Vodka infused with the sweet flavor of marshmallows has become an increasingly popular specialty spirit in recent years. With its smooth, sweet taste, marshmallow vodka adds a unique twist to cocktails and mixed drinks. But what exactly is marshmallow vodka, and which distillers are leading the way in crafting this confection-inspired liquor? Here we’ll take a closer look at the origins, flavor profile, and major producers of marshmallow-flavored vodka.
What is Marshmallow Vodka?
Marshmallow vodka is a flavored vodka that derives its signature sweet taste from the addition of marshmallow flavoring. The smooth, creamy flavor of marshmallow perfectly complements the clean taste of vodka, creating a sweet spirit with a hint of vanilla.
To make marshmallow vodka, distillers start with a base vodka spirit. The base vodka is usually filtered multiple times to create an exceptionally smooth, neutral-tasting liquor. Then, natural or artificial marshmallow flavorings are added to infuse the distinctive sweet marshmallow taste. The vodka may also contain small amounts of sugar to enhance the marshmallow flavor profile.
Compared to plain unflavored vodka, marshmallow vodka tends to have a lower alcohol content, typically between 20-30% ABV. This is because the infusion process dilutes the vodka slightly. The lower alcohol content highlights the marshmallow sweetness rather than the vodka’s alcoholic kick.
Marshmallow vodka first emerged as a specialty craft spirit in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It quickly became popular thanks to its fun, dessert-like taste and versatility as a cocktail mixer. Today, it’s produced by distillers around the world and can be readily found in liquor stores or ordered online.
What Does Marshmallow Vodka Taste Like?
When you take a sip of marshmallow vodka, the first flavor you’ll notice is the sweet, creamy taste of marshmallow. The spirit delivers a smooth, velvety texture and rich vanilla-forward flavor reminiscent of a fresh homemade marshmallow.
Underneath the predominant marshmallow flavor, you’ll be able to detect the clean taste of the vodka base. The vodka adds a subtle hint of ethanol and spirit character. It also provides a light body and mouthfeel to balance out the sweetness.
The marshmallow taste should be immediately recognizable, but not overly saccharine or candy-like. The best marshmallow vodkas strike a harmonious balance between sweet flavor and neutral vodka. They have enough sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth, while still retaining a refined, spirit-forward profile.
Higher-quality marshmallow vodkas derived from natural flavorings tend to have the most authentic, nuanced taste. On the other hand, lower-priced vodkas made with artificial marshmallow flavors may come across as one-dimensionally sweet. They sometimes have a slightly synthetic aftertaste compared to vodkas made with real vanilla and marshmallow extract.
Popular Brands of Marshmallow Vodka
Today you can find many major vodka brands offering their own marshmallow-infused versions. Some of the most popular marshmallow vodka producers include:
- Pinnacle
- Smirnoff
- Absolut
- UV Vodka
- Seagram’s
- Svedka
- Firefly
- Three Olives
- Burnett’s
Pinnacle was one of the earliest established vodka companies to release a marshmallow vodka back in 2012. Their version uses a wheat-based French vodka and natural flavors to achieve an authentic marshmallow taste. It remains one of the top-selling marshmallow vodkas today.
Other big players like Smirnoff, Absolut, and Svedka have followed suit with their own marshmallow variants made from their signature vodkas. UV Vodka, Seagram’s, Firefly, Three Olives, and Burnett’s round out the lineup with additional marshmallow vodka options.
In addition to the major vodka brands, many smaller craft distilleries have started producing artisanal marshmallow vodkas. These use premium vodkas and unique marshmallow flavor combinations to create distinct tasting experiences.
Some popular craft marshmallow vodkas to look for include:
- Whipped Cream Flavored Vodka from Horsefeather
- Van Gogh Marshmallow Vodka
- Cupid’s Marshmallow Vodka
- Marshall’s Marshmallow Vodka
- Creamy Marshmallow Vodka from Shamrock
These craft vodkas often use natural flavorings and proprietary recipes to produce marshmallow flavors that are richer and more complex than mainstream brands.
How is Marshmallow Vodka Made?
Vodka makers utilize a multi-step process to create marshmallow-flavored vodka:
- Start with a base vodka spirit. The base is usually a neutral vodka made from grains or potatoes.
- Filter the base spirit repeatedly to remove impurities and create an ultra-smooth vodka.
- Add marshmallow flavorings. This can include natural marshmallow extract, vanilla extract, or artificial marshmallow flavor.
- Dilute with water to reach the desired ABV, typically between 20-30%.
- Bottle and distribute the finished marshmallow vodka.
The quality of the base vodka significantly impacts the end flavor. Top brands use base vodkas made in column stills that remove nearly all congeners and impurities. This results in an exceptionally clean, smooth spirit for the marshmallow flavor to build upon.
Higher-end marshmallow vodkas rely on natural flavor extracts rather than artificial flavorings. Natural marshmallow extract made from the marshmallow plant imparts a richer, more nuanced flavor. Vanilla extract boosts the creamy vanilla notes associated with marshmallows.
Some vodkas also add a touch of sugar before bottling to balance the sweetness and mimic the sugary taste of actual marshmallows. However, too much added sugar can make the vodka overly saccharine.
Once the vodka is flavored, diluted, and sweetened, it’s filtered one final time before bottling to produce an exceptionally smooth spirit.
How to Drink Marshmallow Vodka
Thanks to its sweet and creamy taste, marshmallow vodka offers a variety of delicious drinking options. Here are some popular ways to enjoy this playful spirit:
On the Rocks
For a simple after-dinner treat, pour marshmallow vodka over ice and enjoy its sweet flavor straight or with a twist of lemon. The chilled vodka helps bring out the marshmallow taste.
Mixed Drinks
Marshmallow vodka shines when used as a base for indulgent, dessert-inspired cocktails. Combine it with chocolate liqueur and heavy cream for a sweet White Russian. Or mix it with coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and cream for a marshmallow-mocha martini.
It also blends beautifully with fruit juices like cranberry, pineapple, lemon, or strawberry. Shake with fruit juice and serve over ice for a tasty flavored martini. Garnish with fresh fruit.
Hot Cocoa
For the ultimate winter warmer, add a splash or two of marshmallow vodka to a mug of hot chocolate. The marshmallow flavor will blend deliciously with the creamy cocoa.
Milkshakes
Blend marshmallow vodka with ice cream and milk to create a boozy, adults-only milkshake. It’s perfect for a drink that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Jello Shots
Infuse marshmallow vodka into jello for unique marshmallow-flavored jello shots. Vodka blended with marshmallow, vanilla, or chocolate jello makes for a playful party treat.
Where to Buy Marshmallow Vodka
Marshmallow vodka has become a widely available spirit sold at most liquor stores. You can find major brands like Pinnacle, Smirnoff, Absolut, and UV on the shelves of any large liquor retailer.
Specialty liquor stores may also carry craft marshmallow vodkas from smaller distilleries. These artisanal versions allow you to explore unique takes on the marshmallow flavor profile.
If you can’t find a particular marshmallow vodka near you, check online liquor delivery sites. Many will ship marshmallow vodka and other specialty spirits straight to your door.
Some popular online liquor retailers to buy marshmallow vodka include:
- Drizly
- ReserveBar
- Total Wine
- wine.com
- Caskers
- Craft Shack
- Flaviar
Major vodka brands like Pinnacle and Smirnoff typically retail between $12-20 for a 750mL bottle. Small batch craft marshmallow vodka may cost $25-40 or more.
Marshmallow vodka makes a fun addition to any home bar. With its sweet, creamy flavor, it expands the possibilities for indulgent, dessert-inspired cocktails. Next time you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, consider picking up a bottle of this whimsical spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does marshmallow vodka taste like?
Marshmallow vodka has a smooth, creamy sweet flavor reminiscent of marshmallows with a hint of vanilla. The marshmallow taste is recognizable but balanced by the vodka’s neutral spirit base.
What is the alcohol content of marshmallow vodka?
Typical alcohol content ranges from 20-30% ABV, slightly lower than unflavored vodka. This allows the sweet marshmallow flavor to come through.
How is marshmallow vodka made?
It’s made by infusing a smooth vodka base with marshmallow extract, vanilla, and sometimes sugar. Top brands use natural flavorings and repeat filtration to produce a sweet, creamy liquor.
What drinks can you make with marshmallow vodka?
It’s delicious on the rocks, in dessert cocktails featuring chocolate or fruit juices, added to hot cocoa or milkshakes, or infused into jello shots.
Where can you buy marshmallow vodka?
It’s readily available at most liquor stores. Online liquor stores allow you to order specialty craft marshmallow vodka not found in regular retailers.
Conclusion
With its distinct marshmallow sweetness balanced by smooth vodka, marshmallow vodka brings a fun, playful spirit to the liquor world. Major brands like Pinnacle, Smirnoff, and Absolut offer reliable choices, while craft distillers create unique artisanal versions. Mix it into cocktails, blend it into milkshakes, or sip it chilled — however you drink it, marshmallow vodka provides a sweet twist.
