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Orange V: V is for Vodka or Vitamin?

The concept of Orange V sounds like a good one with it being created with real Florida oranges (Mandarin, Valencia and Tangerine) rather than some flavor infused spirit with a little real orange and a lot of chemical to simulate the flavor of orange. But whether Orange V is the real thing or not, it smells artificial and sticks in the back of my throat when inhaled. 

 

Comments around the blogosphere remark on Orange V’s Vitamin C appeal. The interesting note about that is Vitamin C pills are exactly what the aroma and flavor of this particular vodka remind me of. Orange V contains the distinct flavor indicative of the chewable Vitamin C pills Mom used to leave on the table for my siblings and me to chew on in the dead of winter rather than candy. This memory aside, Orange V burns the tongue with its strong alcohol follow through. It is a little bitter on the back end that swings out across the flat of the tongue. Through it all Orange V retains quite a bit of fresh sweetness that indeed equates to plump juicy orange. This tastes almost like orange liqueur, but without the sugary burn. Instead, the alcohol burn takes its place. 

 

Anyone who loves the flavor of oranges will definitely find a winner in this clear spirit if sugar is not an issue and the feel of alcohol is not a turn off. The best possible cocktails that come to mind for this particular flavored spirit are a highly flavored Cosmopolitan without the need for Triple Sec or a particularly orange flavored Screwdriver with bitters to tame it down a notch. 

 

I did sample a version of the White & Orange Cosmo which is Orange V’s ‘crowd pleaser’ cocktail according to one source. Of that I have no doubt since many consumers do enjoy sweet cocktails with plenty of orange flavor. I did alter mine slightly using traditional cranberry juice since it contains a little less sweetness and more tart than white cranberry juice. The results were still a highly sweet cocktail too over the top for my taste. The orange flavor comes across very strong. One knows perfectly clear the base spirit must be Orange V. There is also a slight bitterness that still comes through, but it is possible the sharp comes from a combination of alcohol burn and the tart of the cranberry. Either way, the one thing that remains certain; Orange V is aptly named. In my opinion this orange vodka tastes exactly like orange vitamins.