Smirnoff vodka at CBC Liquors in Westford, MA

Smirnoff is a vodka brand, and CBC Liquors in Westford carries the original Smirnoff No. 21 along with flavored bottles including Espresso, Raspberry, Caramel, Pineapple and Watermelon. This page covers what each one is, how to use it, and how to get it from us by pickup or delivery.

What is Smirnoff?

Smirnoff is one of the best-known vodka brands in the world. It traces back to the Smirnov family in Russia, and today the brand is made and sold globally, including in the United States. If you have seen a red-labeled bottle behind a bar, there is a good chance it was Smirnoff.

Vodka is a neutral spirit. It is distilled to a high strength, filtered and diluted with water, with little flavor of its own beyond a clean, slightly sharp finish. That neutrality is why vodka works in so many drinks, and why a brand like Smirnoff shows up in everything from a simple vodka soda to a layered cocktail.

You can see the full Smirnoff lineup we stock on our Smirnoff brand page. Stock changes day to day, so that page is the quickest way to see what is on the shelf right now.

Which Smirnoff bottles does CBC Liquors carry?

The core bottle is Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, the original unflavored vodka. Most people start here, and it is the one to reach for if a recipe just says vodka.

Beside it we carry a run of flavored Smirnoff bottles: Smirnoff Espresso, Smirnoff Raspberry, Smirnoff Caramel Vodka, Smirnoff Pineapple and Smirnoff Watermelon.

We would rather check the shelf than guess.

What is Smirnoff No. 21, and how does it taste?

No. 21 is the classic Smirnoff vodka. It is made as a neutral, unflavored vodka at the standard 80 proof, which means 40 percent alcohol by volume. Expect a clean, light taste with a little warmth at the finish rather than a strong flavor of grain or fruit.

Because it is so neutral, No. 21 is a mixing vodka. It lets the other ingredients lead. That makes it a sensible choice for highballs, a Moscow mule, a Bloody Mary, a cosmopolitan or a vodka tonic.

If you plan to drink vodka straight or very cold, the same neutrality applies. Keep it in the freezer and pour it small. Vodka does not freeze solid at normal home freezer temperatures, so a chilled bottle is ready when you are.

How are the flavored Smirnoff vodkas different?

Flavored vodka starts as plain vodka and then has flavor added. The result is a bottle that already tastes of fruit, coffee or caramel, so you need fewer extra ingredients to get a finished drink.

The fruit flavors, Raspberry, Pineapple and Watermelon, suit simple long drinks. Pour over ice and top with soda water, lemonade or a mixer, and you have something that tastes of the fruit without any muddling or syrup.

Espresso and Caramel lean toward dessert and after-dinner drinks. Espresso is the natural choice for an espresso martini, and Caramel can go into a coffee drink or a creamy cocktail. Taste-wise these are sweeter and rounder than No. 21, so you may want a lighter hand with any sugar you add.

What can you mix with Smirnoff?

The easiest answer is whatever you already like to drink with vodka. Soda water, tonic, ginger beer, cranberry juice, orange juice and lemonade all work with No. 21. Our mixers section is the place to pick up tonic, ginger beer and similar bottles in the same trip.

For the flavored bottles, match the flavor. Watermelon and lemonade, Raspberry and soda with a squeeze of lime, Pineapple with ginger beer or soda. Keep the mixer simple and let the flavor in the vodka carry the drink.

If you are building a pitcher for a gathering, our party planner page can help you think through how much to buy for the number of guests. Always plan on pacing the evening and having water and food on the table.

Is Smirnoff the right vodka for cocktails?

For most home cocktails, yes. A neutral, widely available vodka like No. 21 is exactly what a recipe for a mule, a screwdriver, a Bloody Mary or a martini calls for. Nobody expects a mixing vodka to carry a drink by itself, and that is its job.

If you want to try other options before you decide, browse the whole vodka category. You can compare what we have on the shelf and decide whether you want a neutral bottle for mixing or something else for sipping.

If you like drinks that come ready to pour, there are also ready-to-drink and seltzers options in the store, which suit days when you do not want to measure anything.

How do you keep and serve Smirnoff at home?

An unopened bottle of vodka keeps well in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat. Once open, keep the cap tight. Vodka does not spoil the way wine does, though flavored vodkas can slowly lose some of their punch over a long time.

For serving, use plenty of ice and a clean glass. A good pour for a highball is a measured shot with a larger amount of mixer, so the drink stays refreshing and not harsh. Measuring also makes it easier to repeat a recipe you liked.

As always, drink responsibly, never drive after drinking, and keep alcohol out of the reach of anyone under 21.

How do you get Smirnoff from CBC Liquors in Westford?

You can walk in. We are at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886, open 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.

We also offer pickup, delivery and shipping. Pickup hours match store hours. Delivery runs 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. See our delivery areas page for where delivery goes, and our shipping policy for how shipping works.

Beyond Westford, we serve customers in Chelmsford, Acton, Littleton, Lowell, Billerica, Carlisle, Tyngsborough, Boxborough and Dunstable. Customers rate us 4.7 out of 5 across 339 Google reviews.