Vodka Kick
The packaging was somewhat appealing although I wasn’t too keen on the fact that you couldn’t see the contents due to the sticky cover. But come drinking time, I was left with a sour taste in my mouth. You can taste the vodka (apparently, it contains a shot and a half of vodka) but there’s nothing exciting about this drink whatsoever. If you’re going to stick to alcopops for the night go for one of the following instead.
Rating: 2/10
Alcohol volume: 4%
Mudshake
This one was a tough call. Unlike any alcopop I’ve tested, the Vodka mudshake has a distinguished taste much like a milkshake but with a dash of vodka. Indeed, that’s exactly what it reminded me of: milkshake! The website explains it better though: A unique blend of vodka and full cream and whole dairy milk. Most of our testers had an upset tummy soon after consuming this strange product, so I guess you would have to have a strong stomach to go anywhere near it. Available in chocolate, caramel, vanilla, honeycomb and strawberry.
Rating: 5/10 (might as well have a milkshake!)
Alcohol volume: 4%
Hot Ice
I wonder what type of alcohol could possibly remind you of hot ice? How about Zivania? Correct! And this is one alcopop that comes to us straight from, well… Cyprus with the basis being the hot, smooth, thick taste of Zivania. It’s fizzy, mind you, but definitely contains a good amount of the infamous Cyprus drink. If you hate the idea of drinking Zivania shots but are an alcopop fan, then this, you will like. Available in lemon and orange.
Rating: 7/10
Alcohol volume: 5%
Smirnoff Ice
Definitely one of my favourites as Smirnoff Ice makes a great clubbing companion in the summer. Just light enough to avoid the yucky feeling of strong drinking, cheap enough to drink as many as you want and sweet enough to enjoy all night long. However, this is a sneaky drink so go easy as the amount of alcohol WILL become apparent after a few bottles. If you like lemon flavoured drinks then you’ll love this.
Rating: 9/10
Alcohol volume: 5%
Bacardi Breezer
Based on the world famous Barbados rum, Bacardi Breezers fast became one of the most popular alcopops of all time. Probably targeted at the young and trendy generation, Bacardi Breezer brings out the Latin spirit in anyone (or so I’ve heard). Basically, if you’re a regular club goer then you’ve definitely tried the Breezer; a lot like Smirnoff Ice but with a vast range of flavours to chose from making it a bit more fruity and fun. Try watermelon. Very in season and extremely refreshing!
Rating: 9/10
Alcohol volume: 4%
Tattoo
Excuse the pun but this one just screams dodgy. The name didn’t do much for me either but I gave it a go when I noticed the vodka was mixed with cranberry juice. I must admit it was quite refreshing but I doubt anyone who can’t handle a normal drink and prefers alcopops could down more than two of these. Fizzy yet tasteful, it reminded me of an energy drink but with twice the amount of preservatives.
Rating: 5/10
Alcohol volume: 5%
Kristov Vodka Cruiser
A blue drink? Yes, it’s blue and naturally it’s due to the blueberry mixture; by no means is it colouring! Anyway, it was a far cry from the normal lime and orange alcopops and it didn’t even have a nasty bloating effect, to be honest. I hesitated with this one but eventually gave in even when I was told the label defining the originality of Kristov Vodka is the best in New Zealand and Australia. Result? Not anything special but deserves a try. Like Tattoo, this is a refreshing summer beverage, fruity and fun.
Rating: 6/10
Alcohol volume: 5%
