Looking to restock your home bar? While it may not be everyone's favorite sipper, vodka is undeniably still a must-have liquor. It's fresh, bold, and versatile, an excellent base for various classic cocktails. There's a reason why it's one of the best-selling spirits in the US. After all, you can never go wrong with vodka.
Whether you're taking shots or making some creative cocktails, we've compiled some of the best vodka brands on this list. From premium brands to more affordable options, there's something for everyone here.
1. Smirnoff Vodka
Of course, no vodka list is complete without mentioning Smirnoff. Smirnoff was founded in Russia in 1864, making it one of the oldest and most popular vodka brands in the market.
Smirnoff vodka is one of the world's top sellers for casual drinking. Triple distilled and filtered ten times, Smirnoff has a versatile, neutral flavor profile and clean mouthfeel. It will pair effortlessly with any other liquors in cocktails. If you're looking for a vodka that's perfect for every occasion, Smirnoff is your best bet.
2. Hangar 1 Vodka
This Californian vodka is distilled in a WWII-era aircraft hangar, hence the unique name. Hangar 1 pays creates its vodka in small batches, using only the best ingredients nature can offer.
Made with a blend of Napa Valley Viognier grapes and Midwestern grains, this vodka is bursting with hints of fruits and florals. It's ideal for sweeter cocktails and drinking neat. Flavorful with an impossibly smooth and round finish, Hangar 1 Vodka is truly a people-pleaser.
3. House of Suntory Haku Vodka
While this Japanese brand is better known for its excellent whiskey, its Haku Craft Vodka deserves to be in the limelight as well.
The House of Suntory doesn't use the traditional ingredients - potatoes and wheat - to make its vodka. Instead, the brand uses white Japanese rice filtered through bamboo charcoal. The result is an exceptionally soft and crisp vodka. With a subtly sweet and smooth flavor profile, this premium craft vodka will taste amazing in cocktails and on its own.
4. Crystal Head Vodka
Honestly, the eye-catching bottle shape alone makes this vodka a splurge-worthy pick. Place it on your mantle and it's guaranteed to be a wonderful conversation starter.
That said, the vodka itself can hold its own. Distilled in Canada, this award-winning vodka uses only the purest and highest-quality ingredients. Moreover, it's distilled four times and filtered seven times before being packaged, making it one of the purest vodkas out there. While it's technically an unflavoured vodka, Crystal Head has a slightly sweet and creamy flavor with hints of peach and vanilla.
5. Tito's Handmade Vodka
Dubbed as the best-selling vodka in the US, Tito's Vodka is also well-beloved all around the world. Hailing from Texas, this corn-based vodka is still made using the traditional pot still method in small batches.
Sweet with notes of corn and black pepper, Tito's vodka has a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Thanks to its creamy taste and clean finish, this vodka is perfect for drinking neat. That said, it's also very versatile and will go exceptionally well with any cocktails.
6. Fair Quinoa Vodka
Want to be more conscious of your spending? Fair Quinoa Vodka will be perfect for you. It's made from ethically and sustainably sourced Bolivian quinoa seeds. This vodka is also gluten-free, vegan, and organic.
Thanks to the quinoa, this award-winning vodka has a one-of-a-kind nutty and earthy flavor profile. It has a full yet delicate mouthfeel that's ideal for drinking straight. A splash of lime and ginger beer can also highlight its slightly fruity and spicy flavor.
7. Prairie Organic Vodka
Here's another organic option for you. Prairie pays great attention to ingredients, using only the best non-GMO and organic corn for its vodka.
The organic corn is then distilled for over three years, creating a refreshing and premium taste. Creamy with slight hints of fruits and florals, this organic vodka is ideal for sweet cocktails, such as screwdrivers and cosmopolitan.
8. Belvedere Vodka
With a history spanning over 100 years, Belvedere vodka is distilled at Polmos Zyrardow distillery, also known as the birthplace of all vodka. It's still crafted using the traditional Polish way, with a local four-column still process.
Made with Dankowskie rye, this vodka has a divine velvety mouthfeel. This aromatic vodka also has delicious hints of lemon zest and black pepper, making it a joy to drink. With such a complex flavor profile, Belvedere Vodka shines best when enjoyed on the rocks or in classic cocktails, such as martinis. This quintessential Polish vodka certainly deserves a place on your top shelf.
9. Grey Goose Vodka
Crafted in France using an intense five-step distillation method, Grey Goose Vodka is a one of the best premium vodkas in the world. So it's no surprise that this vodka is a favorite among celebrities.
It has a delightfully crisp and smooth taste, thanks to the French winter wheat and Alpine spring water it was crafted from. It has a peppery palate with a hint of burnt charcoal and star anise. With such a complex flavor palate, it's best to enjoy this vodka on the rocks.
10. Absolut ELYX Single-Estate Handcrafted Vodka
Absolut has all the qualities of a premium vodka without the high price tag. That's why it's now the second most popular vodka in the entire world.
This single-estate vodka is still manually distilled using an Old World-style copper still, giving it a silky and pure texture. It has a calm and refined flavor profile, which matches its Scandinavian roots perfectly. Drink it neat or let it take center stage in simple cocktails, such as martinis.
Closing Thought
With so many new craft vodka brands in the market, it's definitely an exciting time to be a vodka lover. From bold and spicy to sweet and smooth, there are countless vodka flavor profiles you can explore. The sky is the limit now.
We hope you like our curated list of the best vodka brands. So, which one will get a place of honor in your home bar?
