- Apr 23, 2012
- 2,912
- 5,942
Alright, so I've never been much of a Vodka guy. Maybe in cocktails, but I have ALWAYS been the kind to nurse a glass of good stiff whiskey on ice (and all of its cousins).
So anyway, for my non-Indian friends. Smirnoff has always been a decent pick for Indian Vodka drinkers. It sat comfortably between Romanov (cheap vodka) and the likes of ABSOLUT (a bit on the higher side)
Last year, they tried to shake things up a bit and launched three "flavored vodkas"
They went after nostalgia and things Indians are normally obsessed over. And from a proper marketing standpoint, it was a gorgeous and extremely well thoughtout decision.
There's
Mirchi Mango aka Chilli Mango - Indians love mangoes. We love them so much, we eat most of our produce. Mango drinks are big in India. And this flavor hit that note.
Zesty Lime - Well, the world loves lemonade. Indians do too. We call it everything from Nimbu Pani to Shikanji
And then we have -
Minty Jamun - Mint is Mint. Jamun is Indian Black Plum. A tart and slightly sweet dark purple, almost black fruit (looks like a big grape) that most Indians grew up eating. You bought this from a street side vendor after school. They gave it to you with a bunch of flavored salt and you ate/shared with your friend as you walked home.
It's also known to be medicinal. And is enjoyed by people of all ages.
And now, it's in Vodka!
//
This was launched last year. And in the past 2 months it is absolutely taking over local social media, there are a million reels about it - from funny memes, to detailed cocktail recipes and so much.
So this weekend, I decided to head out with a bunch of friends for an evening.
We hit a bar, the waiter pops in and as I am about place my usual whiskey order, a friend asks if they had Minty Jamun? The waiter's like - "Of course we do!! It's only the most in-demand product these days. The boss is buying it in black, because the supplies are limited. We run out every other day."
I was impressed and thought I'd try a peg.
It came - a dark purple liquid, resembling nothing I've ever had before. A splash of soda and water and a sprinkle of Chaat Masala (a friend's recommendation).
AND IT'S ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!
It doesn't feel like you're having alcohol, until the buzz hits. And the buzz is so insanely gorgeous.
I lost count of how much I drank.
Came home and ordered 2 bottles.
They're sitting here and I am staring at them since 3.00 PM on a Monday. Convincing myself that it must be night somewhere.
10/10
So anyway, for my non-Indian friends. Smirnoff has always been a decent pick for Indian Vodka drinkers. It sat comfortably between Romanov (cheap vodka) and the likes of ABSOLUT (a bit on the higher side)
Last year, they tried to shake things up a bit and launched three "flavored vodkas"
They went after nostalgia and things Indians are normally obsessed over. And from a proper marketing standpoint, it was a gorgeous and extremely well thoughtout decision.
There's
Mirchi Mango aka Chilli Mango - Indians love mangoes. We love them so much, we eat most of our produce. Mango drinks are big in India. And this flavor hit that note.
Zesty Lime - Well, the world loves lemonade. Indians do too. We call it everything from Nimbu Pani to Shikanji
And then we have -
Minty Jamun - Mint is Mint. Jamun is Indian Black Plum. A tart and slightly sweet dark purple, almost black fruit (looks like a big grape) that most Indians grew up eating. You bought this from a street side vendor after school. They gave it to you with a bunch of flavored salt and you ate/shared with your friend as you walked home.
It's also known to be medicinal. And is enjoyed by people of all ages.
And now, it's in Vodka!
//
This was launched last year. And in the past 2 months it is absolutely taking over local social media, there are a million reels about it - from funny memes, to detailed cocktail recipes and so much.
So this weekend, I decided to head out with a bunch of friends for an evening.
We hit a bar, the waiter pops in and as I am about place my usual whiskey order, a friend asks if they had Minty Jamun? The waiter's like - "Of course we do!! It's only the most in-demand product these days. The boss is buying it in black, because the supplies are limited. We run out every other day."
I was impressed and thought I'd try a peg.
It came - a dark purple liquid, resembling nothing I've ever had before. A splash of soda and water and a sprinkle of Chaat Masala (a friend's recommendation).
AND IT'S ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!
It doesn't feel like you're having alcohol, until the buzz hits. And the buzz is so insanely gorgeous.
I lost count of how much I drank.
Came home and ordered 2 bottles.
They're sitting here and I am staring at them since 3.00 PM on a Monday. Convincing myself that it must be night somewhere.
10/10
