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Vodka is a clear alcoholic beverage that is distilled and usually made from potatoes and grains. However, any food that has sugar and starch can be turned into vodka.
A popular ingredient that is used to make vodka is grapes which is the subject of this comparison.
There are many different brands of vodka that use grapes as the base ingredient. We will focus primarily on two different brands but will include a discussion on some other options that are available to you in the alternative options section.
The best grape vodka brands depend on your personal opinions, but here we will explore our top picks and give you a breakdown of each.
Bombora Vodka or Cîroc Vodka
Among the best grape vodka brands are Bombora Vodka and Cîroc Vodka. While both are made from grapes as a base ingredient, each is unique in its history and background.
Bombora Vodka is an Australian brand of vodka that is made from premium red and white grapes. The name ‘Bombora’ is aborigine for reef which is ‘surf talk’ for a massive wave. Bombora Vodka aimed to create a new vodka from a new perspective, hemisphere, and continent.
Bombora Vodka was introduced in 2006 and is manufactured by G’Day Imports.
Cîroc Vodka is named using a combination of the words “cime” and “Roche”. It is owned by the multinational, British-based alcohol manufacturer Diageo. The brand creates premium quality vodka made from high-quality grapes sourced in France.
Cîroc was created in 2003 by Jean-Sebastien Robicquet who is from a family of winemakers and distillers dating to the 16th century.
How is Grape Vodka Made?
Vodka originates from Sweden, Russia, and Poland, having been introduced to Europe in the 1700s. However, when it was introduced, vodka was primarily made from grain, particularly in Russia.
Usually, vodka is made from the skins, stems, seeds, and solids of the vegetables and grains used to produce it. When making vodka from grapes, it is made from fruit and grape juice instead.
Grapes are collected and blended to break down the fruit into its juice. From there the fruit juice is fermented for roughly 6 days to turn the sugars into alcohol. The fermented fruit juice is then distilled in a continuous copper still where it goes through a distillation process five times over 10 days.
Once the distilled solution has completed its 10-day cycle, it is filtered through charcoal to remove any impurities.
The grapes used for this process are either from fine French vineyards or are handpicked to select the best grapes for this process.
What Are They Made of?
Bombora Vodka uses premium white and red grapes that are harvested in the Barossa Valley of Australia.
Along with the specific grapes used, Bombora Vodka is made using natural spring water that is gathered from the Great Artesian Basin, keeping the base ingredients of the beverage entirely local.
Cîroc Vodka is made from fine French grapes which have been inspired by over a century of winemaking and craftsmanship.
How Are They Similar?
Both vodka brands use grapes in the production of their vodka, however, the grapes used differ as well as the distillation process.
Bombora Vodka is distilled in state-of-the-are column stills with charcoal filters. The charcoal helps to remove any impurities from the solution, leaving a smooth and pure vodka as the result. The vodka is distilled 5 times to create the final beverage.
The vodka is distilled five times which gives it a distinctive, citrus taste. The grapes are specially selected and made into wine. It is then distilled 5 times in column stills before the fifth distillation in a traditional copper pot still.
Direct Comparison of Cîroc Vodka and Bombora Vodka
| Item | Cîroc Vodka | Bombora Vodka |
| Production Area | France | Australia |
| Raw Materials | Fine French grapes | Red and White grapes |
| Alcohol By Volume (ABV) | 35% (70 proof) | 40% (80 proof) |
| Taste | Crisp fresh citrus aftertaste | Silky texture, vanilla nose, and fruity finish with some spice |
| Average Price (1 liter) | $28,57 | $23,99 |
| Color | Crystal clear | Crystal clear |
Cîroc Vodka Variations
| Item | Average Price | Size per Bottle |
| Cîroc Vodka | $19 | 375 milliliters |
| $35 | 750 milliliters | |
| $50 | 1,75 liters | |
| Cîroc Blue Stone | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Summer Colada | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Ten | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc French Vanilla | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Amaretto | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Coconut | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Red Berry | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Apple | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Pineapple | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Peach | $35 | 750 milliliters |
| Cîroc Mango | $35 | 750 milliliters |
The Cîroc Coconut variant was the first flavor-infused vodka made by Cîroc. The vodka has a scent of fresh coconuts and has a sweet and creamy aftertaste.
The Red Berry variant has been infused with natural berry flavors of raspberry and strawberry with a sweet taste.
Cîroc Summer Colada is infused with pineapple, coconut, and other natural flavors and is ideally used as the base of a cocktail. Comparatively, the Amaretto has a cherry-almond and vanilla infusion.
The French Vanilla variant is made using Madagascan-sourced vanilla and can be enjoyed neat or as a base for a cocktail. Finally, the Blue Sone variant has subtle citrus flavors and is one of Cîroc’s classic offerings.
Bombora does not have flavored variations; however, they do suggest several ways to mix the Bombora Vodka to make a new flavor for your everyday drink.
How To Drink Cîroc Vodka and Bombora Vodka
A Cîroc Champagne Cosmo is made with 4 ingredients and is an elegant cocktail option.
Shake 40 ml of Cîroc vodka, 10 ml of lime juice, and 45 ml of cranberry juice over ice. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute and top off with 35 ml of champagne. Finally, garnish with an orange twist.
A Coolangatta Kiss is a suggested drink by Bombora.
Combine Bombora Vodka, cranberry juice, and sour apple liqueur in a shaker and mix. Strain it into a cocktail glass and top it up with club soda if you are looking for a fizzy drink. Garnish the glass with lime powder or sugar, an apple slice, and a lime peel.
Grape Vodka Brands – Alternatives
Kizlyarka Vodka is a Russian vodka brand that was established in 1731. The vodka is made by distilling fermented wine and aging the mixture in oak barrels for a period of 7 to 18 months. The result has an alcohol by volume of 40% – 45%.
Hangar 1 Vodka is an American vodka brand that uses a combination of Midwestern wheat and Viognier grapes which are distilled separately. The result is a vodka with fruity undertones and mild sweetness with an alcohol by volume of 40%.
Thompson’s Vodka is a French vodka brand like Cîroc that uses Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes in its production. The taste profile of the beverage has a dry body with fruity undertones (peach, blackberry, and raspberry notes), with a spicy, dry finish. It has an alcohol by volume of 43%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which came first?
Cîroc Vodka was established in 2003 while Bombora Vodka was established in 2006 making Cîroc older.
Which is stronger?
Cîroc has an alcohol by volume of 35% (70 proof) while Bombora Vodka has an alcohol by volume of 40% (80 proof) making Bombora stronger.
Which is the most popular?
In Australia, Bombora is more popular as that is where it originates. Similarly, Cîroc Vodka is more popular in France for the same reason.
