Cotton candy flavored vodka has become an increasingly popular spirit in recent years. As the name suggests, this vodka is infused with the sweet flavors of cotton candy, giving it a fun and colorful twist. But what exactly is cotton candy vodka and how is it made? Here’s a closer look at this festive spirit.
What is Flavored Vodka?
Flavored vodka starts with a base spirit that is neutral in taste, usually a triple distilled vodka made from grains or potatoes. Botanicals, extracts, essences or flavorings are then added to give the vodka a particular taste profile. Popular flavors include citrus, vanilla, cinnamon, coffee and of course, sweet flavors like cotton candy.
Flavored vodkas first became widely popular in the United States in the 1950s. At first, most flavors were created by simply adding fruit juices or spices to the vodka. Over time, more complex manufacturing processes were developed to extract and infuse flavors. This allowed for more consistent, intense and nuanced flavors in flavored vodkas.
How is Cotton Candy Vodka Made?
The process for making cotton candy flavored vodka is quite similar across brands and distillers. Here are the basic steps:
- Start with a high quality, neutral tasting vodka. A clean vodka allows the cotton candy flavor to really shine.
- Create a cotton candy flavor concentrate. This is done by extracting compounds from cotton candy or creating a flavor identical to cotton candy using compounds like ethyl maltol, vanilla and aldehydes.
- Infuse the vodka with the concentrated cotton candy flavor. This can involve simply mixing the two together or running the vodka through a column filled with cotton candy flavoring.
- Filter the flavored vodka to remove any particulates and impurities.
- Dilute the flavored vodka to reach the desired intensity of cotton candy taste.
- Bottle the cotton candy vodka! It’s now ready to drink.
The exact methods and proprietary blends of flavor compounds vary between brands. But the basic goal is the same – extract the sweet, nostalgic essence of cotton candy and infuse it into vodka.
What Does Cotton Candy Vodka Taste Like?
When you take a sip of cotton candy vodka, the taste experience mirrors that of eating cotton candy. The spirit provides the same intensely sweet and sugary flavor that cotton candy is loved for. You get swirling notes of vanilla, honey and light caramel.
Above all, the flavor is dominated by the taste of pure spun sugar. The alcohol combines with the sweetness to give it a hint of richness, but it still maintains the distinctly light, airy and melt-in-your-mouth quality of cotton candy.
Of course, the exact taste can vary slightly between brands, and you’ll find different levels of sweetness. But authentic cotton candy vodka nails the flavors that bring you back to childhood trips to the carnival or county fair.
Popular Brands of Cotton Candy Vodka
There are a several noteworthy brands of cotton candy vodka on the market today:
- UV Cake – One of the most popular cotton candy vodkas, UV Cake is creamy and rich with a sweet pink color.
- Whipped – Whipped Vodka offers a sugar-forward cotton candy flavor with marshmallow and cake notes.
- Sweet Carolina – Sweet Carolina Cotton Candy Vodka has authentic carnival taste with vanilla and spun sugar.
- Pinnacle – Pinnacle Cotton Candy has the essence of pink lemonade mixed with cotton candy.
- Three Olives – Three Olives Cotton Candy vodka is one of the originals, with strawberry cotton candy taste.
These are just a few of the top producers of cotton candy flavored vodka. Plenty of smaller craft distilleries also offer their own fun takes on cotton candy vodka.
Drink Recipes with Cotton Candy Vodka
Cotton candy vodka is sweet enough to drink on its own over ice or in shots. But it also shines when used to create delicious cocktails and mixed drinks. Here are some popular cotton candy vodka drink recipes to mix up:
Cotton Candy Martini
- 2 oz cotton candy vodka
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Splash of cream or milk
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Mix vodka, pineapple juice and cream or milk over ice. Shake gently and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Pink Lemonade Cotton Candy
- 1.5 oz cotton candy vodka
- 3 oz lemonade
- Splash of grenadine
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Pour vodka and lemonade over ice in a tall glass. Add a splash of grenadine and gently stir to create pink color. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Candy Floss Punch
- 1 oz cotton candy vodka
- 4 oz lemon-lime soda
- Whipped cream for garnish
Fill a glass with ice then add cotton candy vodka and top with lemon-lime soda. Top with whipped cream and serve.
Where to Buy Cotton Candy Vodka
Cotton candy vodka can be found at most liquor stores, especially those with a wide flavored spirits selection. Large retailers like BevMo, Total Wine and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits typically carry several cotton candy vodka brands and flavors.
Many grocery stores and markets now have liquor sections that stock cotton candy vodka as well. You can also check your local craft distilleries, as cotton candy flavor is a fun one for artisanal vodka makers.
Online spirits retailers like Drizly, ReserveBar and Flaviar offer online ordering and delivery for a wide range of flavored vodkas. Buying online can be a convenient way to get your hands on specialty cotton candy vodkas.
Making Cocktails with Cotton Candy Vodka
Cotton candy vodka adds a burst of sweetness and fun to any cocktail. Here are some tips for making great drinks with cotton candy flavored vodka:
- Complement the sweetness with tart citrus like lemon, lime or grapefruit
- Pair it with other fruity flavors like pineapple, berry or melon
- Add a splash of grenadine or Chambord for color
- Use cream, milk or whipped cream to make it extra creamy
- Garnish with something bright and colorful like candy or fruit
- Balance the sugar with something bubbly like sparkling wine, soda or tonic water
Cotton candy vodka also works well in chilled shots. You can keep it simple by pouring it over ice or get creative by combining it with fruity liqueurs and juices. It brings a playful flavor to Jello shots too.
Is Cotton Candy Vodka Gluten Free?
Most cotton candy vodka is gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label or contact the distillery. Vodka made from corn, potatoes, grapes or sugar cane is naturally gluten free. The addition of flavors should not affect the gluten content.
Some vodkas are made from wheat or other gluten grains. As long as the vodka is distilled to a high proof, the distillation removes the gluten protein. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution and only consume vodka with gluten-free labeling.
Calories and Nutrition in Cotton Candy Vodka
A standard 1.5 ounce shot of cotton candy vodka contains approximately:
- Calories: 96
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
As a flavored spirit, cotton candy vodka has zero carbs, protein and fat. The calories come entirely from the alcohol content. Sugar is used to sweeten and flavor the vodka, but it does not contain residual sugars or carbohydrates.
Of course, cotton candy vodka gets most of its calories from alcohol:
- A typical 70 proof (35% ABV) cotton candy vodka has around 70 calories from alcohol per 1.5 ounce serving.
- A higher proof 80 (40% ABV) cotton candy vodka may have closer to 80 calories from alcohol.
When making cocktails and mixed drinks with cotton candy vodka, be aware any additional ingredients (juice, soda, cream, etc) will alter the nutrition facts. But the vodka itself is low calorie, carbs free and gluten free in most cases.
Is Cotton Candy Vodka Safe for Diabetics?
Plain vodka is generally considered safe for people with diabetes to consume in moderation. The main concern when it comes to alcohol is the potential blood sugar spikes and interactions with diabetes medication.
While cotton candy vodka is tremendously sweet in flavor, it contains minimal residual sugar due to the distillation process. A 1.5 ounce serving should have less than 0.5g carbs. This makes it a better option than liquors like rum, which can have added sugars.
As always, diabetics should exercise caution when drinking and closely monitor blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor to ensure alcohol consumption fits within your diet and treatment plan.
Fun Facts about Cotton Candy Vodka
- Cotton candy was first invented in 1897 by William Morrison and John C. Wharton. It became a beloved carnival and boardwalk treat through the early 20th century.
- Flavored vodkas first emerged in the U.S. in the 1950s. Fruit flavors like lemon, orange and lime became popularized first.
- Pinnacle Vodka is credited with debuting the first cotton candy flavored vodka in 2003. It quickly became one of their top selling flavor varieties.
- In the early 2000s, sweet flavored vodkas surged in popularity. Brands competed to create the most outrageous candy-inspired flavors.
- UV Vodka released a cake flavored vodka in 2009 to capitalize on the cotton candy trend. Their UV Cake vodka became a huge hit.
- Flavored vodka now makes up over 25% of vodka sales in the United States. Cotton candy flavor is part of vodka’s fun, youthful image.
- Home infusing cotton candy vodka is simple. All you need is a bottle of plain vodka and cotton candy or flavor essence. Let it infuse for a day or two shaking periodically.
- Vodka doesn’t freeze, so cotton candy vodka can be used to make boozy snow cones, slushies, popsicles and other frozen treats.
That covers all the basics on the sweet sensation that is cotton candy vodka! It’s a fun and flavorful spirit that conjures up memories of childhood and adds whimsy to cocktails. So next time you want to add some extra sweetness to your drink, reach for the cotton candy vodka.
Conclusion
Cotton candy vodka offers a sweet, nostalgic flavor that appeals to the kid in all of us. While certainly not the most sophisticated spirit, it has its place, especially in fun, playful cocktails. This uniquely flavored vodka is here to stay as flavored spirits continue to grow in popularity. So embrace your sweet tooth and get mixing with cotton candy vodka!