The Alexei Smirnoff meme centers on the character Dr. Alexei from the third season of Stranger Things, whom Chief Jim Hopper nicknamed Smirnoff. Alexei captured the internet's heart due to his childlike innocence, his love for Looney Tunes, and his specific demand for a cherry Slurpee rather than strawberry. The meme typically celebrates his wholesome nature or laments his untimely demise, often used to represent someone who is pure-hearted and just wants to enjoy the simple things in life amidst a chaotic situation. It frequently appears in protect at all costs social media threads or as a reaction to finding simple joys in a complicated world.