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What does cotton candy vodka taste like?


Cotton candy flavored vodka has become an increasingly popular novelty spirit in recent years. With its sweet, sugary taste profile, cotton candy vodka aims to mimic the classic spun sugar treat that’s a staple at carnivals and fairs. But what exactly does cotton candy vodka taste like? Is it an accurate flavor replication or just another gimmick?

In the opening section, we’ll provide a quick overview of cotton candy vodka and what to expect in terms of ingredients, flavor profile, and best uses. We’ll also touch on some of the leading cotton candy vodka brands to consider trying.

What is Cotton Candy Vodka?

Cotton candy flavored vodka is exactly what it sounds like – vodka infused with the flavors of spun sugar cotton candy. It typically gets its signature sweetness and flavor from the addition of ingredients like sugar, vanilla, and artificial cotton candy flavoring.

The cotton candy flavor is designed to replicate the sweet taste of pink, blue, and rainbow cotton candy found at fairs, carnivals, circuses, and candy stores. It aims to provide the same nostalgic treat in liquid alcoholic form.

Cotton candy vodka brands achieve the cotton-candy like flavor in a few different ways:

  • Infusing vodka with cotton candy sugars or flavor extracts
  • Adding vanilla, sugar, and artificial cotton candy flavoring
  • Blending vodka with cotton candy flavor concentrates

The result is a vodka with vibrant colors and super sweet, candy-like flavors. Cotton candy vodka tends to have a thicker, more syrupy consistency compared to regular unflavored vodka due to the high sugar content. The abv (alcohol by volume) also tends to be lower, usually between 20-30%.

What Does Cotton Candy Vodka Taste Like?

So what does cotton candy flavored vodka actually taste like? Here’s a breakdown of the common flavor notes:

Sweetness – Cotton candy vodka is extremely sweet, with a sugar-rush type flavor. The sweetness intensity is several notches above typical flavored vodkas. The syrupy thickness also accentuates the sugary sweetness.

Vanilla – Vanilla is commonly added to give cotton candy vodka a creamy, ice cream-like flavor. It provides a familiar vanilla base beneath the heavy artificial cotton candy flavoring.

Fairy Floss – The strongest flavor is the bright, candied fairy floss (cotton candy) profile. It aims to replicate the circus treat, with intensely sweet, sticky notes of spun sugar, bubblegum, and artificial candy.

Syrupy – Due to additions like sugar and flavor concentrates, cotton candy vodka has a very thick, syrupy consistency. The mouthfeel is much more viscous and coating compared to regular vodka.

So in summary, cotton candy vodka tends to taste exactly like its name implies – extremely sweet, vanilla-infused vodka with bright, candied circus cotton candy flavor. The accuracy of the cotton candy flavor impression will vary by brand.

Popular Cotton Candy Vodka Brands

There are a few notable brands that dominate the cotton candy flavored vodka market:

Prairie Organic Vodka

Prairie Organic makes one of the most popular cotton candy vodka varieties, offered in bright blue and pink bottles. It’s made from organic vodka blended with sugar, vanilla, and cotton candy flavors. Their candy-floss flavor has earned rave reviews for accuracy.

UV Vodka

UV Vodka makes an Electric Cotton Candy flavored vodka variation. It uses a cotton candy flavor concentrate to achieve its intense sweetness. UV Cotton Candy vodka is affordably priced and offers a budget-friendly option.

Three Olives

A premium cotton candy vodka, Three Olives makes a 60 proof expression that balances sweetness with subtle neutral grain vodka notes. It’s quadruple distilled and uses natural flavors.

Deep Eddy

Deep Eddy’s take on cotton candy vodka is made with real cane sugar and vanilla. It has their signature smoothness with a less-sweet profile compared to others.

Licor 43

While not technically a vodka, Licor 43 does produce a popular Cotton Candy flavored liqueur. It captures the spun sugar flavor beautifully.

How to Drink Cotton Candy Vodka

Cotton candy vodka is so flavorful and sweet that it’s often best enjoyed mixed into fun, candy-inspired cocktails rather than sipping straight. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Cotton Candy Martini – Cotton candy vodka, vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, splash of grenadine
  • Carousel Cosmo – Cotton candy vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, triple sec
  • Carnival Lemonade – Cotton candy vodka, lemonade, lemon slice garnish
  • Fairy Bread Shot – Cotton candy vodka, butterscotch schnapps, whipped cream
  • Pink Squirrel – Cotton candy vodka, white creme de cacao, heavy cream

Cotton candy vodka also mixes deliciously into cocktails featuring fruit juices like berry, peach, raspberry, or mango. Its sweet profile pairs perfectly with the fruit flavors.

For a fun spin on a vodka soda, use cotton candy vodka and lemon-lime soda with a fresh orange slice. Cotton candy whiskey sours and daiquiris also showcase the sweet flavors.

Or for drinks on the rocks, keep it simple with cotton candy vodka and lemonade over ice, topped with rock candy for garnish.

However you mix it up, cotton candy vodka adds a whimsical, candy-coated flavor to any cocktail.

Cotton Candy Vodka Pros & Cons

Let’s summarize the key pros and cons of cotton candy flavored vodka:

Pros

  • Fun, sweet flavor perfect for carnival-themed parties
  • Makes delicious candy-inspired cocktails
  • Bright, vibrant colors like pink and blue
  • Strong cotton candy scent and flavor
  • Adds whimsical flair to drinks and shots

Cons

  • Very artificial, chemical aftertaste
  • Extremely sweet, almost syrupy
  • Not ideal for sipping straight
  • Hangover potential from high sugar content
  • Not a natural flavor

So in short, while cotton candy vodka can be a fun novelty, it’s definitely best enjoyed in moderation and mixed into creative cocktails to mask the artificial flavors. Sipping it straight may be an underwhelming experience.

Is Cotton Candy Vodka Just a Gimmick?

With its neon colors and super saccharine flavors, cotton candy vodka may seem like just a gimmick aimed at the party crowd. And while the novelty factor is certainly part of its appeal, there are some brands that have perfected the art of cotton candy flavoring:

  • Prairie Organic vodka has one of the most accurate, nuanced cotton candy tastes that capture the spun sugar experience.
  • Deep Eddy integrates sweetness in a more subtle way with their signature smooth vodka as a base.
  • Three Olives balances candy sweetness with neutral grain spirit for a more elevated expression.

So while many cotton candy vodkas are decidedly artificial, the category isn’t without merit. There are some quality offerings if you’re seeking an authentic candy floss flavor. But flavor preferences are subjective – for some, even the best cotton candy vodka will be too cloyingly sweet.

Trying cotton candy vodka first in cocktail form can help moderate the sweetness. Overall, it’s a category worth experimenting with, especially for lovers of decadent candy tastes looking to recreate those nostalgic flavors in drinks. But approach with realistic sweet-tooth expectations.

Conclusion

Cotton candy vodka delivers exactly what it promises – intensely sweet, fairy floss flavored vodka designed to taste like spun sugar. It often incorporates ingredients like sugar, vanilla, and chemical flavor concentrates to try to mimic the bright candy flavor.

The result is an ultra-sweet, creamy, syrupy spirit with very artificial candy notes. When done right, brands like Prairie and Deep Eddy offer the most accurate cotton candy experience. But the flavor is admittedly over-the-top and best suited for fun, carnival-worthy cocktails rather than sipping straight.

While cotton candy vodka leans heavily on the gimmick factor, it ultimately comes down to personal flavor preferences. Those with a hardcore sweet tooth are sure to delight in its candy shop flavors. But it’s an admittedly novelty spirit not meant to be taken too seriously. Overall, cotton candy vodka is a festive way to get your sweet fix in drinkable form.