What Are The Best Vodka Drinks

What Is The Healthiest Mixer For Vodka

Vodka is one of the easiest liquors for fitting cocktails into your diet. If you mix vodka with soda water, you have a light beverage with very few calories!

You can also add a squeeze of lime to add a bit of a flavor. This is also a great way to enjoy quality vodkas without diluting the flavor with too many mixers.

Ology: How We Select Test And Rank The Best Vodkas

Vodka has kept its title as one of the most popular spirits in the world for many years, which means there are hundreds of different brands to choose from. However, while there are more brands to sample than we could ever reasonably sip, there are a handful that are known for being consistently excellent.

When we put together this guide of the best vodka brands, we looked at all of the new vodka brands that have joined the market in recent years as well as those that have kept their title of success for a longer period of time. We looked at the process used for distilling the spirit, the number of times each bottle was distilled as well as any unique factors included during this process.

We took into account the quality of the grain, potato or other base product used by each brand as well as its sustainability and whether or not the alcohol was produced locally. Then, we factored in the price of each bottle, its purpose and versatility, and its range of flavours and aromas.

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The Rise And Rise Of Vodka

While the foundations are simple, vodka is a spirit that has continued to grow in popularity over many years. In the 21st century, the implementation of new brands the experimentation of batch brewers are pushing the industry in new and exciting ways, similar to how gin has taken off.

With such a massive boom in craft Gin over the past five or so years, Vodka has definitely found itself rising in popularity. The fun thing about Vodka is its ability to be malleable and adapt to different flavours, Malcolm Gandar, masterclass host and brand ambassador for Cocktail Porter & The Whiskey Mill tells Man of Many. Due to this, there has been some new innovations in barrel aging and infusing vodkas which has really seen some amazing products being produced.

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Best For Dirty Martini: Dirty Sue Premium Olive Juice

Courtesy of Total Wine

While The Chart Room isnt what youd typically consider a Martini bar, the regulars who come in know exactly what they want and expect the best version of whatever their drink of choice is, says Lisa Zumpe of New Orleans’ The Chart Room.

I can think of one guy who comes in every Wednesday at 8 p.m.you can set your watch by itdrinks exactly two dirty Martinis, and goes home. I wouldnt even think of sticking my fingers in the garnish tray to add juice to his drink or pouring brine out of a jar of olives. Hed never speak to me again! Dirty Sue makes my customers happy, so it makes me happy.

Best Budget: Smirnoff Vodka

Region: Washington | ABV: 40% | Tasting notes: Smooth, Clean, CrispThis one is big-time, but they keep up the quality, says Baker of the worlds most popular vodka. If the goal of vodka is cleanliness, they still keep this very nice and clean. Made in the U.S. with non-GMO corn, its triple distilled and filtered a breathtaking 10 times to achieve that smooth, crisp, classic character. At these prices, you cant go wrong with the brand that introduced the spirit to the States.

Region: New York | ABV: 40% | Tasting notes: Clean, Crisp, Smooth

You pretty much cant get any more virtuous with your vodka drinking than this scientific breakthrough: Vodka made from nothing other than carbon dioxide, water, and sunshine. Its Brooklyn-based producer uses a special, solar-powered technology to convert carbon emissions into ethyl alcohol, removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere as it amps up our Moscow Mules. No farming, no irrigation, no resource extraction. No wonder its a NASA prize winner. It tastes pretty good, too: smooth and light.

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What Is A Dry Vodka Martini

Over the years, the vodka martini began to lose its dry vermouth. Often, it didn’t even make it into the glassdespite the contradiction, it’s called a “dry vodka martini.”

The recipe’s ratio is in the 3:1 vodka-vermouth range, which gives the drink some depth. Of course, you can adjust this to your taste many bartenders mix it at 5:1 . Keep at least a hint of vermouth, which makes it “extra dry ” otherwise, it’s simply vodka straight up. If the taste is not your favorite, try rinsing the glass with it, then dump out the excess, which essentially seasons the glass with the fortified wine. You may find it very enjoyable.

The Eye Of The Dragon $55 Million

Hong Kong-based Dutch company Royal Dragon released The Eye of the Dragon with a determination to make it spectacular inside and out. This vodka is one of the smoothest on the market, thanks to its distillation process, and uses charcoal to distill the spirit five times. Outside, the bottle is covered with 50-carat intense yellow jewels with around 15,000 diamonds weighing 4.5 pounds of solid 18-karat gold. The dragon on top of the bottle is also studded with millions-worth of diamonds.

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What Is Vodka Made From

Many people think vodka is made from potatoes, and it can be, but more specifically, vodka is made from any source of starch or sugar, plus yeast. Because starch is just a long chain of sugars, it can be broken down into sugar with added enzymes. The primary sources of starch used to make vodka include wheat, rye, corn, rice, potatoes, barley and soy. Common sources of sugar include sugar cane, molasses, sugar beets, honey, maple syrup and fruits such as grapes and apples.

Whisky expert Gandar revealed that as a result, vodka can be made from any source of converted starch or any source of sugar. With access easier than ever, base spirits are improving, giving way for more premium releases.

The quality of the base spirit is also better than ever, with many companies deciding to bring out some top quality vodkas as part of their ranges,

Best For The Beach: Neft

Courtesy of Caskers

Region: Austria | ABV: 40% | Tasting notes: Lemon, Spice, Vanilla

Four strains of ancient, non-GMO rye and pure Alpine spring water go into this award-winning Austrian vodka. Its light, lemony, and sweet.

Its smoothness, a product of triple distilling and carbon layer filtration makes it great for sipping neat, but its just as good mixed into cocktails. But the best thing about it is its packaging. Inspired by the producers grandfather, a Russian wildcatter, its packaged in a mock oil can, making it lightweight and unbreakable for outdoor imbibing.

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Best Club Soda: Fever Tree Club Soda

Courtesy of Amazon

This one was a difficult one for me, but if I had to choose I would go with Fever-Tree, says Gill. They have so many great options for mixers that have great flavors, from different types of tonics to club sodas. Cant go wrong with them.

The club soda is simple and refreshing, made using spring water and bicarbonate of soda that yields a satisfyingly bubbly experience. Add some vodka to this and a slice of lime for a simple, refreshing drink.

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Terminology: The Key Terms To Know When Buying Vodka

ABV: Alcohol By Volume the percentage of ethanol in a beverage.

Charcoal Filtered: Filtering with charcoal is thought to remove off-flavours in vodka after the distilling process before the spirit is bottled and sold. This helps to produce a more premium flavour with smoother notes.

Distillation: A process where liquid is heated and cooled for purity.

Neutral spirit: A term for a spirit thats without distinctive character, aroma, taste or colour. While most vodkas might be regarded as neutral, they still arent technically neutral spirits.

Proof: Another term for measuring the alcoholic content of a beverage. The proof is double the alcohol by volume measurement.

Vodka belt: The Vodka Belt is the part of Europe where around 70 percent of the worlds vodka is produced. It includes the Nordic states , Baltic states as well as Russia, Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.

Best For Vodka Soda: Grey Goose

Grey Goose has become one of the most popular vodkas since it came out in the 90s and can be found at most bars. This makes it easy, then, to order it in a simple mixed drink like a vodka soda. Made in France with soft winter wheat and spring water, Grey Gooses clean, smooth finish allows it to pair well with soda water. Just add a lime or lemon wedge and youre set. Its an accessible vodka choice that may not be as unique as some of the others on our list, but it by no means offends anyone with a negative flavor. Its clean, straightforward, and a good option to have on-hand in your home bar. Bonus points for being gluten free.

Pretty much any brand of soda water at your liquor store will pair well with vodka. Schweppes and Canada Dry are probably the most common soda waters on the market, or if you want to get fancier and spend a little more, we recommend Fever Tree club soda or Q Tonic club soda.

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Screwdriver Or Harvey Wallbanger

Got OJ? Got vodka? Make a Screwdriver! The Screwdriver is one of the easiest cocktails there is, ideal for afternoon drinks or brunch. On its own it’s a little one note, so to make it more complex make it a Harvey Wallbanger! It stars Galliano, an herbal Italian liqueur invented in the 1890s. It gives this otherwise boring brunch drink a complex, funky herbal finish.

Ingredients: Orange juice, vodka, Galliano

Fruity Vodka Cocktails For Summer

Blueberry Sour

Blueberries are a delicious summer staple and make for a bright, flavorful addition to simple syrup. The Blueberry Sour combines vodka, blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white for a refreshingly rich, creamy summer drink.

Red Vodka Sparkler

There is no better time for outdoor hosting than the summer. This season, if youre in the market for a cocktail to impress your guests, try making a Red Vodka Sparkler, a simple, quaffable cocktail consisting of vodka, sweet vermouth, simple syrup, and sparkling wine.

Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze is a classic summer vodka cocktail, and as its name suggests, it was practically invented for seaside sipping. A union of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, the Sea Breeze is refreshing and light, just like its namesake.

Sex on the Beach

At its core, the Sex on the Beach is a nostalgic cocktail, reminiscent of sun-drenched summers in the 80s. A blend of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, the Sex on the Beach is deliciously sweet and perfect for sipping all summer long.

Tiki Punch

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Espresso Tim Tam Martini

Inspired by a trip to Australia, this cocktail combines two of the countrys culinary staples: Tim Tam cookies and Espresso Martinis. To make it, shake together vodka, espresso, Tim Tams, and coffee liqueur, and fine strain into a coupe glass. The result is a chocolaty treat sure to impress guests from Down Under and beyond.

Classic Vodka Cocktail : White Russian

The White Russian is another classic vodka cocktail that you can easily mix yourself. You need three different components: classic vodka, Kahlua, and cream.

If you dont have Kahlua at hand, you can use any other coffee liqueur. Just try out what you like best. Typically, the White Russian is served in an old fashioned glass.

This cocktail is not to be confused with the Black Russian. Although its similar in its preparation, the Black Russian is made without cream. If you like the taste of Kahlua, check out our Black Russian brownies.

You need the following ingredients for a White Russian:

• 2 oz classic vodka
• 2 oz cream

The first step is to pour the vodka directly into the glass. Add Kahlua and pour a little ice into the glass. Finally, you pour the cream over the ice.

Again, theres no right and wrong when it comes to cocktails. You can mix everything directly in the glass and stir, or you can use a cocktail shaker to give it a good shake, making it foamy. Just try out whatever appeals to you.

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Best Syrup: W& p Craft Moscow Mule Syrup

Courtesy of Amazon

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime. W& P makes this already simple drink even easier with this cocktail syrup, and the fact that its a concentrated syrup means you get more bang for your buck.

Made using fresh ginger, lime juice, and cane sugar, only a half-ounce is needed per drink. An 8-ounce bottle makes 16 drinks. You’ll just need some soda to round out this spicy party!

Best Vodka For Cocktails By Value For Money

Value for money is one of the most important factors people take into account when buying Vodka for cocktails.

Why?

Because very few people will buy a £30 plus bottle of Vodka just to add a mixer to it.

Most the time, people spending that much on a bottle of Vodak are buying primarily for taste. These are connoisseurs who want to sip it and enjoy the flavour.

That said, some of the more expensive Vodkas on the market can add a lot to a cocktail.

anyway, wherever your heads at in terms of how much you would buy a bottle of vodka for, heres a comparison of vodka, based on value for money.

Please note, since most of the brands of Vodka come in 70cl bottles , Ill be comparing prices just for 70cl bottles.

As you can see from the list, Russian Standard and Smirnoff Red Label top the list, with a bit of a gap to Wyborowa in third place.

All three are great value for their money.

However, perhaps not the best value for money available to buy.

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How Do Breweries Make Vodka

In order to know how you can enjoy Vodka, you must first understand the core of the drink, which is the grains. Most breweries nowadays use corn, rye, or wheat. They contain a high sugar level that kickstarts the fermentation process alongside the yeast.

Once the fermentation is complete, the liquid will go through a combination of distillation and filtration. The more vigorously breweries distill the liquid, the purer the Vodka becomes. Before the drink goes into a bottle, it usually gets diluted with water to reduce the alcoholic level.

While most Vodka bottles are very plain, there are special versions with extra flavorings to make them stand out. They include chocolate, fruit, and vanilla-flavored Vodka.

Dry Shake To Get The Perfect Egg White Foam

Bartenders have added egg whites to cocktails for about a century. Why? The foam adds a fun frothy texture on top and adds a rich, creamy flavor . The best frothy egg white form is achieved by doing a Dry Shake. We use this technique in drinks like the Gin Fizz, White Lady, Clover Club, Boston Sour, Gin Sour, and Tequila Sour. Heres how it works:

• The first shake without ice lets the protein in the egg begin to form foam, instead of being diluted by the ice.
• The second shake with ice cools the drink and strengthens the foam. Strain it into the glass and youll get a thick, white frothy layer.

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Other Types Of Gimlets

There are a few different ways to make a gimlet! Here are our favorite ways:

• Gin Gimlet The classic! Its bright and botanical from the gin.
• French Gimlet A gimlet with elderflower liqueur! Three ingredients combine make a refreshing and chic cocktail.
• Basil Gimlet A gin gimlet with fresh basil! This version features lime juice, gin, and muddled basil, which gives it a fresh peppery essence.

Gin Gimlet