UV Grape 750ML

UV Grape 750ML is a naturally flavored grape vodka bottled at 30% ABV (60 proof) in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, distinguishing it as one of the more credible options in the flavored vodka category thanks to its use of real California Concord grapes rather than artificial flavoring.

Quick Facts: ABV: 30% (60 Proof)  |  Origin: Princeton, Minnesota, USA  |  Flavored Vodka  |  Distillery: Phillips Distilling Company

Production & Heritage

UV Grape is produced by Phillips Distilling Company in Princeton, Minnesota. The base spirit is distilled four times from Midwest-grown yellow corn—one additional distillation pass beyond the industry standard of three—then filtered through two separate processes for smoothness. What lands in the bottle is flavored exclusively with real Concord grapes sourced from California, the same variety originally cultivated in Concord, Massachusetts in 1849 and widely used in grape juice and jelly production. A small amount of natural, cordial-grade cane sugar from Florida is added to amplify the grape character and round out the mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is immediately reminiscent of grape soda—bright, sweet, and unmistakably Concord grape. There is a candied quality that gives way to a slightly more natural, jammy grape undercurrent.

Taste: The palate opens with sweet grape that builds toward a tart, more authentic grape-skin quality at mid-palate. The sweetness reads as natural rather than sugar-driven, with a mild mouth-warming sensation from the spirit underneath. The Concord grape flavor stays dominant throughout, never veering into cloying territory.

Finish: The finish is clean and moderately short, trailing off with grape skin, a faint vodka warmth, and a mild burn on the swallow. It does not linger heavily, making it well-suited for mixing.

How to Drink UV Grape

UV Grape is built for cocktails and mixed drinks rather than straight sipping. Its lower 30% ABV and pronounced grape flavor make it an easy-to-work-with modifier. Try it in a Grape Martini—shaken with a splash of lemon juice, it showcases the Concord grape front and center. A Purple Hooter (with triple sec and a squeeze of lime) plays off the sweet-tart balance already present in the spirit. For warm-weather drinking, a simple Grape Lemonade combining UV Grape, fresh lemonade, and soda water highlights the natural fruit character without overwhelming sweetness.

Best For

• Mixing approachable, fruit-forward cocktails at house parties
• Building a flavored vodka collection for home bartending
• Introducing new drinkers to flavored spirits with a familiar grape profile
• Creating batch punches and pitcher drinks for casual gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does UV Grape taste like? UV Grape delivers a sweet-to-tart Concord grape flavor with a grape-soda-like aroma and a clean, moderately short finish. The sweetness comes across as natural rather than artificial, backed by mild vodka warmth.

How does UV Grape compare to Smirnoff Grape? UV Grape is flavored with real California Concord grapes and bottled at 30% ABV, while Smirnoff Grape uses natural flavors at a higher 35% ABV. Reviewers have generally ranked Smirnoff Grape lower in the flavored vodka category, noting its grape character improves only when heavily diluted, whereas UV Grape is frequently praised for a more authentic fruit taste.

Is UV Grape good for cocktails? UV Grape is specifically designed for mixing, and its bold Concord grape flavor and lower 30% ABV make it blend seamlessly into cocktails, punches, and simple mixed drinks without requiring much additional sweetener.

Where is UV Grape made? UV Grape is produced by Phillips Distilling Company in Princeton, Minnesota. The base vodka is distilled from Midwest-grown yellow corn, and the grape flavoring comes from real Concord grapes grown in California.

What foods pair well with UV Grape? Dark chocolate truffles complement the sweet grape profile. Creamy brie or mild goat cheese balances the fruit-forward sweetness. Fresh berries like blackberries and blueberries echo the grape character. Vanilla bean ice cream works as a float or affogato-style pairing. Grape-glazed chicken skewers lean into the Concord grape theme for a savory match.

What sizes does UV Grape come in? The standard size is 750ml, though UV vodka products are also commonly available in 50ml, 375ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats depending on market availability.

Is UV Grape worth the price? UV Grape positions squarely as a value-tier flavored vodka that punches above its price class, particularly given the use of real Concord grapes rather than artificial flavoring and the four-times distilled base spirit. For mixing purposes, it represents strong value.

Why UV Grape?

The case for UV Grape starts with its raw materials: real California Concord grapes and a four-times distilled corn base, both of which are a step beyond what many competitors at this price point deliver. Its 2006 Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validated the quality early in the product's life. At 30% ABV, it sits at a slightly lower proof than most flavored vodkas, which actually works in its favor—the grape flavor reads as more prominent and more natural, requiring less manipulation in cocktails. In a category crowded with artificial-tasting options, UV Grape remains one of the more genuine grape expressions available.