Review: Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind Vodka
Review: Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind Vodka
My tamarind fandom is well documented, so naturally when Smirnoff released a tamarind-flavored vodka, I was ready to give it a try. This bottling was originally exclusive to Mexico, where the tamarind is king, but recently it arrived in the U.S., complete with a spooky glows-under-black-light label.
As cool as the label is, it’s the spirit — a clear vodka which features natural and artificial flavors — that I couldn’t get my mind around.
The nose is indistinct but somewhat evocative of tamarind, with a distinct medicinal character underneath and a strong note of linens hanging on the line. On the palate, things take a sharp turn: A surprising punch of sweet and sour sauce hits right away, quickly followed by a hot cayenne note. The sharp tanginess is overwhelming, as is the fieriness — but the combination of the two makes for an experience that is just plain weird. Both mouth-puckering and pungent, I could only manage a few sips before I had to call it a night.
70 proof.
D / $13 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind Vodka
$13
Please try this with a splash of lime juice and some ginger beer because it is AMAZING!! A huge upgrade to a typical Moscow mule. So delicious. 10/10!!
Try grapefruit juice instead shaken with a bit of chomoy and sprinkled with Habanero Tajin.
I tried it, expecting to like it, but the taste was …awful! I like tamarinds as well as spicy stuff too, so I assumed I’d like the combo. But sadly, not even a little bit. Blah!
It’s like of glike how I like real cherries and watermelon, but not many cherry- or watermelon -flavored treats and drinks.
Hear me out. Pair it with grapefruit soda. I use Fresca because it’s 0cal, but my sister likes Squirt. It tastes just like tamarind candy!
That shit tastes like what I would imagine cleaning fluid to taste like.