My personal favorite now is Stockholm Kristal, available from Trader Joes and Safeway for about 12.99. Head and shoulders above anything at its price point in smoothness IMHO. I find it comparable or better than Absolute in terms of smoothness, although I havnt tried the Goose to make a comparison. As for drinks, one to one mix with sprite on the rocks is good for me. A splash of cran can make it a little tastier though.