Smirnoff(R) Introduces New Flavored Vodkas White Grape and Passion Fruit

NORWALK, Conn., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Spring entertaining, Smirnoff(R) Vodka adds more flavor into its top-selling flavored vodka portfolio and introduces Passion Fruit and White Grape. These innovations feature award-winning Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka immersed with the sweet, yet tart and tropical flavor of the popular passion fruit and the crisp, sweet and smooth flavor of white grape.

"The culinary cocktails trend continues to grow, fueled by fresh ingredients and exotic flavors from around the world," said Jennifer Van Ness, Vice President, Smirnoff. "Passion fruit has a multi-dimensional flavor all its own and White Grape is sure to enhance any cocktail party by adding to celebratory champagne toasts or customizing a Cosmopolitan or simple martini."

Ultra-smooth and highly aromatic, Smirnoff Passion Fruit and White Grape flavored vodkas are prepared using the same triple distillation and proprietary filtration process that has made Smirnoff the world's leading vodka brand.

Besides enhancing a variety of traditional cocktails with tropical flavor or a sweet, crisp taste, a splash of Smirnoff Passion Fruit Flavored Vodka adds a sultry surprise to lemonade, and White Grape brightens the Cosmo (see recipes below).

Smirnoff Passion Fruit and White Grape are the two new additions to the already existing 11-product Smirnoff flavored vodka collection, which includes Blueberry, Lime, Watermelon, Strawberry, Cranberry, Vanilla, Raspberry, Citrus, Orange, Green Apple and Black Cherry. All are available in 50mL, 200mL, 375mL, 750mL, 1L and 1.75L sizes (Citrus and Cranberry are not available in 200mL and 375mL sizes). The 750mL bottle carries a suggested retail price of $14.99.

    Passion Fruit Lemonade                White Grape Cosmo
    1.5 oz Smirnoff Passion Fruit         1 oz Smirnoff White Grape
     Flavored Vodka                        Flavored Vodka
    3 oz of Lemonade                      1 oz of Lemon-lime soda
    Build in a rocks glass.               2 oz cranberry juice
    Garnish with a lemon wedge.           Dash of lemon juice or squeeze of
                                           lemon wedge.

When enjoying these new products, and all its products, Diageo reminds its adult consumers to drink responsibly. As the world's largest spirits, wine and beer company, Diageo is committed to social responsibility and the responsible marketing of its brands. The Diageo Marketing Code is one of the most stringent in the industry. Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization whose programs are designed to combat drunk driving and underage drinking.

About Smirnoff

Smirnoff, the world's number-one selling premium spirit* and the top-selling flavored vodka in North America, traces its heritage back to 19th century Russia, and was introduced in the United States in 1934. In a January 2005 New York Times blind taste test of 21 world-class vodkas, Smirnoff was named its "hands-down favorite." Smirnoff has always been known for quality vodka and is enjoyed responsibly in 130 countries around the world. For more information, log on to www.smirnoff.com.

*(IMPACT, February 1 and 15, 2008)

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Choose to drink responsibly. SMIRNOFF Flavored Vodka. 35% Alc/Vol. (C)2008 The Smirnoff Co., Norwalk, CT.

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