With the rise of the “healthier alternative cocktail”, flavored vodkas are making a serious comeback. I know personally I have been consuming more flavors vodka-based cocktails than ever this summer, and it’s great! I used to not enjoy them because a lot was always so sweet, however with the rise in spiked seltzer’s and more organic spirits, I have noticed a trend in less sweet-flavored vodkas.

If you enjoy sweet, however, one of my newest favorite summer vodkas is Seagrams Pineapple Vodka! It’s pretty sweet, however with the right acid (lemon or lime juice) and ingredients you can make yourself a well-balanced cocktail. My go-to with this vodka has been a Pineapple “Cosmo” or a Pineapple Mule where I combine the vodka with the basic cocktail ingredients and a touch more acid to offset the sweet side.

Pineapple Cosmo

1.5oz Seagrams Pineapple Vodka

.5oz Triple Sec

.5oz Lemon Juice

1oz Pineapple Juice

– In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice. Shake until well chilled, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Pineapple Mule

1.5oz Seagrams Pineapple Vodka

.5oz Lime Juice

.5oz Pineapple Juice

3-4oz Ginger Beer

– In a mule mug with ice, pour in all ingredients. Give it a light stir, and serve with a lime wedge or pineapple wedge.

If you’re into floral vodkas, more fruit flavors, and even some herbs and vegetables, be sure to check out Smirnoff’s Zero Sugar Infusions line of flavored vodkas including Cucumber Lime, Strawberry Rose, and Watermelon Mint. These flavors are awesome and have a nice natural flavor to them, while also not being too sweet, so they pair perfectly with some seltzer water as well mixed into your favorite classic cocktails.

My top two favorites include the Cucumber Lime and Watermelon Mint. These vodkas even go very well together, so one evening I tried mixing both into a cocktail with some lime juice, fresh watermelon juice, and mint. The end result; a very refreshing summer cocktail!

Cucumber Lime + Watermelon Mint Cooler

1oz Smirnoff Cucumber Lime Vodka

1oz Smirnoff Watermelon Mint Vodka

2-4 Muddled Watermelon Cubes + Juice

.5oz Lime Juice

Method: In a shaker, muddle the watermelon chunks with the lime juice and some watermelon juice. If there is no juice in the bottom of the watermelon container, you can muddle an extra piece.  After, add in the rest of the vodkas as well as some ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into fresh glass and garnish with a piece of watermelon.

Make flavored vodka a part of your summer with Seagram’s fun flavors that are just what you’re looking for if you enjoy sweeter fruit flavors and bold taste. If you’re into infusions and want to try your hand on some zero sugar but big tasting vodkas, Smirnoff has you covered! Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly.