Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Smirnoff Vodka is the number one top-selling vodka in the world, having sold over 25.6 million nine-liter cases in 2019. This Russian spirit is gluten-free and certified vegan (except for some flavored vodkas) and is now owned by British conglomerate Diageo.
Smirnoff Vodka is distilled from corn and has a whopping 35 variations of flavored vodka to date. Check out the Smirnoff price list below.
A Brief History of Smirnoff Vodka
In 1864, Pyotr Arsenyevitch Smirnov founded a distillery somewhere in Moscow, Russia. He wanted a vodka so exquisite that it could be served to the Russian Tsar. In 1886, he did exactly that and became the exclusive vodka supplier to the Russian royalty.
By this time, his product had dominated two-thirds of the vodka market in Russia due to its affordable prices.
When he passed away in 1898, his son Vladimir took over.
In 1904, however, the government in Russia took over the vodka industry to prohibit corruption and alcoholism. [1] Vladimir was forced to sell the brand to the government, but because he wanted to continue the business, he fled Russia.
After two unsuccessful business ventures somewhere in Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) and Poland, he finally secured a deal in France and changed the brand name to Smirnoff. The business was more successful in Moscow, but at least he could make vodka legally.
In 1930, Vladimir met Rudolph Kunnet, a fellow Russian who migrated to the United States. Kunnet’s family supplied grains to the old distillery in Moscow. Vladimir sold the rights of Smirnoff production and sales to North America to Kunnet, and Kunnet established a place in Connecticut right after the Prohibition Era ended.
Because business was bad, Kunnet contacted liquor mogul John Martin. Having just come out of bankruptcy himself, Martin bought the rights of Smirnoff for a mere $14,000, which turned out to be the best decision. The brand took over the world and is now worth $3.3B today.
Smirnoff or Smirnov?
The brand’s name is Smirnoff Vodka, but it came from the family name Smirnov. Vladimir had to change the name to conform with the French spelling.
What Makes It Different?
Smirnov pioneered the charcoal filtration method, which skyrocketed the spirit’s popularity to the whole world. Many brands, including Jack Daniels, started to filter their spirits with charcoal, too. The Smirnoff vodkas are filtered up to five times to get rid of all impurities.
When vodka was first introduced to the United States region, John Martin marketed it as “a white whiskey with no smell and taste.” Americans at that time were heavy whiskey drinkers, so he needed to think of a better way to present it to get more people interested.
He also would personally photograph bartenders holding up a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka.
Read: Which Vodka Brands Are Made in Russia?
How To Drink Smirnoff
Smirnoff products are great as a party or shelf vodka and can be served neat or mixed into cocktails. Just make sure to chill the bottle in the freezer before serving. Cranberry juice, lemon juice, and ginger beer are the best mix.
This spirit has a smooth, neutral taste that is appealing to both vodka newbies and aficionados alike.
Also Read: How Many Smirnoff Ice Will Get You Drunk?
Common Smirnoff Vodka Prices
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Smirnoff No.21 Vodka | 750ml | 80 | $8.99 – $14.99 |
| 1L | 80 | $10.99 – $17.99 | |
| 1.75L | 80 | $16.99 – $19.99 | |
| Smirnoff 100 Proof Vodka | 750ml | 100 | $13.99 – $16.98 |
| 1.75L | 100 | $19.99 – $29.98 | |
| Smirnoff 90 Proof Vodka | 750ml | 90 | $12.99 – $16.99 |
| 1.75L | 90 | $19.99 – $24.99 | |
| Smirnoff Black | 750ml | 80 | Around $27 |
| Smirnoff Blue Label | 750ml | 100 | Around $20 |
| Smirnoff Cherry | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Citrus | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Cranberry | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Green Apple | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Infusions Raspberry, Rhubarb, and Vanilla | 750ml | 70 | Around $22 |
| Smirnoff Lime | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Mango | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff No. 27 Silver 90 proof Vodka | 750ml | 90 | Around $15 |
| Smirnoff No. 57 100 Proof Vodka | 750ml | 100 | Around $18 |
| Smirnoff Orange | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Peach | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Pineapple | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Raspberry | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Red Label | 750ml | 80 | Around $14 |
| Smirnoff Sorbet | 750ml | 60 | $8.99 – $31.09 |
| Smirnoff Sours | 750ml | 60 | $8.99 – $31.09 |
| Smirnoff Strawberry | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Vanilla | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Blueberry | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Watermelon | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Whipped Cream | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Smirnoff Sourced | 750ml | 60 | $8.99 – $31.09 |
Smirnoff Vodka Flavored Drink Options
Citrus
The Citrus label is gluten-free and infused with all-natural citrus flavors. It is crisp and clear with a zesty tang. It works well with lemon juice, lime juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
Ice Tropical
Ice Tropical is a pre-mixed vodka drink that you can just sip and go — no need for size measuring. Its list of ingredients includes the No. 21 Premium, soda water, and natural tropical fruits flavors, such as mango and passion fruit.
Berry Blast
Berry Blast is a limited-edition variant that has the flavors of blue raspberry, cherry, and citrus. This blue drink comes in either a can or a bottle and is also made using the No. 21 Premium.
Zero Sugar Line
There is a variety of flavors in the Zero Sugar Line: Watermelon and Mint, Cucumber and Lime, and Strawberry and Rose. It’s kind of hard to believe that this does not use sugar when each variant packs a serious flavor punch.
What’s With Smirnoff & Calories?
Instead of wine and whiskey, vodka is your go-to option if you’re looking to drink booze without a lot of calories. Calories come from the quantity of alcohol present in your drink, so the more alcohol there is, the more calories it has.
Even fruit-flavored vodkas are safe for consumption if you’re counting calories since fruit essences are added instead of actual fruits.
Alternative Brands In Similar Price Ranges
Smirnoff has a friendly price range with a wide selection in flavor and size. It’s not by any means the cheapest in prices, but it won’t burn a hole through your wallet either.
A bottle is roughly about $12 in price, with the Svedka, Pinnacle, and Skyy brands not too far behind at roughly $10 in price per bottle. Their ABV is also at par with one another. Svedka, Skyy, and Pinnacle are the best comparisons as they all offer an extensive list of fruit-flavored vodkas.
Popular Smirnoff Vodka Cocktail Recipes
When John Martin marketed Smirnoff, he thought of a different way to get more people interested — he posted pictures of bartenders using this vodka in cocktails. Americans wanted to get in on the action — here’s how you can too!
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is going to awaken the coffee flavor lover in you.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Smirnoff No. 21 Premium Vodka
- ¾ coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce sugar syrup
- 1 ounce single shot espresso
- Coffee beans
Directions:
Pour all liquids in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and mix thoroughly. Strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a few coffee beans for garnish.
Smirnoff Screwdriver
The Screwdriver is an easy cocktail for those who adore the zesty flavor of oranges.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Smirnoff No. 21 Premium Vodka
- 4 ounces orange juice
- Orange wedge
Directions:
Combine the vodka and orange juice inside a rocks glass filled with ice and mix gently with a bar spoon. Garnish with an orange wedge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is Smirnoff a cheap vodka?
Not really. Smirnoff is fairly competitive compared to other brands in terms of prices. It doesn’t have a premium price tag like Grey Goose or Absolut, but it does not lack in quality.
Does Smirnoff get you drunk?
Yes, Smirnoff does get you drunk. This brand has three categories of ABV (40, 45, and 50) and proofs (80, 90, and 100) specially designed for more fun.
What kind of alcohol is in Smirnoff?
Smirnoff Vodka is made from distilled grains, typically corn, and is classified as a neutral grain spirit.
Is Smirnoff a cheap vodka?
Smirnoff is often considered a mid-range vodka in terms of pricing. While it is not the most expensive, it is not typically categorized as a cheap vodka either.
Is Smirnoff Russian or German?
Smirnoff originated in Russia but is currently produced and owned by the British company Diageo. The production facilities can vary, and Smirnoff is made in different countries worldwide.
Is Smirnoff a beer or not?
Smirnoff is not a beer; it is a vodka. Vodka is a distilled spirit, while beer is a fermented beverage.
How strong is Smirnoff?
Smirnoff Vodka typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, which is standard for most vodkas.
Can Smirnoff get you drunk?
Like any alcoholic beverage, consuming Smirnoff Vodka in excess can lead to intoxication. Responsible and moderate drinking is advised.
Which is better Smirnoff or Absolut?
The preference between Smirnoff and Absolut is subjective and depends on personal taste. Both are reputable vodka brands with different flavor profiles.
How does Smirnoff taste like?
Smirnoff Vodka is known for its neutral and smooth taste. It is often described as clean and crisp, with a subtle sweetness.
Why is Smirnoff so popular?
Smirnoff’s popularity can be attributed to its long history, affordability, and versatility in cocktails. It is also widely available in many countries.
Does Smirnoff Vodka smell?
Like all spirits, Smirnoff Vodka has a characteristic alcohol aroma. However, its neutral nature means it typically has a milder and cleaner scent compared to flavored or more robust spirits.
How do you drink Smirnoff Vodka?
Smirnoff Vodka can be enjoyed in various ways, such as on the rocks, in cocktails like martinis or Bloody Marys, or mixed with soda or juice. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired drinking experience.
In Summary
Smirnoff owes its popularity to the Smirnov family who never gave up, from Poland to Russia. It was born out of the hard work of Petyr Smirnov, who was born with no possessions, no formal training, and no education, yet became one of the biggest entrepreneurs in all of history.
Take a sip out of family legacy with one Smirnoff vodka bottle today.
Reference:
- https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/09/how-alcohol-conquered-russia/279965
