Cîroc vodka: what it is and how to drink it

Cîroc is a French vodka distilled from grapes rather than grain, and CBC Liquors on Littleton Rd in Westford carries it. You can see what is in stock on our Cîroc brand page, then pick it up in the shop, or have it delivered or shipped.

What is Cîroc vodka?

Cîroc is a vodka made in France from grapes. Most vodka you will see on a shelf starts from grain, potatoes or corn, so the grape base is the first thing that sets it apart. The brand says its vodka is distilled five times, and the standard bottling is bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume, the same strength as most vodkas.

The name is a shortened play on the French word for a rocky peak, and the bottle is sold in a clear glass with a frosted look that is easy to spot on a shelf. Underneath the packaging, though, it is still a clear, unaged vodka meant to be mixed or served cold.

If you want the original, our Cîroc Vodka is the plain bottle with no added flavor. That is the one to start with if you are trying the brand for the first time.

How is a grape vodka different from a grain vodka?

Any vodka is meant to be neutral, which means the distiller strips out most of the character of whatever it started from. Grain, corn and potato vodkas can still carry a hint of their base: a little sweetness, a slightly creamy feel, or a dry bite. Grape vodkas tend to be described as lighter and a touch fruitier on the nose, though the difference is subtle and depends on how you serve it.

For comparison, Tito's Vodka is made from corn and New Amsterdam from grain, and both are on our shelves in the vodka section. Standing a grape-based bottle next to a corn-based one and tasting them both chilled and neat is the quickest way to hear the difference for yourself.

None of this makes one base right and the other wrong. It is a matter of what you like in a glass, and what the drink you are making needs from the spirit.

Which Cîroc bottles does CBC Liquors carry?

We stock three Cîroc bottles that you can look at and order from the site: the original, Red Berry and Pineapple.

Cîroc Vodka is the unflavored one. It is the most flexible of the three, because it works in a martini, over ice with soda, or in nearly any cocktail that calls for vodka.

Cîroc Red Berry Vodka is flavored with red berry notes. It suits simple drinks, such as mixed with soda water and a squeeze of lemon, or with cranberry juice.

Cîroc Pineapple Vodka is the tropical one. It pairs well with ginger beer, lemon-lime soda or a splash of coconut water, and it is a natural fit for a summer cookout.

Stock changes day to day, so the brand page is the place to check what is on the shelf right now.

How do you drink Cîroc?

The simplest way is the best way to judge any vodka: well chilled, in a small glass, with a little time to warm slightly so the aroma opens up. Keep a bottle in the freezer if you like it very cold, since 40 percent spirit will not freeze solid in a home freezer.

For mixed drinks, the original works wherever you would use vodka. Try it with tonic and lime, in a vodka soda, or shaken with a little dry vermouth and strained into a chilled glass. Keep the ratios modest and give each drink time to be enjoyed rather than finished.

The flavored bottles do best with fewer ingredients. A single flavored vodka, a clean mixer and ice is usually enough. Our mixers section has sodas, tonics and juices that suit them, so you can build a drink without a second stop.

What can you serve it with at a party?

A bottle of Cîroc on its own is a good start for a small gathering, and three bottles gives guests a plain option plus two flavored ones. Set out ice, a couple of mixers and sliced lemon or lime, and people can make their own.

If you are planning something larger, our party planner is the place to start. You can also look at seltzers and ready-to-drink options to give guests a lighter alternative alongside the spirits.

As with any hosting, plan for people who are driving, and have water and non-alcoholic options ready. Nobody should feel pushed to keep pace with anyone else.

How do you get Cîroc from CBC Liquors in Westford?

You can walk in, order for pickup, have it delivered, or have it shipped. The shop is at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886.

Store and pickup hours are the same: Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Delivery runs a little shorter: Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Beyond Westford, we serve Chelmsford, Acton, Littleton, Carlisle, Tyngsborough, Lowell, Billerica, Boxborough and Dunstable. The delivery areas page lists every town.

What else should you know before you buy?

Cîroc, like any spirit, is for adults 21 and over, and you will need valid ID when you buy it or receive it.

Once opened, a bottle of vodka keeps well. Store it upright, with the cap tight, away from direct sunlight and heat. It does not age in the bottle, so there is no reason to hold it back for a special occasion.

If you are choosing between several vodkas and are not sure where to start, the full vodka section is easy to browse, and the shop's 4.7 out of 5 Google rating from 339 reviews gives you a sense of how other customers have found the service. If you are after something specific that is not on the page, ask in the shop.