French Vanilla is one of the seven core Cîroc flavors and the smoothest thing in the range. It is worth being precise about the name: French vanilla describes a flavour style rather than an origin, referring to the rich custard base traditionally used in French ice cream making, which gives vanilla a rounder, creamier and slightly eggy character compared with plain vanilla extract. The fact that Cîroc itself is French is coincidence rather than claim. What that style delivers on this base works well. Cîroc is distilled five times from fine French grapes in an eau de vie style rather than from grain or potato, leaving a lighter and subtly fruitier spirit, and the custard sweetness of French vanilla sits on that without the cloying weight it can carry on a heavier neutral grain. Expect warm vanilla bean and soft cream on the nose with a hint of caramel behind, then a rounded palate carrying custard sweetness and gentle sugar, closing smooth and clean rather than sticky. It is bottled at 35 percent alcohol by volume, which is 70 proof, matching the standard Cîroc flavored strength. This is the most cocktail flexible of the sweeter Cîroc flavors and the one bartenders actually reach for: it builds an espresso martini without needing a separate liqueur, mixes into cream sodas and root beer, works with cola, carries a white Russian, and turns up in dessert cocktails across the board. It also pairs naturally with coffee. Product of France. A year round seller that leans harder into autumn and winter.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
35% |
| Proof |
70 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
France |
| Brand |
Cîroc |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Category |
Made with Vodka Infused with Natural Flavors |
| Expression |
French Vanilla |
| Base |
Fine French grapes, distilled five times |
| Flavoring |
French vanilla and other natural flavors |
Tasting Notes
Color: Clear.
Nose: Warm vanilla bean and soft cream, with a hint of caramel behind.
Palate: Rounded and smooth. Custard sweetness and gentle sugar carry through, kept light by the grape base.
Finish: Clean and creamy, with lingering vanilla rather than sticky sweetness.
FAQ
Q: What does French vanilla mean?
A: It describes a flavour style rather than an origin, referring to the rich custard base traditionally used in French ice cream making, which gives a creamier and rounder vanilla character than plain vanilla.
Q: What proof is it?
A: 70 proof, which is 35 percent alcohol by volume, matching the standard Cîroc flavored strength.
Q: Is this a permanent flavor?
A: Yes. French Vanilla is one of the seven main line Cîroc flavors.
Q: What is Cîroc made from?
A: Fine French grapes rather than grain or potato, distilled five times in France.
Q: How should I serve it?
A: In an espresso martini, with cream soda or root beer, in a white Russian, or with coffee. It is the most cocktail flexible of the sweeter Cîroc flavors.
Q: Where can I buy Cîroc French Vanilla online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
