Many people have a bottle of vodka in their liquor cabinet — it’s expected but not really appreciated. At one time, vodka was the go-to liquor for just-legal college students looking to make their first mixed drinks – tasteless, odorless, bland. It was typical entry-level alcohol that blended well with whatever cheap fruit juice they could find on their way to a party.  

Over the last few years, that has all changed. People are starting to develop a new appreciation for good vodka. Craft-made, small-batch vodka varieties are taking New York’s and other metro areas’ bar scenes by storm. Now, high-quality vodkas flavored with lemons or berries are riding a wave of popularity. As a result, more people are taking a closer look at this liquor cabinet standby.

Vodka’s origins are hotly debated. While Russian vodka is the stereotype, Sweden and Poland try to claim that they, not Russia, were the first to produce the clear, odorless liquor. Its main ingredients are water and fermented grain (rye, wheat, or barley). However, some producers use rice, corn, potatoes, quinoa, grapes, apples, or milk. Some distillers even use maple syrup and sugar cane. Basically, if you can turn something into a starchy mash, it can be made into vodka. 

The mix goes through a fermentation process, and the alcohol is distilled and filtered multiple times. Based on the raw ingredients used, vodkas have subtle differences in flavors and aromas based on the raw ingredient used. It’s come a long way from its tasteless reputation.

The strength of the flavor and the alcoholic burn are reduced every time it’s distilled. If you’re making a fruity cocktail like a Cosmopolitan, vodka made from grapes or rice would have a sweeter flavor profile and be a good fit. If you’re blending a Bloody Mary, you’ll want a vodka with a neutral flavor, in which case, one made from the traditional rye or corn would work well. Drinking your vodka straight up? Try a brand that’s been distilled four times or more for a creamy, less cloying mouthfeel and the smoothest finish.

Think vodka deserves a second look? Whether you’re looking to sip some premium vodka or need an approachable one to blend into a classic cocktail, here are some of the best vodkas from around the globe.

1. Tito's Handmade Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Tito’s Vodka is batch-distilled in Austin, Texas, using old-fashioned copper pot stills. Made from naturally gluten-free corn, each sip of Tito’s goes down smooth with a subtle sweetness and an impeccably clean finish. Each batch is taste-tested to ensure their craft vodka is one of the best vodka brands anywhere.

$25.99

2. Skyy Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Crafted to be the purest vodka around, Skyy Vodka is quadruple distilled and triple filtered through California limestone. Its clean, crisp taste of citrus, anise, and coriander comes with a peppery finish that can be enjoyed on the rocks, mixed with orange juice or ginger beer, or in a classic vodka martini.

$16.99

3. New Amsterdam Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

This is the perfect spirit for entertaining. New Amsterdam distills its vodka five times and then filters it three times to create a crisp, clear vodka that finishes as smooth as silk. Serve it straight, poured over ice, or enjoy it mixed into your favorite cocktail.  

$13.99

4. Smirnoff Pink Lemonade Vodka 750 ml (60 Proof)

New Smirnoff Pink Lemonade balances the bright sweetness of raspberries and strawberries with the refreshingly tart flavor of lemons to create a subtle, sweet beverage sure to delight. Drink it straight, or blend with club soda. Enjoy a deliciously adult Pink Lemonade any time.

$16.99

5. Belvedere 750 ml (80 Proof)

Crafted from a 600-year-old recipe, Belvedere uses Polish rye and purified water to craft their ultra-premium vodka, fire, distilling the spirit five times before it’s ready to drink. The result is a smooth vodka infused with notes of vanilla, white pepper, and spices, perfect for cocktails or drinking straight.

$34.99

6. Burnett's Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Burnett’s Vodka is an old-school American vodka. Thanks to the quadruple-distillation process, it is clear, crisp, and deliciously smooth. Its signature smoothness makes it a great mixer, perfect for blending into fruit juice or creating the best vodka cocktails mixed at home. 

$10.99

7. Kavlana Vodka 1.75 L (80 Proof)

Kavlana crafts some of the best vodka drinks. Boasting a well-rounded and balanced flavor, Kavlana Vodka mixes well with cranberry or orange juice with ginger beer for a superior Moscow Mule. Or you can drink it on its own with only a little seltzer and a twist of lime.

$10.99  

8. New Amsterdam Pink Whitney Vodka 750 ml (60 Proof)

Take your shot with a Pink Whitney. New Amsterdam Vodka has collaborated with NHL star Ryan Whitney to craft Pink Whitney. This flavored vodka combines its crisp, clean liquor and tart, refreshing pink lemonade. Enjoy it straight up over ice, or add some club soda.

$13.99

9. Svedka Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Famously Swedish, Svedka Vodka combines the freshest spring water and Swedish winter wheat into a spirit distilled five times to offer a pure taste with a crisp finish. A fresh bottle of Svedka goes down smooth on its own and pairs well with festive cocktails and holiday celebrations. 

$15.99

10. Smirnoff Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Smirnoff Vodka is the world’s #1 vodka. It uses a charcoal filtration process that produces a fine spirit ideal for mixing, thanks to its smooth and clean palate. It’s the professional bartenders’ go-to choice to craft a perfect Moscow Mule or classic Caesar cocktail.

$16.99

11. Absolut Vodka 750 ml (80 Proof)

Made from all-natural ingredients with no added sugar, Absolut Vodka boasts a rich, full-bodied flavor recognized for its pure taste. Absolut Vodka has a clean taste with light grain tones and hints of fruit, giving it a rich and smooth taste and the best tasting vodka to serve straight or with a touch of soda.

$21.99

12. Svedka Strawberry Lemonade Vodka 750 ml (70 Proof)

Svedka Strawberry Lemonade Vodka combines sweet citrus and strawberry flavors that taste great on the rocks or mixed into a ripe-tasting cocktail. Refreshing and bright, this vodka is an excellent choice for themed parties with friends and family.

$15.99

FAQ

What is the smoothest sipping vodka?

You don’t typically hear about people drinking vodka straight. Tequila? Yes. Scotch? Of course. But unlike traditional sipping drinks like whiskey or cognac, vodka is usually relegated to mixed cocktails. It’s a shame because some great top-shelf vodkas will tantalize your taste buds when they fly solo.

The key to choosing a smooth sipping vodka is to look at the ingredients list. A quality vodka will have two or three ingredients. You should only get a hint of flavor when you sip; you’re more interested in mouthfeel. A smooth vodka feels like velvet on the tongue. 

The other thing to look for is the amount of time the vodka has been distilled. It needs three or four distillations to take vodka to its smoothest level. 

For our money, Belvedere Vodka is the smoothest vodka around. This is an old-world Polish vodka, made from a rye mash, and stands up to the newer brands. It’s excellent when served neat straight from the freezer. If you want a truly authentic experience, try pairing it with salty pickles, smoked fish, rich cheese, and caviar.

How many calories are in vodka?

Vodka is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks around. The number depends on its proof, which is twice the amount of alcohol by volume (ABV). So a vodka that’s listed as 80 proof has 40% ABV. 

So, the number of calories in 1.5 ounces of vodka, depending on its proof, is:

• 75 proof = 85 calories

• 80 proof = 96 calories

• 90 proof = 110 calories

• 100 proof = 124 calories

Vodka has no carbohydrates, so all calories come from alcohol alone, about 7 calories per gram. For comparison, protein has 4 calories per gram, while fat contains 9 calories per gram.If you’re following a low-carb diet, vodka’s the perfect spirit for when you want to cut loose and have a little fun. Just watch your mixers or drink it straight. Shots anyone?

What’s the most expensive vodka?

Look no further than Billionaire Vodka if you’re looking to drop a pretty penny on some ridiculously ostentatious vodka. A single bottle will cost you a cool $3.75 million.

What do you get for all that? A triple filtered spirit that passes first through ice, then Nordic birch charcoal, and finally through a fine sand of crushed gems. The piece de resistance is the bottle. Designed by Leon Verres, the diamond-encrusted container is made from platinum and rhodium. There’s no word on how it tastes, but we’re going to stick with Absolut Vodka for everyday drinks or Tito’s Handmade Vodka when we’re feeling fancy.