Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka combines the smooth character of British apple vodka with fresh lemons, limes, oranges and pomelo.
Produced in small batches at Ellers Farm Distillery in North Yorkshire, the citrus fruits are carefully prepared to capture both their bright juice-led freshness and the concentrated aromatic oils found within the peel. The finished vodka is refreshing and subtly sweet, with enough depth to enjoy over ice while remaining versatile enough for tonic, soda and cocktails.
Bottled at 40% ABV in a 70cl bottle, Mediterranean Citrus is one of the more vibrant expressions in the Dutch Barn Vodka range, the British spirits brand co-owned by comedian Ricky Gervais.
What Is Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka?
Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus is an English flavoured vodka produced using the brand’s distinctive British apple-based spirit.
Fresh Mediterranean citrus fruits are combined with Dutch Barn Vodka before the spirit is allowed to rest, giving the natural flavours time to settle and integrate.
The citrus selection includes:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Pomelo
Each fruit contributes something different to the finished profile. Lemon brings clean acidity, lime provides sharper green citrus, orange adds sweetness and pomelo introduces a gently bitter grapefruit-like character.
Key details include:
- Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka
- Produced at Ellers Farm Distillery
- Made in North Yorkshire
- Based on British apple vodka
- Flavoured with natural Mediterranean citrus
- Bottled at 40% ABV
- Presented in a 70cl bottle
- Produced in small batches
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Co-owned by Ricky Gervais
- Suitable for sipping, long drinks and cocktails
The result is brighter and more aromatic than an unflavoured vodka but avoids the heavy sweetness often associated with citrus-flavoured spirits.
Made with British Apples
The foundation of Mediterranean Citrus is Dutch Barn’s signature vodka.
Rather than relying on a standard wheat or grain base, Dutch Barn produces its spirit primarily from British apples. A touch of potato spirit is blended into Dutch Barn produces its spirit primarily from British apples. A touch of potato spirit is blended into the apple-based vodka to add a rounder and creamier mouthfeel.
The apples provide a naturally clean and lightly fruity character, offering a suitable base for fresh citrus without competing with it.
Dutch Barn Vodka is distilled through a system containing 70 distillation plates. As the spirit travels through the columns, repeated cycles of evaporation and condensation gradually increase its purity and alcoholic strength.
This process creates the crisp and smooth foundation used across the Dutch Barn range.
The base spirit contributes:
- Clean apple freshness
- Soft pear-like fruit
- A rounded texture
- Gentle sweetness
- A smooth finish
- Enough character to remain present beneath the citrus
The aim is not to produce a completely anonymous neutral alcohol. Dutch Barn retains enough fruit and texture to give the vodka its own identity.
How Is Mediterranean Citrus Vodka Made?
The citrus recipe uses both fresh fruit and dried peel to create a more complete flavour.
Fresh lemons, limes and oranges are cut and macerated for several hours. This allows the vodka to extract natural citrus oils, fresh aromas and flavour from the fruit.
The fresh peels are then combined with dried pomelo, orange and lime. A mixture of pot distillation and an infusion basket helps capture different parts of the citrus profile.
The pot can extract fuller and richer flavours, while the infusion basket allows vapour to pass through the ingredients and collect lighter aromatic oils.
After distillation and blending, the vodka is left to rest.
This final period allows the individual lemon, lime, orange and pomelo notes to combine with the smooth apple spirit rather than tasting like a collection of separate flavours.
The process creates a vodka with:
- Fresh citrus aroma
- Natural peel oils
- Sweet orange
- Sharp lime
- Bright lemon
- Gently bitter pomelo
- A smooth apple-led foundation
Why Pomelo Matters
Pomelo is one of the largest citrus fruits and is closely related to grapefruit.
Its flavour is generally softer and less aggressively bitter than grapefruit, with a balance of sweetness, floral aroma and dry citrus peel.
Within Mediterranean Citrus Vodka, pomelo provides an important contrast with the sweeter orange and sharper lemon and lime.
It contributes:
- Gentle bitterness
- Floral citrus
- Dry peel
- Grapefruit-like freshness
- Greater length on the finish
Without pomelo, the vodka could become too sweet or one-dimensional. Its drier character gives the finished spirit structure and makes it particularly well suited to tonic water and cocktails.
Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh lemon peel, sweet orange and lime rise immediately from the glass. Pomelo adds a more aromatic grapefruit-like note, supported by gentle apple and pear from the vodka base.
Palate
Bright and refreshing, with a balance of sweet orange, sharp lime and clean lemon. Pomelo introduces restrained bitterness, while the British apple spirit provides a smooth and rounded texture.
Finish
Clean and gently sweet, with lingering citrus oils, lime zest and dry pomelo peel.
Is It Sweet?
Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus is subtly sweet rather than heavily sugared.
Its sweetness comes partly from the natural fruit character of the oranges and apple-based vodka, balanced by lime acidity and pomelo bitterness.
This allows the vodka to work in drinks where additional sugar is already present, including a Cosmopolitan or citrus spritz, without immediately making the cocktail overly sweet.
It can also be mixed with unsweetened soda water or a dry tonic for a lighter and more refreshing serve.
Ricky Gervais and Dutch Barn Vodka
Ricky Gervais became a co-owner of Ellers Farm Distillery in November 2023.
His role includes creative leadership and helping build wider awareness of Dutch Barn and the other spirits produced at the North Yorkshire site.
Gervais chose to invest in a working British distillery rather than simply licensing his name to a third-party product. Dutch Barn Vodka is produced from scratch at Ellers Farm, beginning with British apples and continuing through fermentation, distillation, blending and bottling.
His involvement has helped introduce the brand to a much wider audience, but the vodka’s identity remains rooted in its ingredients and production process.
The partnership brings together:
- British ingredients
- North Yorkshire production
- Independent distilling
- Sustainability commitments
- Ricky Gervais’s creative direction
- A growing range of naturally flavoured vodkas
Mediterranean Citrus provides one of the freshest and most accessible introductions to that range.
Produced at Ellers Farm Distillery
Ellers Farm Distillery was established in North Yorkshire in 2021.
Unlike brands that purchase ready-made neutral alcohol, the distillery produces its own vodka base from raw ingredients. This provides greater control over fermentation, distillation, texture and flavour.
The distillery uses a combination of equipment developed specifically for its vodka production, including column and copper pot stills.
Every stage is closely monitored, with the spirit regularly assessed throughout the distillation run.
Producing the alcohol on site allows Dutch Barn to control:
- Ingredient sourcing
- Fermentation
- Distillation
- Alcohol purity
- Texture
- Blending
- Flavour infusion
- Final bottling
This complete production process is an important part of what separates Dutch Barn from many flavoured vodkas built on externally sourced neutral grain spirit.
A More Sustainable Vodka Bottle
Dutch Barn’s distinctive brown glass bottle is designed to reduce the environmental impact normally associated with premium spirits packaging.
The bottle is made using 68% post-consumer recycled glass and is approximately 40% lighter than the average spirits bottle.
Its brown colour also helps protect the liquid from light, while the product information is printed directly onto the glass to reduce the need for a separate paper label.
Ellers Farm Distillery is a certified B Corporation and has committed to halving its emissions by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2040.
The distillery has also introduced:
- Lightweight glass packaging
- Recycled aluminium miniature bottles
- Renewable energy initiatives
- Carbon-reduction targets
- Employee profit sharing
- Partnerships supporting environmental projects
- Reduced packaging materials
These measures do not affect the flavour in the glass, but they form an important part of the thinking behind Dutch Barn and Ellers Farm.
How to Serve Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka
The combination of citrus and smooth apple vodka makes this a versatile bottle for simple serves and cocktails.
Neat
Serve a small measure well chilled.
Neat service reveals the difference between the sweeter orange, sharper lime and drier pomelo flavours.
Over Ice
Pour over plenty of ice and garnish with a strip of orange or pink grapefruit peel.
As the ice melts, the citrus oils become softer and the apple base becomes more noticeable.
With Soda Water
Combine the vodka with chilled soda water for a clean, lower-sugar long drink.
Add fresh lime or grapefruit and serve over ice.
With Tonic Water
Premium tonic introduces bitterness that complements the pomelo while allowing the sweeter orange notes to remain present.
A dry or Mediterranean-style tonic works particularly well.
With Lemonade
Lemonade creates a sweeter and highly approachable summer serve.
Use plenty of ice and add fresh mint or an orange wedge.
Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka and Tonic
A simple Vodka and Tonic allows the citrus character to remain clear.
Ingredients
- 50ml Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Plenty of ice
- Fresh lemon or pink grapefruit
Method
Fill a large glass with ice.
Add the vodka and top with chilled tonic water.
Stir gently and garnish with fresh citrus.
For additional fruit sweetness, a small quantity of raspberry syrup can be added before the tonic.
The raspberry complements the orange and pomelo while providing a colourful contrast with the citrus.
Dutch Barn Citrus Cosmopolitan
The Mediterranean Citrus expression is particularly well suited to a Cosmopolitan because part of the citrus flavour is already built into the vodka.
Ingredients
- 50ml Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka
- 15ml triple sec
- 35ml pomegranate or cranberry juice
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Two dashes of orange bitters
- Orange peel
Method
Add all the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake thoroughly until chilled.
Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Express a strip of orange peel over the surface and use it as a garnish.
The pomegranate or cranberry provides tart red fruit, while the orange bitters deepen the citrus character without adding excessive sweetness.
Mediterranean Citrus Spritz
A spritz creates a lighter, longer serve suitable for warm weather and informal gatherings.
Ingredients
- 40ml Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka
- 20ml grapefruit or orange liqueur
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Chilled grapefruit soda
- Ice
- Pink grapefruit slice
Method
Add the vodka, liqueur and lime juice to a large glass.
Fill with ice and top with grapefruit soda.
Stir gently and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
The combination reinforces the vodka’s pomelo character while retaining freshness from the lime.
Citrus Vodka Mule
Mediterranean Citrus also works as a brighter alternative to standard vodka in a Moscow Mule.
Ingredients
- 50ml Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka
- Chilled ginger beer
- Fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wedge
Method
Fill a highball glass or metal mug with ice.
Add the vodka and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with lime.
The ginger adds warmth and spice, contrasting with the lemon, orange and pomelo.
Is Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Good for Summer?
Its bright fruit profile makes it particularly suitable for warmer weather.
The vodka works well in:
- Garden parties
- Barbecues
- Summer gifting
- Picnics
- Vodka spritzes
- Citrus punches
- Long drinks with tonic or soda
- Frozen cocktails
- Cosmopolitans
- Vodka Mules
It is easy to serve without complicated ingredients, making it useful for hosting as well as more elaborate cocktail preparation.
A bottle, ice, tonic and fresh citrus are enough to create a complete serve.
Mediterranean Citrus Compared with Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka
Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka is the original expression and provides the base for the citrus release.
Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka
- British apple-led character
- A touch of potato spirit
- Clean, crisp and smooth
- Subtle apple and pear
- Bottled at 40% ABV
- More neutral and versatile
Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus
- Built on the apple vodka base
- Fresh lemon, lime and orange
- Dry and floral pomelo
- Bright and subtly sweet
- Bottled at 40% ABV
- More aromatic and fruit-led
The original Orchard expression is suited to classic Martinis, Espresso Martinis and neutral vodka serves.
Mediterranean Citrus is the better choice for drinkers who want fresh fruit character already present in the spirit.
Explore More Dutch Barn Vodka at HTFW
The complete Dutch Barn range at HTFW includes the original apple-based vodka and several naturally flavoured expressions.
Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka
Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka is the core expression.
Made from British apples with a touch of potato spirit and distilled through 70 plates, it offers crisp apple, pear, subtle caramel sweetness and a smooth texture.
Dutch Barn British Raspberry Vodka
Dutch Barn British Raspberry Vodka combines the apple-based vodka with bright British raspberry.
Its fresh berry sweetness works well with tonic water, lemonade, sparkling wine and fruit-led cocktails.
Dutch Barn Ginger Spiced Vodka
Dutch Barn Ginger Spiced Vodka uses several styles of ginger alongside citrus and warming spice.
It provides a richer and more fiery alternative, particularly suited to ginger beer, Mules and winter cocktails.
Dutch Barn Balinese Vanilla Vodka
Dutch Barn Balinese Vanilla Vodka is infused with Balinese vanilla pods.
Its creamy, gently sweet profile works particularly well in Espresso Martinis, passion fruit cocktails and dessert-led serves.
Dutch Barn Black Cherry Vodka
Dutch Barn Black Cherry Vodka combines sweet, sour and red cherries with natural almond flavour.
The result brings together cherry fruit, Black Forest gateau and Cherry Bakewell-style notes.
Which Dutch Barn Vodka Should You Choose?
Choose Mediterranean Citrus for lemon, lime, orange and pomelo with a clean, refreshing finish.
Choose Orchard Vodka for a more traditional and versatile expression centred on apple, pear and smooth texture.
Choose British Raspberry for fresh berry sweetness and floral fruit.
Choose Ginger Spiced for warming ginger, citrus and bold spice.
Choose Balinese Vanilla for creamy vanilla and richer dessert cocktails.
Choose Black Cherry for dark cherry, almond and indulgent confectionery flavours.
Each expression begins with the same distinctive British vodka foundation but offers a different route into the range.
Why Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Stands Out
Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus offers:
- A distinctive British apple vodka base
- Fresh lemons, limes and oranges
- Dried pomelo and citrus peel
- Natural citrus aroma and flavour
- Small-batch production in North Yorkshire
- A full 40% ABV
- A smooth and subtly sweet profile
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free production
- A lightweight recycled-glass bottle
- Certified B Corp credentials
- A direct connection with Ricky Gervais
- Versatility across neat serves and cocktails
It provides flavour without becoming overly sweet, making it a practical bottle for both simple mixed drinks and more structured cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka made from?
It is based on Dutch Barn Vodka, produced primarily from British apples with a touch of potato spirit, and flavoured with lemons, limes, oranges and pomelo.
Where is it made?
It is produced at Ellers Farm Distillery in North Yorkshire, England.
How strong is it?
It is bottled at 40% ABV.
What size is the bottle?
The bottle contains 70cl.
What does it taste like?
It offers fresh lemon, lime and sweet orange with floral, gently bitter pomelo and a smooth apple-led finish.
Is it very sweet?
No. It is subtly sweet, with citrus acidity and pomelo bitterness helping maintain balance.
Is it vegan?
Yes. Dutch Barn states that its vodkas are vegan-friendly.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes. The vodka is gluten-free.
Is Ricky Gervais the owner of Dutch Barn?
Ricky Gervais became a co-owner of Ellers Farm Distillery in November 2023 and has taken a creative role in building awareness of Dutch Barn.
Can it be drunk neat?
Yes. It can be served chilled or over ice, although it is also particularly well suited to tonic, soda and cocktails.
What mixer works best?
Premium tonic, soda water, lemonade, ginger beer and grapefruit soda all complement its citrus profile.
Which garnish should be used?
Orange peel, fresh lime, lemon or pink grapefruit all work well.
Is the bottle recyclable?
Yes. The bottle is made using a high proportion of recycled glass and is fully recyclable.
Final Thoughts
Dutch Barn Mediterranean Citrus Vodka takes the clean and smooth character of British apple vodka and gives it a bright Mediterranean twist.
Fresh lemons, limes and oranges provide immediate zest and sweetness, while pomelo introduces floral aroma and a gently bitter finish. The citrus is carefully extracted and then allowed to rest with the spirit, creating a more integrated profile than a simple flavoured vodka.
Its 40% ABV gives it enough character for cocktails, while the smooth texture makes it equally enjoyable over ice or with tonic.
Ricky Gervais’s involvement has brought greater attention to Dutch Barn, but the bottle’s appeal ultimately rests on its British ingredients, North Yorkshire production and well-balanced natural citrus flavour.
For summer drinks, easy Vodka and Tonics or a fresh twist on the Cosmopolitan, it is one of the most versatile expressions in the Dutch Barn collection.
