Cîroc has always been a slightly odd fit in the vodka category, and that is the point of it. Rather than grain or potato, it is distilled from fine French grapes in an eau de vie style, five times over, which gives it a lighter and subtly fruitier base than almost anything else on the shelf. Limonata takes that base and infuses it with natural lemon and citrus flavors, aiming squarely at the Mediterranean: the reference points the brand names are Southern Italy and Capri, and the drink it is built around is a spritz. What lands in the glass is bright and immediately recognisable. The nose is fresh picked lemon with a tart, tangy lime edge behind it. The palate opens on an initial burst of lemon tartness and sweetness, balanced by the juice and zest of bold limes, and the citrus then softens into a lingering sweetness rather than finishing sharp. It is bottled at 30 percent alcohol by volume, which is 60 proof, deliberately lower than the standard Cîroc flavored range at 70 proof and lower still than the unflavored bottling at 80. That lower strength is a design choice rather than a shortcoming: it makes the citrus read as juice rather than spirit and it mixes without needing much help. Serve it long over ice with soda and a lemon wheel, build it into a Limonata spritz, or use it anywhere a vodka lemonade would otherwise go. A warm weather and poolside bottle, and an easy sell through summer.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
30% |
| Proof |
60 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
France |
| Brand |
Cîroc |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Importer |
Cîroc Distilling Company, New York, NY |
| Category |
Made with Vodka Infused with Natural Flavors |
| Expression |
Limonata |
| Base |
Fine French grapes, distilled five times |
| Flavoring |
Natural lemon and citrus flavors |
Tasting Notes
Color: Clear.
Nose: Brisk and inviting, freshly picked lemon with hints of tart, tangy lime.
Palate: An initial burst of lemon tartness and sweetness, balanced by the juice and zest of bright, bold limes.
Finish: Lemony lime brightness fading gradually into a soft, lingering sweetness.
FAQ
Q: What proof is it?
A: 60 proof, which is 30 percent alcohol by volume. This is lower than the standard Cîroc flavored range at 70 proof and the unflavored bottling at 80.
Q: What is Cîroc made from?
A: Fine French grapes rather than grain or potato, distilled five times in France.
Q: Is it a vodka?
A: The label reads "Made with Vodka Infused with Natural Flavors." The base is Cîroc vodka and natural lemon and citrus flavors are added.
Q: How should I serve it?
A: Long over ice with soda and a lemon wheel, or built into a Limonata spritz. It also works anywhere a vodka lemonade would.
Q: What does it taste like?
A: Bright lemon and lime citrus up front, fading into a soft lingering sweetness rather than finishing sharp.
Q: Where can I buy Cîroc Limonata online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
