Some Fascinating Facts About Smirnoff Vodka

Smirnoff is one of the most affordable vodkas in the world and without a doubt - with a rich history. The way this best-selling vodka is made is through a five - times filtering process which creates its signature flavor. You will be able to taste floral notes and citrus. 

It is famously enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail. In 1941 the head of Smirnoff, along with a Bar Owner in California, came up with the iconic Moswoc Mule which revolutionary tripled Smirnoff’s consumption in the next 10 years. 

Smirnoff is famous for continuing to adapt to changing times. It has a cemented place in club culture, with innovations to new flavors. This has resulted in a range of nearly 40 flavors. This is just for the regular vodka line. They have a lengthy list of flavors in their Smirnoff Ice range to boot.

Smirnoff’s new label was launched a few years back to focus on its core roots. The brand has continued its traditions since 1864: it’s ten times filtered, currently distilled in America, and continues to be the world’s number 1 vodka. Smirnoff is currently the world’s top-selling vodka brand and sells more than 25 million 9 liter cases every year around the world.

Smirnoff: a brand history

Smirnoff traces its origins to 1864 with founder Pyotr Arsenyevitch Smirnov in Moscow. Smirnoff started dominating the market in only two years. Pyotr was succeeded by his son Vladimir who joined the company’s board of directors at age 21 and was full of ambition. Later on, he took over the company. 

In 1914 Smirnoff was forced to close as Russia imposed a dry law that permitted the sale of hard liquor only in restaurants. This was introduced at the beginning of World War I with the idea to prevent the army from having to deal with drunk soldiers. 

The story doesn’t get any better when in 1919 Vladimir joined an army that helps refugees to escape through the South of Russia. He was cuffed, put in prison and tortured before being given the death penalty. His army managed to save him and he fled to Constantinople. 

In 1923 Vladimir found investors in Poland and tried to continue the business but the country’s regulations didn’t allow it. Three years later, he didn’t give up and started producing the vodka in France changing the name from Smirnov to Smirnoff. In 1933 Vladimir started looking for more investors in order to produce the vodka in other countries too. 

Rudolph Kunett was a Russian immigrant who lived in New York and purchased the rights to begin production in North America. Unfortunately, Vladimir passed away without even visiting the new business in the U.S.

Is Smirnoff gluten-free

The original  Smirnoff vodka we all know best is made from corn, which makes it naturally gluten-free. Smirnoff vodka flavors might contain small traces of gluten which technically make them not gluten-free. 

For example, Smirnoff Ice in the United States and in France is made with malt and it’s not gluten-free. Gluten-free Smirnoff vodkas are Smirnoff 90 Proof Vodka, Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, and Smirnoff 100 Proof Vodka. 

Gluten-free flavored Smirnoff vodka flavors are Smirnoff Blueberry, Smirnoff Cherry, Smirnoff Citrus, Smirnoff Cranberry, Smirnoff Coconut, Smirnoff Grape, Smirnoff Green Apple, Smirnoff Kissed Caramel, Smirnoff Lime, Smirnoff Orange, Smirnoff Passion Fruit, Smirnoff Peach, Smirnoff Peppermint Twist, Smirnoff Pineapple, Smirnoff Pink Lemonade, Smirnoff Raspberry, Smirnoff Red, White & Berry, Smirnoff Root Beer Float, Smirnoff Ruby Red Grapefruit, Smirnoff Strawberry, Smirnoff Sorbet Light Raspberry Pomegranate, Smirnoff Sours Berry Lemon, Smirnoff Sours Green Apple, Smirnoff Sours Watermelon, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, Smirnoff Vanilla, Smirnoff Watermelon, and Smirnoff Whipped Cream.

Is Smirnoff Charcoal Filtered

One of the most unique things about Smirnoff vodka is its filtration where much of the magic happens. Pyotr Arsenyevitch established a unique way of keeping the taste of this recipe impeccable - by filtering the product not once or twice, but ten times.

The vodka is triple distilled from a blend of different grains through seven charcoal columns of environmentally sustainable charcoal. This is an approach never used by anyone before. This makes the taste incredibly pure-tasting and smooth. 

This process has become an important piece of the making of the St. Petersburg Model. This recipe and way of making vodka have received numerous awards. From an everyday drink to a celebratory toast, Smirnoff vodka is great for any moment, any cocktail, any time.

Smirnoff Ice

During the 1990s, Smirnoff Ice flavors were created to address the changing consumer palate. Smirnoff Ice is a vodka drink made with soda water, Smirnoff No.21 Premium Vodka, and added flavors. It is great served over ice or chilled, consumed from the bottle as it’s ready to drink. These delicious mixers are with a low alcohol content of 8 proof.

Smirnoff Ice Original is made of No.21 premium vodka mixed with the classic taste of lemon and sugar in a lemon-lime soda. It has a great crisp and citrusy taste, and it’s great when garnished with a slice of lemon.

Smirnoff Ice Raspberry uses the well-known by now No.21 vodka and a blend of red raspberry flavors. It is lightly carbonated, it has a tangy kick and a fresh taste with a dry finish.

Smirnoff Ice Tropical is a tasty vodka pre-mixed drink with tropical fruit. It is made with soda water, Smirnoff ice flavors No.21, exotic mango, guava, and passion fruit flavorings.

In 2016 Smirnoff Seltzers also launched, with only 90 calories, no sugar, one carb, and infused with natural fruit essence.

Thank you for reading our in-depth case study into Smirnoff vodka. We hope we answer the question of what is Smirnoff, not just how it tastes, but its history. It is one of the most iconic brands in the world and has clearly gone through a number of different incarnations to get to the point it is at today. We hope you are really looking forward to sharing these stories about Smirnoff Vodka!