Co-op Citrus Vodka > Reviews (1)

Most people like a wee tipple now and then, well these days near enough every night. Well getting a bit bored with plain old vodka I browsed the shelves of my local Co-op looking looking for some inspiration, something that little bit different. Well across the kiosk divide I found my ideal partner, I'm not an alcoholic honest and that new partner was Co-op Citrus Vodka. I nearly never got the chance to purchase my new fav drink though as I never had ID, and as it is now Co-op policy if the customer doesn't look 21 and doesn't have any identification they can't be sold alcohol or cigarettes, luckily my student card was in the car.

So what does the bottle look like, rather seductive if I might add. Clear glass bottle with silver lid with Citrus Vodka in groovy blue writing. The back label has an arty picture of loads of lemons and if you've already had a few you may spend hours trying to get them out. On the front label you'll find the statement product of the UK and the symbol indicating that it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans and most importantly that it is 35% volume. On the back is the ingredients, serving suggestions, and the recommended alcohol daily comsumption for adults. Two units, how are you meant to keep to that. It also states you should binge drink either. The Co-op are just so caring. On the back of the label there is also braille, probably says this is too damn good to clean your toilet with or something.

So opening the bottle the first thing that hits you is the smell. The aroma of citrus fruits and the zest of lemons. Flash never tasted this good, see the braille is helpful.

So now the taste. The drink is best served ice cold and it is suggested that you actually keep it in the freezer before serving. This turns it into a more syrupy liquid which over ice will certainly draw your cheeks together. The drink is very refreshing and ideal to relax with on a nice warm summer's evening. The lemon isn't too over-powering but it does give an old favourite a new kick and is a pleasant and resfreshing drink which my friends keep stealing as they love it too

Availiable from all Co-op stores priced £4.99 for a half bottle, 35cl or alternatively you can buy it online at www.co-op2u.com.

A quick cocktail.

Melon Bellini

INGREDIENTS 30 ml (1 oz) citrus vodka 30 ml (1 oz) Midori 30 ml (1 oz) sugar water 1/8th honey dew melon Top with champagne

PROCEDURE First add the spirits and the fresh melon to the blender cup. Add a scoop of crushed ice and the sugar water and blend for 15 to 20 seconds to chill and thicken the drink (to make the sugar water, simply add a cup of sugar to 2 cups of water to a jug and mix). To make crushed ice, simply wrap some cubes in a clean cloth and smash the ice with a rolling pin or hammer. The cocktail should be smooth and of an even consistency. Pour into a glass until three-quarters full. Carefully pour the champagne on top of the cocktail. Garnish with a melon ball and a maraschino cherry skewered with a toothpick and placed on to the rim of the glass.

And serve

Definitely recommended. Just leave enough for me.