In this post, we’ll take a look at the different types of vodka available to you in your local store, so you’ll be ready to make what used to be an impossible choice! Out of all the liquors available, vodka is far and away one of the most popular liquors (if not THE most spirit). But what is vodka, really, (aside from popular) and why are there so many kinds of it?
With over 10 years experience of making drinks at home, it’s easy to see when people have favorite liquors. Vodka was actually the first liquor I ever tried (okay…so it was raspberry vodka. While I watched a Britney Spears concert on Showtime), and that's because it's probably one of the most approachable liquors. If not only for its wiiiiide variety of flavors and brands. There are so many choices when it comes to vodka, maybe too many, it’s hard to know which one to choose! Let’s cut to the chase and take a shot at learning all about vodka (sorry I had to 🤣)!
Jump to:
🤨 what is vodka?
😎 popular. Vodka is the most popular liquor in the United States, and it regularly tops the list of popular liquors around the world, too. Gin might have had a heyday in the past, but these days, it’s very clear that vodka rules the liquor shelves.
🎛️ versatile. A large part of vodka’s popularity is due to the fact that it’s so versatile. It’s relatively light in flavor, so it mixes well with lots of flavors. It also comes in lots of flavors. LOTS. Like, everything from fruity cereal to peanut butter. Seriously.
🛢️ fermented & distilled. Vodka is a distilled alcoholic beverage. The spirit is fermented first to allow microorganisms to create alcohol in the mix, then it is distilled. Because of the alcohol content of vodka, it’s highly regulated by law enforcement.
🗺️ where is vodka made?
Vodka is produced all around the world, but its usually credited with being created somewhere in Eastern Europe. There is a LOT of debate about whether this was in Poland, Russia, or even Sweden. The history is a bit muddled, but the first written evidence of vodka is from the 15th century in Poland— 1405 to be exact! However, there is no doubt that it was being made long before anyone wrote about it. Today, it is made all over the world. Traditional vodka can be made from many ingredients, so it is relatively easy for producers to develop their own varieties based on their region.
⚗️ the distillation process
In the early days, vodka was lower in alcohol content and purity. Nowadays, vodka is known for being pure in taste profile. This is thanks to the distillation and fermentation process, which helps to remove impurities in the final liquor. The production process begins with the fermentation of substances such as grains, potatoes, fruits, or even sugar cane. Yeast converts the sugars in these substances into alcohol. The liquid that results from this process is called "mash", which is then distilled. The distillation process removes unwanted flavors and contaminants which can muddy the flavor of the finished liquor. The final product is a smooth spirit that is very light in taste, so it blends well with nearly any drink of choice!
🫙 how to store vodka
Keep your vodka sealed and store it in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Like other liquors, vodka does not require refrigeration. With that said, some folks like to keep vodka in the freezer to make sure it’s nice and cold!
💰average cost of vodka
Vodka ranges in price, from very cheap (think $15 for nearly 2 liters) to VERY expensive (like over $250+ for super premium bottles). The nice thing is, good vodka isn’t going to break the bank. You can score a premium bottle for around $25 - $35! Brands like Absolut, Tito’s, and Ketel One are go-tos in the medium price range, while brands like Belvedere, Chopin, and Grey Goose are premium options in the $35+ range.
🛍️ recommended brands of vodka
Brand loyalty is REAL in the vodka space. There’s also a lot of debate on whether or not the higher price points of the “best vodka brands” are worth it. This is especially true when making mixed drinks that contain other ingredients like cranberry juice, lime juice or orange juice. In general, if you’re making a straight drink like a martini or a vodka soda, you’ll likely want to choose classic vodkas that have a neutral taste. If you’re making a homemade vodka infusion, or a cocktail that has more ingredients in it like an espresso martini or a Moscow mule, you can opt for a mid-range vodka without sacrificing the clean taste.
Not sure which bottle of vodka to grab? Here are a few brands of vodka that are always safe bets:
- Absolut
- Belvedere
- Chopin
- Crystal Head
- Effen
- Grey Goose
- Tito’s
- Van Gogh
🔴 plain vodka
What it is: This category is sort of an oxymoron, as vodka is really a plain flavored spirit to begin with, but here we are. 😅 Plain vodka is just as it sounds: regular ole unflavored vodka. By definition, vodka must be without distinctive flavors, aromas, tastes, and even color. Because of this, sometimes it’s hard to really tell a difference between neutral vodka brands.
What its distilled from: Plain vodka is usually distilled from a type of cereal grain, such as barley, wheat, spelt, or rye.
What it tastes like: This liquor is very alcohol forward because there are no other flavors impacting the taste.
Popular brands: Absolut, Tito’s, Grey Goose
Popular drinks made with it: bloody mary, salty dog, or vodka lemonade.
🟠 region-specific vodka
What it is: Okay, so there is a big of overlap here, but region specific vodka does deserve a callout of it’s own. It’s sort of a sub-category of plain vodka, but depending on the region, each distiller has a recipe and process they follow to get their signature taste or mouthfeel.
What its distilled from: Like craft vodka, region-specific vodka can be distilled from almost anything, like corn, rice, or quinoa! French vodka uses more grapes, American vodka uses more corn, Polish vodka uses more rye, and Russian vodka uses more barley and winter wheat.
What it tastes like: The taste differences can be subtle at times, but there are slight differences between brands! You’ll notice the main difference with brands that use one singular ingredient to distill their vodka from, such as potato vodka or corn-based vodka. Overall, the mouthfeel is what varies the most.
Popular brands: Boyd & Blair, Hangar One, Reyka, Smirnoff, Chopin, Haku.
Popular drinks made with it: cosmopolitan, Lavender mule, blue Hawaii
🟡 craft vodka
What it is: This style of vodka is also known as small-batch vodka. It’s made in much smaller distilleries than the big name brands. Chances are, if you search for craft distillers in your area, you may even have a local-ish vodka producer nearby!
What its distilled from: Each craft distiller can create different styles of vodka out of almost whatever they want! There are vodkas made from honeycomb, sugar cane, sugar beets, maple sap, figs, whey…you name it!
What it tastes like: The flavor of the vodka will depend on the ingredients used to make it, but overall, the main thing all vodkas aim for is a smooth taste and purity in flavor. Increasingly, craft distillers are looking for ways to stand out from other brands, so they are playing more with flavor than classic brands of vodka.
Popular brands: Vermont Spirits Distilling Co., Red River Brewing Co., Sugarlands Distilling, St. Augustine Distillery, Comb Vodka.
Popular drinks made with it: lemon drop, dirty Shirley, gimlet
🟢 high-proof vodka
What it is: High-proof vodka has a higher alcohol volume than regular vodka. Standard vodka is typically between 30-40% ABV, or 80-proof. High-proof vodka is closer to 100-proof, or 50% ABV.
What its distilled from: Like other vodkas, high-proof vodka is made from a variety of grains like barley, wheat, or rye.
What it tastes like: High-proof vodka has a very intense alcohol flavor because of the higher ABV.
Popular brands: Finlandia 101, Stolichnaya 100 proof, Belvedere Intense 100 proof
Popular drinks made with it: Due to it’s high alcohol content, this vodka is best used for making home infusions like limoncello or other homemade liqueurs. You can also use it as a floater like you would with 151 rum in tropical drinks like a Mai Tai.
🔵 fruit vodka
What it is: Fruit vodkas can vary the most in flavor because of the sugar content of fruit, which can impact the final consistency of the distilled vodka. For instance, vodka made from grapes will have a heavier mouthfeel than vodka made from grains like barley or rye.
What it tastes like: These vodkas tend to be sweeter because of the additional sugars found in fruits. These added sugars also create a heavier mouthfeel in the finished vodka.
What its distilled from: A variety of fruits such as apples, grapes, and even berries like coffee fruit!
Popular brands: Oyo, Firefly, Good Vodka
Popular drinks made with it: bay breeze, cape codder, John Daly
⚫️ flavored vodka
What it is: Flavored vodka is a plain vodka that has been either infused with ingredients such as fruits & spices, or has natural or artificial flavors added to it. In many instances, the latter is true. 😬 For the best flavor, I love infusing my own vodka at home to make custom naturally flavored vodkas.
What it tastes like: Each flavored vodka is very different in taste, depending on what it has been manufactured to taste like. There are a wide range of flavors, from marshmallow to apple, with nearly everything in between!
What its distilled from: These vodkas are usually distilled from cereal grains, like plain vodka. Look for brands that use real ingredients, not just “natural flavors,” for the best taste.
Popular brands: Absolut, Van Gogh, Stoli.
Popular drinks made with it: candy corn martini, Peep-tini, and Oreo mudslide.
🧯alcohol safety & responsible drinking
Alcohol is a highly regulated substance because of its mild-altering capabilities. Therefore, it's important to understand your own personal relationship and limitations relating to alcohol use and consumption.
- Always follow local alcohol laws. including not serving alcohol to anyone under legal drinking age. In the United States, the legal age for consuming alcohol is 21 years old.
- Consume alcohol in moderation. On average, that means one alcoholic beverage per hour while also consuming a glass of water per alcoholic beverage.
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