Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka 750ML

Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka 750ML is a French flavored vodka infused with lemon essential oils, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. What distinguishes this expression from countless citrus vodkas is its use of essential oils sourced from lemons grown in the Menton region of southeastern France — a microclimate long celebrated for producing exceptionally aromatic citrus.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Picardie & Cognac Region, France  |  Style: Lemon-Flavored Vodka  |  Distillery: Grey Goose, Gensac-la-Pallue

Production & Heritage

Grey Goose sources 100% soft winter wheat classified as Blé Panifiable Supérieur from the Picardie region of northern France, distilling it through a five-stage continuous column process using steel and copper columns. The base spirit undergoes only a single distillation pass — the brand's position being that superior raw ingredients require less processing to achieve a clean result. For the Le Citron expression, essential oils are extracted from lemons harvested between February and May in Menton, France, supplemented by oils from lemons grown in Argentina and Brazil; two distinct extraction methods are used to capture different aromatic profiles from the fruit. Final blending and bottling take place in Gensac-la-Pallue in the heart of the Cognac region.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a subtle, crisp burst of fresh lemon zest before giving way to delicate floral citrus and a faint hint of eucalyptus. It reads clean rather than candied — closer to freshly grated rind than lemon drop candy.

Taste: On entry, the palate is bright and zesty with an unmistakable fresh-squeezed lemon character. The mid-palate introduces a slightly peppery warmth from the wheat base, layered with notes reminiscent of lemon meringue pie. A faint bitter edge emerges, mimicking the natural bitterness of real lemon pith and adding welcome complexity.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, crisp, and refreshing with lingering lemon zest and a clean, dry exit. There is no residual sweetness or artificial aftertaste — just bright citrus that fades gradually.

How to Drink Le Citron

Served chilled and neat, Le Citron reveals the full interplay between its wheat base and lemon oils; a single ice cube opens up the floral aromatics without dulling them. It also works exceptionally well in cocktails where clean lemon flavor needs to carry the drink:

• Lemon Drop Martini — Le Citron's natural lemon intensity reduces the need for excess simple syrup, keeping the cocktail balanced and bright.
• French 75 — The crisp wheat backbone and citrus character pair seamlessly with champagne and gin (or in this case, replacing gin entirely for a vodka-based variation).
• Tom Collins (Vodka variation) — The zippy lemon quality holds its own against soda water and fresh lemon juice without disappearing into the mix.

Best For

• Hosting a summer cocktail party where citrus-forward drinks dominate the menu
• Gifting someone who enjoys clean, fruit-flavored vodkas without artificial sweetness
• Stocking a home bar with a versatile lemon vodka for martinis and spritzes
• Serving chilled as a palate-cleansing aperitif alongside raw oysters or ceviche

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Le Citron taste like? Grey Goose Le Citron delivers a zesty, fresh lemon character with subtle peppery warmth from its wheat base and a faint bitter note that mirrors real lemon pith. It tastes natural and crisp rather than sweet or candied.

How does Le Citron compare to Absolut Citron? Absolut Citron tends to be slightly sweeter with a more pronounced candied-lemon profile, while Grey Goose Le Citron leans toward fresh lemon zest and a cleaner, drier finish. Le Citron also carries a noticeable wheat-derived smoothness that Absolut's grain-neutral base does not emphasize as strongly.

Is Le Citron good for cocktails? Le Citron is one of the more cocktail-friendly lemon vodkas on the market because its natural citrus intensity and dry profile prevent drinks from becoming overly sweet. It excels in Lemon Drop Martinis, vodka Collins variations, and any recipe calling for both vodka and fresh lemon juice.

Where is Le Citron made? The base spirit is distilled from soft winter wheat grown in the Picardie region of northern France, and the finished vodka is blended and bottled in Gensac-la-Pallue in the Cognac region. Lemon essential oils are sourced primarily from the Menton growing area along the French Riviera, with additional oils from Argentina and Brazil.

What foods pair well with Le Citron? Chilled Le Citron pairs well with raw oysters (the citrus echoes a squeeze of lemon), smoked salmon canapés (cutting through the richness), seared scallops (complementing their natural sweetness), lemon tarts (mirroring and amplifying the dessert's citrus), and fresh goat cheese (balancing its tang with bright acidity).

What sizes does Le Citron come in? Grey Goose Le Citron is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, as well as 50ml miniatures, 375ml half-bottles, 1L, and 1.75L handles depending on market availability.

Is Le Citron worth the price? Grey Goose Le Citron positions as a premium flavored vodka, sitting above mass-market options like Absolut Citron and Smirnoff Citrus. Its use of Menton lemon oils, French winter wheat, and a single-distillation process justifies its price tier for drinkers who prioritize a natural, clean lemon flavor over value per pour.

Why Le Citron?

The defining differentiator here is sourcing: Menton lemons are among the most prized citrus fruits in the culinary world, grown in a narrow coastal microclimate that imparts distinctive floral aromatics no ordinary lemon can match. Grey Goose combines those oils with a base spirit that undergoes only a single distillation through a five-stage column — a process designed to preserve the wheat's inherent softness rather than strip it away. The result is a flavored vodka that tastes decidedly of real lemons, not of lemon flavoring, and maintains enough structure and dryness to perform in cocktails without adding unwanted sweetness. For anyone building a home bar around quality flavored spirits, Le Citron remains one of the category's most reliable benchmark expressions.