenly.
- Muddle the chilli: In a shaker, place 1/2 green chilli. Muddle gently to release the heat and flavour, taking care not to over-muddle to avoid bitterness.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in 60ml Smirnoff Mango Mirchi, 10ml Passion Fruit Syrup, and 15ml Lime Juice. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled and combined.
- Strain: Double strain into the prepared coupe glass, ensuring no chilli bits or pulp pass through.
Garnish:
- Garnish the cocktail with a dehydrated lime slice, placed on the rim or floating on top for visual appeal and added aroma.
Glassware:
- Coupe glass
Garnish:
- Dehydrated lime slice
Serving Tips:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fiery, tangy flavours at their best.
- For extra heat, press or squeeze the chilli slightly before garnishing to release more aroma and spice.
- Keep the chilli salt rim prepared ahead for quick assembly.
Smirnoff Nimbu Panna
This Smirnoff Nimbu Panna is a bold, spicy cocktail that combines the tartness of lime, the tangy tamarind masala, and the heat of green chilli. It's a vibrant, flavoursome drink with a touch of chilli, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Smirnoff Lime
- 20ml Tamarind Masala (Swa Tamarind Shikanji)
- 15ml Lime Juice
- 1/2 Green chilli
- Black Salt (to taste)
Method:
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a rocks glass with ice to chill.
- Muddle: In a shaker, place 1/2 green chilli.
- Pour in 20ml Tamarind Masala. Muddle gently to release the chilli's heat and the tamarind's tangy flavours but avoid over-muddling to prevent excessive heat or bitterness.
- Add Liquids: Pour in 60ml Smirnoff Lime and 15ml Lime Juice. Add ice to fill the shaker
- Shake: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and the flavours are infused.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice, using a fine mesh strainer to remove chilli bits and pulp.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a thin slice of green chilli and a dehydrated lime slice for visual impact and aroma.
Glassware:
- Rocks glass
Garnish:
- Green chilli slice
- Dehydrated lime slice
Serving Tips:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the spicy, tangy, and citrusy flavours at their freshest.
- For an extra smoky aroma, briefly torch the green chilli before garnishing.
Smirnoff Salty Hound
While The Salty Hound isn’t made with their latest flavour range it offers a vibrant, aromatic cocktail with a perfect balance of tart grapefruit, floral elderflower, and savoury salted rim. The torched rosemary adds a smoky, fragrant finish, making it both a visual and sensory delight for summer evenings or a sophisticated gathering.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Smirnoff 21
- 45ml Raw Grapefruit Juice
- 10ml Lime Juice
- 10ml Elderflower Syrup
- Pink Salt (for rim)
- Tonic Water (splash)
- Rosemary (for garnish)
- Grapefruit slice (for garnish)
Method:
- Prepare the Glass: Take a rocks glass and rim the edge with lime juice. Dip the rim into pink salt to create a salted border. This enhances the flavour and presentation.
- Mix the Drink: In a shaker, combine 60ml Smirnoff 21, 45ml raw grapefruit juice, 10ml lime juice, 10ml elderflower syrup, and plenty of ice.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled and mixed.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top and Garnish: Add a splash of tonic water for a touch of effervescence. Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary.
- For a dramatic aroma, torch the rosemary lightly before placing it in the glass; this releases fragrant oils and adds a smoky note.
Glassware:
- Rocks glass
Garnish:
- Grapefruit wedge
- Torched rosemary sprig
Serving Tips:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the balance of citrus, floral, and smoky notes. For added aroma, briefly torch the rosemary just before garnishing.
- The salted rim provides a savoury contrast that complements the citrus and elderflower flavours.
*These unique cocktails are created with recommended products, flavour may vary with alternatives.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
