Citron Vodka
Vodka infused with lemon flavor, adding bright citrus character without extra juice.
Origin
A flavored vodka category that took off alongside the broader flavored-vodka boom of the 1980s-90s, led by brands like Absolut Citron (introduced 1988).
History
Citron (lemon-flavored) vodka rode the same wave of flavored-vodka popularity as black currant, vanilla, and pepper vodkas starting in the late 1980s, with Absolut Citron among the most influential early examples. It became especially associated with the Cosmopolitan's rise to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s, where citron vodka's bright lemon edge complemented the drink's cranberry and lime.
Flavor profile
Clean lemon-citrus character layered over vodka's neutral base, brighter and sharper than a plain vodka.
Tasting notes
A crisp, true lemon flavor sits on top of vodka's usual clean character, adding brightness without the sourness fresh lemon juice would bring, making it an easy way to boost citrus character in a vodka cocktail.
Substitutes
- Plain vodka with a splash of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest, for a fresher but slightly different approximation.
- Limoncello in a smaller amount, for a sweeter, more concentrated lemon liqueur substitute.
- A different citrus-flavored vodka, when citron specifically isn't available.
