

Some vodka companies have released “natural infusions” or “sugar-free” flavored vodkas, which would imply that their other flavors may include sugar.In general, the higher the proof, the higher the alcohol content and the higher the calorie content. However, plain, unflavored vodka typically has a higher proof than flavored varieties. The proof doesn't have much to do with sugar content.government for "flavored vodka" indicates they may be made with or without sugar and must not be below 60 proof. The official definition set by the U.S.

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The majority do not disclose the vodka's full nutrition information and ingredients, which makes it extremely difficult to tell the difference. Whether a flavored vodka contains sugar, and how much, varies by brand and depends on how the flavoring was added and if other ingredients, such as a sweetener, are used to marry the flavorings to the alcohol. Fruits and ingredients like coconut contain natural sugars, so even a homemade infused vodka may contain trace amounts of sugar. Colored vodkas also likely contain sugar unless it is a natural infusion that derives color from the ingredient (e.g., raspberry vodka may naturally be red and coffee vodka brown). Keep in mind that many budget vodkas and those that specialize in sweet or unusual flavors include sugar. Top-shelf brands tend to reveal the product’s ingredients and nutrition, but not all brands indicate the sugar content, so if you want to make sure you don't get a vodka with sugar added, pick one that specifies "sugar-free" on the label. Regular vodka is naturally sugar free, but flavored vodka may include sugar. Most importantly, don’t get stuck in a one-brand rut explore your options and have fun on the journey. When it comes to specific flavors, it's all about preference, but considering the cocktails you want to make can help you with your experimentation. The unflavored vodka is the base for all of a brand’s infusions, so you want to select something that you enjoy before venturing into a brand's flavors. Generally, premium vodkas will produce better-tasting flavors, though some less-expensive brands will surprise you as well. What to Look for in Flavored Vodka PriceĪs with any vodka buying choice, you get what you pay for in flavored vodkas. For the most well-rounded lineup, Van Gogh Vodka ( view at Total Wine) has nearly every option you would need for cocktails, while Ketel One Citroen ( view at Drizly) and Absolut Vanilia ( view at Drizly) are the best in their flavors. Any of the brands mentioned have a nice range of flavors in their portfolio, and most are very nice. The flavored vodka market is so vast that it really is difficult to narrow it down to a few selections. However, if you enjoy it in cocktails like the whipped sunset for the indulgent vodka that it was designed to be, it’s fabulously fun. It is just 30 percent ABV (60 proof) and, considering the flavor, it likely has a good deal of sugar. Smirnoff doesn’t reveal its ingredients except that the vodka is “infused with natural flavors,” though it is Kosher and gluten-free. The whipped cream flavor is balanced and light enough to mix well with sodas and berries, and it’s an excellent way to quickly spike your coffee. This confectionary-flavored vodka is sweet but it’s not as cloying as many of its competitors. Only a few brands still have these options, and the best left standing is Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka. While the more ridiculous options designed to taste like every dessert and sweet treat imaginable have been pulled from the market, whipped cream and cake vodkas have found a home in cocktails.

Starting around 2010, sweet vodkas were all the rage for a few years. No matter the flavor, when you see this label, you can be assured that the vodka is top-shelf, full of flavor, and smooth as can be. Van Gogh also covers most fruits, from peach to melon and apple to pineapple, along with a few citrus options and a delicious vanilla. Its espresso vodkas add a caffeinated kick to cocktails, while the chocolate and caramel vodkas are ideal for dessert drinks. You’ll find colorful options like the deep purple of açai-blueberry and a crimson pomegranate, which is among the best of its flavor. There are many tasty highlights to Van Gogh’s flavored vodka lineup. The flavors are naturally infused into the vodka, and they’re all bottled at 35 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 70 proof). The premium Dutch vodka maker uses a blend of European wheat to produce the smooth-tasting, semi-sweet base that’s used in all of its vodkas. As a premium brand, it is not inexpensiveįrom espresso to Dutch chocolate and pomegranate to peach, Van Gogh’s vodka portfolio can cover nearly all of your flavored vodka needs.
