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There are several popular brands of vodka on the market today. It can sometimes be hard to choose from all the options available. Two popular vodka brands include Effen and Ciroc Vodka.
Both are vodka brands, but what is the difference between the two? What variations does each brand offer? And possibly most importantly, when looking at Effen vs Ciroc Vodka taste do you prefer?
These three, along with other pressing questions will be answered below!
Effen vs Ciroc Vodka
The recipe for Effen vodka has been around since late in the 1800s, but the brand was only established in 2002.
The product was originally based in Holland but was bought by a couple of entrepreneurs from Chicago. These entrepreneurs decided to rebrand it to be a rival of other popular vodka brands, including Ciroc Vodka.
The word ‘effen’ in the Netherlands means ‘smooth and even’ which is what the brand strives for. To create this vodka, the company uses only the most natural and high-quality ingredients. This is done to keep Effen Vodka classified as a premium spirit.
The vodka is made with premium quality Dutch wheat grain and water that is sourced from a nature reserve in Northern Holland. In the creation of their flavored bottles, Effen is known to only use fresh fruits too.
On the other hand, Ciroc Vodka is a truly unique vodka as it is not made from typical ingredients you would expect vodka to be made from. Instead, this company creates its vodka from French grapes.
Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, who was born into a family of distillers and winemakers, created Ciroc Vodka in 2003. The quest to create a premium vodka from grapes was inspired by more than a century of wine-making expertise as well as craftsmanship.
To create this one-of-a-kind vodka, the grapes are specially selected and first made into wine. The fine wine is then further distilled to produce the distinctive, fresh, and citrusy vodka.
How Are They Made?
Effen Vodka is made using a continuous distillation process. The liquid is first chill-distilled and then carbon filtered. After this, it is blended with pure, locally sourced, spring water.
The drink is continuously distilled to create ultimate clarity as well as quality by using a truly unique vacuum technique. This process is also done at a low temperature to avoid caramelization.
As Ciroc Vodka is made from grapes, it must be distilled five times in order to create a smooth drink with a clear appearance. Once the grapes have been blended four times in the copper, column stills, it then goes on to be distilled again. The final distillation is done in a traditional pot made of copper.
What Are They Made of?
The ingredients used to create Effen Vodka include the finest quality, naturally sourced premium wheat, and spring water from a nature reserve in Holland. To create the various flavored vodkas, the brand makes use of fresh fruit.
The fruit used in the creation of the flavored spirit will depend on the intended flavor. Fruits such as raspberries and cucumbers are known to have been used to create two of their distinctive flavor options.
Ciroc Vodka uses two kinds of fine French grapes to produce its vodka. The grapes used are Ugni Blanc and Mauzac Blanc. For their specific flavors, the company is thought to also only use fresh fruit to create the flavors.
How Are They Similar?
There is a lot to differentiate between these two brands of vodka, but there is one main feature that makes them similar. This feature is that both Effen Vodka and Ciroc Vodka are both very smooth drinks.
The more obvious similarities between the two premium vodkas are that they both feature a clear finish. Additionally, not only do the brands offer several flavor choices, both vodkas can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails.
Price, Size, Color, Alcohol Percentage Comparison
Effen Vodka and Ciroc Vodka both have several flavors as well as bottle quantities available. The following is a list of the available choices for both Effen and Ciroc along with their respective prices and alcohol percentages.
| Type | Size | Price | Alcohol percentages |
| Effen Original Vodka | 750 ml | $25 | 40% |
| Effen Black Cherry | 750 ml | $25 | 37.5% |
| Effen Yuzu Citrus | 750 ml | $23 | 37.5% |
| Effen Rosé | 750 ml | $24 | 37.5% |
| Effen Raspberry | 750 ml | $24.20 | 37.5% |
| Effen Cucumber | 750 ml | $25 | 37.5% |
| Effen Blood Orange | 750 ml | $24 | 37.5% |
| Effen Green Apple | 750 ml | $23.50 | 37.5% |
| Effen 365 Pride | 750 ml | ||
| Effen Cubs | 750 ml | $22 | 40% |
| Effen Astros | 750 ml | $25.25 | 40% |
| Effen Salted Caramel | 750 ml | $25 | 37.5% |
| Effen Black Cherry and Vanilla | 750 ml | $33 | |
| Limited Edition Effen 50 Cent Football Vodka | 750 ml | $36.30 | 40% |
| Ciroc Vodka | 750 ml | $34 | 40% |
| Ciroc Mango | 750 ml | $33 | 35% |
| Ciroc Apple | 750 ml | $33.29 | 35% |
| Ciroc Pineapple | 750 ml | $33.36 | 35% |
| Ciroc Red Berry | 750 ml | $33 | 35% |
| Ciroc Coconut | 1 L | $45 | 35% |
| Ciroc Peach | 750 ml | $33.60 | 35% |
| Ciroc French Vanilla | 750 ml | $33 | 35% |
| Ciroc Summer Colada | 750 ml | $33 | 35% |
| Ciroc Amaretto | 750 ml | $32 | 35% |
| Ciroc Passion | 750 ml | $34.50 | 30% |
| Limited Edition Ciroc White Grape | 750 ml | $33 | 35% |
| Limited Edition Ciroc Summer Citrus | 750 ml | $33.60 | 35% |
| Limited Edition Ciroc Summer Watermelon | 750 ml | $34 | 35% |
| Limited Edition Ciroc Pomegranate | 750 ml | $33.50 | 35% |
| Limited Edition Ciroc Black Raspberry | 750 ml | $33 | 35% |
How To Drink Effen Vodka/Ciroc Vodka
Effen Vodka can be enjoyed in a number of ways. The first and simplest way to drink Effen Vodka is straight. It can also be enjoyed on the rocks or as a shot.
Alternatively, you could add Effen Vodka to your favorite cocktails or mixes. Popular mixes include cranberry juice and ginger beer.
Some popular Effen Vodka cocktail recipes include:
Blood Orange Mimosa
Ingredients
- 1 part Effen Blood Orange Vodka
- 1 part Orange juice
- 3 parts Sparkling wine
- Blood orange wedge
Method
- Shake the first two ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled Champagne flute
- Top with the sparkling wine
- Garnish with a blood orange wedge
Pink Firework Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1.5 part Effen Black Cherry Vodka
- 1 part Pink lemonade
- 1 part Honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)
- 1 part Lime wedge
- 1 part Lemon wedge
- 1 part Orange wedge
Method
- Squeeze and drop the lime, lemon, and orange wedges into a tall glass with ice
- Pour in the remaining ingredients
- Stir well to mix
Rosemary Blush
Ingredients
- 1.5 part Effen Cucumber Vodka
- 0.5 parts fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 parts Simple syrup
- 0.5 parts Lillet Rose Vermouth
- 1 dash grapefruit bitters
Method
- Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass and shake
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary
Much like its rival, Ciroc Vodka can be enjoyed in several ways. Most commonly, this vodka is enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or as a shot. Additionally, Ciroc Vodka can be mixed into several different cocktails and mixes. Some popular mixes include soda water and cola.
Popular Ciroc Vodka cocktail recipes include:
Ciroc Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Ciroc Vodka
- 0.75 oz. Blanc vermouth
- 0.75 oz. Dry vermouth
- Lemon twist
- Frozen Grape
Method
- Add Ciroc Vodka, Blanc vermouth, and Dry vermouth into a shaker filled with ice
- Shake well
- Strain into a coupe and garnish
Pomegranate Passion
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Ciroc Pomegranate
- 4 to 5 oz. Cranberry juice
- Lime
Method
- Add Ciroc Pomegranate and Cranberry juice to a highball glass with ice and stir
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Citrus Sunrise
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Ciroc Summer Citrus
- 3 oz Orange juice
- 1 oz Cranberry juice or Pomegranate juice
- Glass: Highball or Rocks
- Garnish: Orange Wedge
Method
- Add the Ciroc citrus and orange juice into a highball filled with ice
- Top off with Pomegranate or cranberry juice and garnish
Alternatives
If these two vodka brands are not for you, there are several alternatives you could try.
Some alternatives for Effen Vodka include:
Grey Goose Vodka – This brand is similar to Effen Vodka as they also use fresh, organic fruits for their flavored varieties. The biggest difference with this brand, however, is that it is slightly more expensive than Effen Vodka.
Absolut Vodka – This is one of the most well-known brands that have yet to disappoint. This brand was founded in the 1970s and has a market price slightly lower than Effen Vodka.
Some alternatives for Ciroc Vodka include:
Chase Vodka – Like Ciroc Vodka, this brand has also created a gluten-free spirit. It can be a little on the pricey side but is still around the same price range as Ciroc Vodka.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka – Another gluten-free choice with a decent price tag. This vodka has a smooth finish and is enjoyed for its versatility.
FAQs
Which vodka came first?
Effen Vodka was established in 2002, while Ciroc Vodka was only established in 2003.
Which vodka is stronger?
Strictly comparing the original variations of Effen Vodka and Ciroc Vodka, both vodka brands are listed at 40%. Comparing their flavored variants, however, Effen Vodka is slightly stronger at 37.5% while Ciroc Vodka is 35%.
Which vodka brand is the most popular?
Ciroc Vodka is the more popular brand of vodka.
