What can I use instead of citron vodka? The best substitute for citron vodka is an alternative brand since there are many available, and they can be used interchangeably, for example, Absolut and Summum citron vodka.
You can make homemade citron vodka or shake fresh lemon peel into a vodka base. Other alternatives include mixing vodka with orange juice, using Humboldt’s Famous Hemp Infused Vodka, Seedlip Grove 42, or substituting another fruit-flavored vodka.
Citron vodka is an infusion of citrus, usually including but not limited to lemons, with vodka. Some varieties include other ingredients like sugar. There are many brands, the most famous of which is Absolut Citron Vodka. It is a mellow, straw color drink with a fresh fruity taste. Citron vodka is a key ingredient in the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail.
The Best Citron Vodka Alternatives
Absolut Citron Vodka
Absolut Citron Vodka is the most well-known brand of citron vodka. It is a Swedish product that took the bar world by storm in 1988 and has quickly established itself as a premium citron vodka.
One unique marketing point of Absolut Citron Vodka is that its blend is entirely sugar-free. Manufacturers claim it is all natural with a distinctive taste of fine quality vodka mixed with lemon, lime, and lemon peel.
Absolut is one of the best citron vodka choices for people with diabetes since it does not contain added sugar. It is the go-to brand of citron vodka but can be used interchangeably with many other variants.
Summum Citron
The French also have a quality lemon-flavored vodka. Summum vodka only uses the finest quality vodka produced in the historic town of Cognac to create a smooth and mellow citron vodka.
Despite being imported, Summum citron is affordably priced and offers excellent value for money.
The product has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most users commenting on the smooth taste and perfect balance of citrus and vodka.
Homemade Citron Vodka
There are benefits to making homemade citron vodka.
You can choose the quality of the vodka base, adjust the intensity of the lemon flavor by allowing it to infuse for as long as you like, and it is likely to work out less expensive than buying good quality citron vodka.
The recipe only requires two basic ingredients: fresh lemon peels and plain vodka. Once you have added the lemon peels to the vodka, it can be left to brew for between 3 days and a month.
Grapefruit or lime peel also works well if you prefer another type of citrus.
Homemade citron vodka is the best substitute for citron vodka. It is easy to make and can be used in exactly the same way as the store-bought version.
If you made the long-brewing version, the lemon intensity may be considerably more than you would get from regular citron vodka.
Vodka With Added Lemon Peel
If you need to add some citrus notes to your plain vodka, creating your own citron vodka can be as quick as adding some lemon peel to your mixing glass or shaker tin.
This method is often referred to as the regal shake.
Use chilled plain vodka, and add some citrus peel which can be removed in thin strips using a peeler. Add them to your mixer, shake and strain when pouring.
While this method won’t provide the deep lemony taste of a commercial brand, it does add an unmistakable fresh citrus edge to vodka.
It is also a good way to know that your citron vodka doesn’t contain any extra sugar.
Seedlip Grove 42 Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Seedlip Grove 42 is an infusion of citrus and a spicey taste. It includes lemon peel, mandarin, bright Mediterranean oranges, and lemongrass and ties them all together with a slight twist of ginger.
Seedlip is a brand that has taken the world of non-alcoholic cocktails by storm. Gone are the days of accepting a second-rate drink if you vary from the original boozy options.
If you want to avoid alcohol but still want the delicious crisp citron vodka taste, Seedlip Grove 42 can work well as a substitute for citron vodka.
To create Cosmopolitan mocktails, mix Seedlip Grove 42 with cranberry and lime juice and add a tiny amount of simple syrup to give sweetness.
Humboldt’s Famous Hemp-Infused Vodka
Humboldt produces a range of 100% organic vodka in California. The brand has earned several awards for its vodka and is the best-selling organic vodka in its home state.
For an alternative-tasting lemony vodka with a more complex array of herbal tastes, Humboldt’s has a hemp-infused flavor that carries a subtle lemongrass taste.
It is a good substitute for citron vodka for anyone who finds the bold lemon taste of citron vodka too sharp.
Humboldts Famous Hemp Infused Vodka can be used in the same mixes as citron vodka. It can also be savored neat on the rocks.
Vodka And Orange Juice
Plain vodka and orange juice mixed in equal amounts is a classic cocktail drink that originated in the 1940s. The drink is commonly known as the Screwdriver.
The Screwdriver is an excellent substitute for citron vodka for anyone who prefers a milder vodka taste with a more familiar flavoring. It is simple to make and provides a refreshing, citrusy, yet mellow flavor.
Although the Screwdriver vodka and orange mix can form the base for many other cocktails, it is usually enjoyed on its own.
When served in a highball glass over ice, it is a popular, refreshing drink often enjoyed during the day.
Fruit Flavored Vodka
There is an assortment of fruit-flavored vodkas available. Flavors include everything from peach, cucumber, strawberry, and mango to other citrus blends like grapefruit and lime.
Substituting a different fruit flavor for citron vodka is a good way to change the flavor of your regular cocktail.
It is the best alternative for anyone who doesn’t like the distinctly lemony taste of citron vodka but still wants the same effect in their drink.
Fruit-flavored vodkas are available in the same brands as citron vodka, which is just one of the flavors. They can be used in the same amounts in mixed drinks.
Resources
- https://punchdrink.com/articles/hack-your-drink-regal-shake-cocktail-recipe-technique/
- https://www.marthastewart.com/319053/lemon-flavored-vodka
- https://www.totalwine.com/theme/shop-the-best-citron-vodka
- https://www.absolut.com/us/press/flavors-portfolio/absolut-citron/
- https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2022/07/27/flavored-vodka-drinkers-want-true-to-fruit-flavors-says-absolut