“Crystal clear, icy, and precise — the scent equivalent of a perfectly made martini.”
Sidonie Lancesseur's 2014 launch for By Kilian — part of the L'Œuvre Noire collection, positioned as a clean-cocktail counterpart to the line's boozy gourmands. A clean aldehydic-musky unisex fragrance with aldehydes, coriander, and cardamom at the top, a rhubarb-lily-of-the-valley-pink rose heart, and an ambroxan-oak moss-sandalwood base. Performs strongest in spring and summer, leans daytime, with moderate projection.
The take
What works
- ●Transparent, cool freshness unlike any mainstream fragrance
- ●Ginger adds spice without warmth — clever and distinctive
- ●Unusually crisp from spring through fall — too cool for winter
Trade-offs
- ●Niche appeal — the vodka concept divides wearers
- ●Modest longevity for the price
More from By Kilian
Notes
Top
Mid
Base
Performance
Fit
Best in spring and summer, during the day. Fall works too. Unisex.
When
- Spring, 96%, best
- Summer, 100%, best
- Fall, 65%, works
- Winter, 38%
- Day, 94%, best
- Night, 58%
Occasions
Gender
Smells like
Similar scent DNA — if you own one, you may not need the other
You might also like
Popular with fans of Vodka on the Rocks
MFK
Baccarat Rouge 540
PdM
Layton
Byredo
Bal d'Afrique
Amouage
Reflection Man
Tom Ford
Black Orchid EDP
Tom Ford
Oud Wood EDP
Creed
Aventus
MFK
Grand Soir
Nishane
Hacivat
PdM
Herod
By Kilian
Intoxicated
By Kilian
Moonlight in Heaven
Dior
Homme Intense
By Kilian
Angels' Share
Tom Ford
Ombré Leather EDP
By Kilian
Straight to Heaven
Xerjoff
Naxos
Tom Ford
Tobacco Vanille
Initio
Side Effect
By Kilian
Black Phantom
Featured in
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Vodka on the Rocks smell similar to?
Closest matches in our database: Andres Croxatto Andrés Croxatto Man (64%), Tiziana Terenzi Foconero (60%), Parfums de Marly Parfums de Marly Percival (50%). Share scent family rather than DNA — not identical, but neighbors.
How long does Vodka on the Rocks last?
5–7 hours on most skin (good longevity) with noticeable sillage.
When should you wear Vodka on the Rocks?
Vodka on the Rocks is best in spring and summer, during the day. Fall works too. It suits everyday wear, the office, and date nights.
Is Vodka on the Rocks worth it?
At $250–$450, yes for this tier. Transparent, cool freshness unlike any mainstream fragrance. Ginger adds spice without warmth — clever and distinctive.