Yes, there is a cotton candy flavored vodka on the market. Vodka flavored with the sweet taste of cotton candy has become popular in recent years as a fun and tasty vodka option.
The Origins of Cotton Candy Vodka
Cotton candy flavored vodka first started gaining attention in the late 2000s as companies like Pinnacle and Three Olives introduced cotton candy flavored versions of their vodka. The sweet, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy was a big hit with consumers and helped drive the flavored vodka craze.
Flavored vodkas were already becoming popular at the time, but the cotton candy flavor really captured people’s attention. The circus-inspired cotton candy flavor allowed the vodka companies to get creative with their branding and marketing to help make cotton candy vodka feel even more fun and playful.
How Cotton Candy Vodka Is Made
Cotton candy vodka gets its signature flavor from the addition of flavor compounds that replicate the sweet, sugary taste of spun cotton candy. The exact formula and process varies by brand, but generally cotton candy vodka is made by:
- Starting with a neutral spirit vodka as the base
- Adding proprietary blend of flavor compounds, likely including ethyl maltol, vanillin, benzaldehyde and more to recreate cotton candy flavor
- Diluting with water to reach desired alcohol content, typically around 30-40% ABV
- Filtering repeatedly to remove impurities and achieve a clean, clear finished vodka
The finished cotton candy vodka is often quite sweet, with the cotton candy flavor being immediately recognizable. The flavor profile aims to recreate the exact sensory experience of eating fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cotton candy.
Popular Brands of Cotton Candy Vodka
Today there are numerous brands producing cotton candy flavored vodka. Some of the most popular cotton candy vodka brands include:
- Pinnacle Cotton Candy Flavored Vodka – One of the earliest and most well-known cotton candy vodkas
- Three Olives Loopy Vodka – Cotton candy flavor from this vodka brand, often served in clubs
- Whipped Cream Flavored Vodka – From Liqueurs de France, made with real whipped cream
- Burnett’s Cotton Candy Flavored Vodka – A more affordable cotton candy vodka option
- Sweet Carolina Cotton Candy Moonshine – Cotton candy flavor combined with moonshine
Taste and Aroma Profile
When you take a sip of cotton candy vodka, your taste buds are met with an extremely sweet and sugary flavor, immediately reminiscent of the classic county fair treat. The aroma is similarly sweet, replicating the smell of fresh spun cotton candy.
The cotton candy flavor tends to dominate the entire tasting experience. However, some subtle notes of vanilla and other flavors may come through as well, depending on the brand and exact formula.
Cotton candy vodka tends to have a very smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The sugar content gives it a thicker consistency compared to regular unflavored vodka. The sweetness helps mask the alcohol burn that can come from vodka, making cotton candy vodka easier to drink straight.
How to Drink Cotton Candy Vodka
Cotton candy vodka’s sweet flavor profile makes it very mixable in cocktails, especially creative, dessert-inspired drinks. It’s sweeter taste means less added sugar is needed in mixed drinks. Some popular ways to enjoy cotton candy vodka include:
- Cotton Candy Martini – Cotton candy vodka, vanilla vodka, pineapple juice
- The Pink Squirrel – With creme de cacao and cream
- Cotton Candy Cosmo – With cranberry juice and lime
- Lemon Drop Shot – Mixed with lemon juice and sugar
- Cotton Candy Lemonade – Topped with lemonade or Pink Whitney
Cotton candy vodka can also simply be enjoyed over ice or chilled and neat for quickly highlighting its sweet flavor. It makes a fun shooter option too. For cocktails, the vodka’s whimsical color and flavor allows for pretty, picture-perfect pink drinks.
Where to Buy Cotton Candy Vodka
Cotton candy vodka can be found at most liquor stores, especially flavored vodka specialty shops. Large liquor retailers like BevMo often have several cotton candy vodka brands and flavors available. Some grocery stores and gas stations may carry it as well, but selections are typically more limited.
Online shopping for alcohol opens up even more cotton candy vodka options. Many online liquor delivery services like Drizly or Minibar Delivery allow you to conveniently search for cotton candy vodka and have it brought right to your door.
When buying cotton candy vodka in-person or online, expect prices to be in the $10-20 range per 750ml bottle. Cotton candy flavored vodka tends to cost a little more than standard unflavored vodka.
Is Cotton Candy Vodka Gluten-Free?
Most cotton candy flavored vodkas on the market today are gluten-free. Vodka by nature is a gluten-free spirit, as it is distilled from a gluten-free base ingredient like corn, potatoes, grapes or sugar cane. The cotton candy flavoring and any other additives are also typically gluten-free.
However, it is always best to check the label and product information to confirm the vodka is certified gluten-free, especially if you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy. Some vodka brands may have trace amounts of gluten from the production process or ingredients used.
Calories and Nutrition in Cotton Candy Vodka
| Serving Size | 1.5 oz shot (44ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbs | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
Cotton candy vodka has around 180 calories per standard 1.5 oz shot. It contains minimal nutrients, and no fat, carbohydrates, or protein. The sugar content is also 0g since the sweet flavor comes from artificial flavor compounds rather than actual sugar.
The Bottom Line
Cotton candy vodka brings the fun, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy to vodka drinkers looking for something new and adventurous. Its sweet, candy-like taste makes it a hit for creative cocktails or for sipping on its own. Cotton candy vodka first emerged in the 2000s and today continues growing in popularity as vodka drinkers look to indulge their sweet tooth.