Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind 750ML

Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind 750ML is a flavored corn vodka bottled at 35% ABV (70 proof) that fuses tangy tamarind with chili pepper heat. It earned a Double Gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored 90 points from Tastings.com — serious credentials for a flavored vodka at this price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 35% (70 proof)  |  Origin: Plainfield, Illinois, USA  |  Flavored Vodka  |  Distillery: Diageo

Production & Heritage

Smirnoff traces its roots to 1864 Moscow, though the brand is now owned by Diageo and this expression is produced at the Plainfield, Illinois facility. The base spirit is distilled three times from corn — making it naturally gluten-free — then filtered ten times through seven columns of charcoal before the tamarind and chili flavoring is introduced. One notable physical trait: the bottle glows under black light, a distinctive feature that has made it a standout at bars and social gatherings.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tamarind candy dominates the nose immediately, followed by bright lime zest and a subtle thread of dried chili spice. There is a faint sweetness reminiscent of Mexican tamarind dulces.

Taste: The entry delivers a punch of sweet-and-sour tamarind that hits like a concentrated fruit paste. At mid-palate, citrus tang and a light saltiness emerge, quickly joined by a warming cayenne-like chili note that builds without overwhelming. The balance between sweet, tart, and spicy stays remarkably even throughout.

Finish: Zippy and medium in length, the heat lingers as a gentle glow rather than a burn. The final impression fades on sweet tamarind and a trace of lime.

How to Drink Spicy Tamarind

Served chilled in a shot glass, this vodka delivers its full sweet-sour-spicy arc most vividly; a single ice cube can tame the heat slightly for slower sipping. It truly shines in cocktails built around Latin American and tropical flavor profiles:

• Spicy Tamarind Margarita: The built-in chili-tamarind character means less muddling and fewer ingredients — just add fresh lime, agave, and a Tajín rim.
• Michelada Remix: Substitute it for the traditional hot sauce component in a beer cocktail to layer depth without overpowering the lager base.
• Paloma Roja: Pair with grapefruit soda and a squeeze of lime — the tamarind bridges the bitter citrus beautifully.

Best For

• Hosting a taco night or Mexican-themed dinner party
• Introducing adventurous drinkers to spicy cocktail builds
• Black-light and themed house parties where the glowing bottle adds visual flair
• Building a home bar shelf of Latin-inspired flavored spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Spicy Tamarind taste like? It leads with concentrated sweet-tart tamarind fruit, similar to tamarind candy, then transitions into citrus tang and a warming chili pepper heat that lingers without burning.

How does Spicy Tamarind compare to other Smirnoff flavors? Most Smirnoff flavored vodkas lean toward straightforward fruit sweetness, while Spicy Tamarind adds a distinct chili heat and sour tang that give it a more complex, savory-leaning profile. Its Double Gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition also places it among the highest-awarded expressions in the Smirnoff flavored range.

Is Spicy Tamarind good for cocktails? It is exceptionally versatile in cocktails, particularly those with Latin American inspiration like margaritas, palomas, and micheladas, because the tamarind-chili flavor is already built into the spirit.

Where is Spicy Tamarind made? It is produced at Diageo's distillery in Plainfield, Illinois, USA, where the corn-based spirit is triple distilled and filtered ten times through charcoal columns before flavoring.

What foods pair well with Spicy Tamarind? Street tacos al pastor complement the chili-tamarind flavor naturally. Mango with Tajín seasoning echoes the sweet-sour-spicy profile. Grilled shrimp with lime benefits from the citrus notes. Spicy tuna poke bowls match the heat level well. Dark chocolate with chili mirrors the sweet warmth on the finish.

What sizes does Spicy Tamarind come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, and it is also commonly available in a 1L size and 50ml miniatures.

Is Spicy Tamarind worth the price? It positions as a value-tier flavored vodka that punches well above its weight — the Double Gold medal and 90-point score from Tastings.com are uncommon at this price level, making it one of the stronger values in the flavored vodka category.

Why Spicy Tamarind?

A Double Gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is not something most flavored vodkas can claim, and the 90-point Tastings.com score reinforces that the liquid inside the bottle is genuinely well-made. The triple-distilled, ten-times-filtered corn base provides a clean canvas that lets the tamarind and chili flavoring express itself without harsh grain notes. Where many spicy spirits rely solely on capsaicin heat, this expression balances sour, sweet, salty, and spicy in a way that mirrors the flavor architecture of actual tamarind candy — a profile that has earned it a devoted following in the cocktail community.