Cariel Vanilla Vodka 70cl / 37.5%

Cariel Vanilla Vodka is a Swedish vanilla vodka bottled at 37.5% ABV in a 70cl bottle, made by flavouring Cariel vodka with vanilla and bringing it down to strength with pure spring water. The vanilla is clean and restrained rather than sugary, closer to a split vanilla pod than to custard sweets. That balance makes it pleasant neat over a few cubes of ice as well as a dependable cocktail ingredient. It suits drinkers who want a gentle vanilla note for coffee drinks, desserts and simple long serves.

Cariel Vanilla tasting notes

• Nose: Vanilla pod and custard, with a hint of toasted grain.
• Palate: Soft and creamy, with sweet vanilla, light caramel and a crisp vodka core.
• Finish: Medium length, with lingering vanilla and a faint spice.

How to drink Cariel Vanilla

Serve 40 ml over a few ice cubes in a rocks glass, or try vanilla vodka over ice cream: a small measure poured over a scoop of vanilla, finished with hot espresso, makes a quick affogato. It suits apple crumble, Swedish cinnamon buns or pancakes with maple syrup, and works as an after-dinner pour on a winter evening.

Cariel Vanilla cocktails

• Vanilla Espresso Martini: shake 40 ml Cariel Vanilla, 20 ml coffee liqueur and 30 ml fresh espresso over ice, then strain into a chilled coupe.
• Vanilla Apple Highball: 50 ml over ice with 120 ml cloudy apple juice, stirred with a cinnamon stick.

How it compares

Dragon Vanilla Vodka sits at the same 37.5% strength but is built around a richer, dessert-like vanilla; Cariel is the more delicate of the two. J.J. Whitley Vanilla Vodka, at 38%, adds a hint of white pepper spice to its vanilla, whereas Cariel stays soft and creamy throughout.

Good to know

Cariel is a Swedish vodka brand, and the spring water used to bring the spirit down to bottling strength contributes to its soft texture. Wodka Company sells Cariel Vanilla Vodka 70cl online and delivers it from London to addresses across the UK.