Smirnoff is a massive spirits brand that has some of the most iconic products in the market, ranging from the classic Smirnoff No. 21 to the sought-after Smirnoff Ice.
In case you are curious to try Smirnoff Ice, you will want to know what Smirnoff Ice is and whether Smirnoff Ice is something you will like. I looked into it, and here is what I found!
What Is Smirnoff Ice?
Smirnoff Ice is sold as both a flavored malt beverage and a pre-mixed vodka drink. In France and America, Smirnoff Ice is sold as a flavored malt beverage with 5% ABV, while in Europe, Latin America, Canada, and Australia, Smirnoff Ice is sold as a pre-mixed vodka drink with up to 8% ABV.
If you are interested in finding out more about Smirnoff Ice’s ingredients, taste, and how Smirnoff Ice compares to other Smirnoff products, keep reading!
Why Is It Called Smirnoff Ice?
Currently, there is no mention as to how Smirnoff Ice got its name. Contrary to popular belief, Smirnoff Ice was not named after the drinking game that boomed in 2010 called “icing.”
In fact, Smirnoff Ice was in the market long before the icing game, and it is believed that since Smirnoff Ice is the primary drink used in icing, the game was named after it.
What Do They Put In Smirnoff Ice?
Smirnoff Ice has two formats, one sold in France and America, and the other sold in Europe, Australia, Canada, and Latin America.
For Smirnoff Ice distributed in Europe, Canada, Latin America, and Australia, the ingredients consist of carbonated water, sugar, artificial ingredients, and Smirnoff No. 21.
Meanwhile, Smirnoff Ice sold in France and America does not contain vodka and is instead made with malt.
Does Smirnoff Ice Have Vodka In It?
Whether Smirnoff Ice has vodka in it depends on where you are buying Smirnoff Ice.
If you are purchasing Smirnoff Ice in Latin America, Canada, Australia, and Europe except for France, you will find that Smirnoff Ice has vodka.
In contrast, the Smirnoff Ice distributed in countries like France and America does not contain vodka and is instead sold as malt beverages.
What Kind Of Alcohol Is Smirnoff Ice?
Smirnoff Ice is produced as a citrus-flavored malt beverage and a pre-mixed vodka drink. Whether you get one or the other depends mainly on where you are buying Smirnoff Ice.
As a citrus-flavored malt beverage, Smirnoff Ice is classified as a beer that falls under the category of a flavored malt beverage.
In contrast, the pre-mixed vodka drink is just a ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage with an ABV that is similar to that of hard seltzers.
How Much Alcohol Percent Is In Smirnoff Ice?
Smirnoff Ice has different alcohol contents, depending on which format you buy. If you are getting the malt beverage version, Smirnoff Ice has 5% ABV.
However, if you are getting the pre-mixed vodka format, Smirnoff Ice’s ABV ranges from 4.5% to 7%.
Is Smirnoff Ice Strong?
Compared to the original Smirnoff vodka which has 40% ABV or 80 proof, Smirnoff Ice is not strong. Additionally, Smirnoff Ice is within the range of the acceptable ABV for beers.
Nonetheless, if you have a low alcohol tolerance, Smirnoff Ice will come off as strong and easily intoxicating.
Is Smirnoff Ice Considered A Beer?
Smirnoff Ice’s malt beverage format is considered a beer but technically classified as a flavored malt beverage or an alcopop.
Unlike beer, Smirnoff Ice does not taste like malt or hops because they are used minimally and their flavors are extracted after the fermentation stage.
When Smirnoff Ice is basically just water and ethanol, Smirnoff Ice is mixed with syrups and other artificial flavors.
Is Smirnoff Ice A Lemonade?
Smirnoff Ice is not lemonade, but Smirnoff does have a flavor called Smirnoff Ice Pink Lemonade which tastes like a blend of lemons, strawberries, and raspberries.
Is Smirnoff Ice A Seltzer?
Smirnoff Ice is not a seltzer, but Smirnoff does have a seltzer line called Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer which comes in multiple flavors and a 4% and 8% ABV format.
What Flavor Is Smirnoff Ice?
Smirnoff Ice is not a flavored Smirnoff Vodka. Rather, Smirnoff Ice is produced as either a malt beverage or a pre-mixed vodka drink, depending on where Smirnoff Ice is being distributed.
What Are The Smirnoff Ice Flavors?
Here is a list of the current Smirnoff Ice flavors:
- Smirnoff Ice Pomegranate
- Smirnoff Ice Raspberry Burst
- Smirnoff Ice Watermelon
- Smirnoff Ice Triple Black (lime flavor)
- Smirnoff Ice Wild Grape
- Smirnoff Ice Double Black & Cola
- Smirnoff Ice Spice
What Is The Difference Between Smirnoff And Smirnoff Ice?
Smirnoff, specifically Smirnoff No. 21, is an unflavored vodka bottled at 80 proof and is classified as a spirit.
In contrast, Smirnoff Ice is an alcoholic beverage that is produced either as a flavored malt beverage or as a pre-mixed vodka drink.
Does Smirnoff Ice Taste Like Alcohol?
Since Smirnoff Ice contains artificial flavors and sugar and has a low alcohol content, Smirnoff Ice does not taste like alcohol the way vodkas typically do.
Is Smirnoff Ice A Woman Drink?
Smirnoff Ice is widely regarded as a woman’s drink because of Smirnoff Ice’s taste and packaging, which is why Smirnoff launched Smirnoff Black Ice to appeal to male consumers.
Currently, Smirnoff Ice has variations that are targeted towards both men and women.
Is Smirnoff Ice Considered A Wine Cooler?
Smirnoff Ice is not classified as a wine cooler because Smirnoff Ice does not contain any wine. Instead, Smirnoff Ice is mostly flavored with fruit juice and sugar.
Do They Still Make Smirnoff Ice?
Smirnoff Ice is still in production today due to popular demand.
Check out our related articles to learn if Smirnoff is Russian, what Smirnoff Double Black is, and what Smirnoff Mule is.
Conclusion
Smirnoff Ice is a popular drink that is sold in multiple flavors around the world. Contrary to popular belief, Smirnoff Ice is not technically a beer, and neither is Smirnoff Ice a pure vodka.
Instead, Smirnoff Ice is sold as a flavored malt beverage or an alcopop in the US and France, and as a pre-mixed vodka drink elsewhere.
Additionally, Smirnoff Ice comes in several variations, some of them having alcohol contents that go as high as 8%.
Moreover, Smirnoff Ice is sold in different flavors, such as pomegranate, raspberry, watermelon, wild grape, Double Black & Cola, and Spice.