About this vodka

CÎROC breaks from vodka tradition by starting with grapes instead of grain. Mauzac Blanc grapes from Gaillac and Ugni Blanc are cold fermented, then distilled five times, four in column stills and the fifth in a traditional copper pot still, at the historic Distillerie de Chevanceaux in south-west France. Snap Frost is the brand's name for this original, unflavoured expression, the bottle that launched CÎROC in 2003, recognisable by its tall, slender bottle and blue accents.

The grapes show in the glass: a refined citrus nose, a smooth, lightly sweet palate with a fresh, almost fruity quality, and a crisp, clean finish. It is softer than many grain vodkas, which makes it pleasant over ice, and it gives a fresh lift to a Vodka Soda, a Cosmopolitan or a French Martini. A stylish bottle for parties and gifting.

Key facts

• Snap Frost is the name for CÎROC's original, unflavoured vodka
• Made from French grapes, Mauzac Blanc and Ugni Blanc, rather than grain
• Distilled five times, the final distillation in a copper pot still, at Distillerie de Chevanceaux
• Brand launched in 2003; wholly owned by Diageo since 2024

Tasting notes

Nose:

Refined, fresh citrus

Palate:

Smooth and lightly sweet, with a fresh, fruity grape character

Finish:

Crisp and clean, with a mild spice

Serve

Over ice with soda and a squeeze of lime, or a French Martini: 50 ml vodka, 15 ml raspberry liqueur and 40 ml pineapple juice, shaken hard and strained.

Food pairing

Try it with seafood starters such as prawn cocktail or fish fingers with kasundi, or with fresh fruit and soft cheeses.