Most flavored vodkas are lower proof, and we’re usually interested if it’s 40% ABV and flavored. National Vodka impressed us, so we have high hopes for National’s citrus vodka.

The Shot

National Citrus is not overly citrusy. It tastes and feels exactly like National Vodka with an ever so slight hint of citric acid. The upshot is that National Vodka is a great vodka that’s very easy to drink, and you’ll reap all the same benefits with just a dash of extra flavor. The down side — and it isn’t much of a downside if you ask us — is that it probably won’t do the same things to your cocktail if you usually go for the sugary-citrus-flavored competition. Consider this a more refined vodka that puts most of the emphasis on the vodka rather than the additional flavor.

The Mixed Drink

One of my favorite ways to drink vodka when I can’t drink it straight is with orange juice. National Citrus seemed like a great idea for a screwdriver because it’s not sugary, citrus vodka with a citrus fruit is a no-brainer, and it’s full strength vodka. The thing I don’t like about screwdrivers in general is that the vodka usually makes the drink a little bitter. National Citrus does the exact opposite. While I can’t pick out the particular citrus flavor of the vodka, the screwdriver is completely devoid of any bitter flavors. In fact, this is probably the best screwdriver I’ve ever had, period.

Another one of my favorite cocktails is the madras. Since I had some National Cranberry around, I decided to substitute cranberry juice with cranberry liqueur, and I’m pleasantly surprised. The madras is actually a little sweeter than the way I normally have them. I’m not sure if it’s the tasty cranberry liqueur or the fact that the vodka doesn’t make the underlying screwdriver bitter, but this is another great cocktail win. If you like a good screwdriver or madras, you have to try National Citrus.

Rated 5 out of 5.