Vodka can be a polarizing drink. While it claimed the top spot as the highest-selling spirit of 2023, many people simply won’t drink it. That’s because different vodka brands can be hard to tell apart for the average consumer. When stocking your at-home bar cart, whether it’s your first bottle of vodka or your fourth, you want to buy something you know you will enjoy. And if you’re not an expert, you may never even sample enough brands to know which ones you prefer.

We called on two expert bar managers in two of the largest cities in the U.S. to find out not only what they serve at their own bars but what they serve to their family and friends at home. Mel Meza works at Level 8 in Los Angeles, a massive venue hosting eight different dining, drinking, and dancing establishments, which Meza oversees as beverage director. Jeff Fernandez is the bar manager for The Shanghai at Hutong New York, an award-winning art deco restaurant and lounge in Midtown Manhattan. The two drink experts give Foodie seven different vodka brands that are perfect for your bar cart at home.

Read more: Anthony Bourdain’s Favorite Cocktail Was A Classic

Tito’s is a classic for a reason. This affordable vodka is made in Austin, Texas, and is found at almost any grocery or liquor store in the U.S. It’s just as good as many other vodka brands that cost twice as much, which is why Mel Meza of Level 8 uses it for almost everything.

“Tito’s excels in both shaken and stirred drinks,” says Mel, who considers Tito’s a top choice for vodka. It has a sweeter taste, making it an excellent match for sweet, fruity cocktails like a cosmopolitan or a vodka spritzer. “Tito’s is a solid choice for everyday mixing and large gatherings,” concurs Jeff Fernandez, who recommends this budget-friendly brand at The Shanghai at Hutong, New York.

Its 750ml bottle (or around 20 shots) is commonly purchased, but the brand is better known for its 1.75-liter handles, typically priced just over $25. While Tito’s isn’t seen as a premium vodka, its cost-effectiveness makes it a staple for any bar cart. Opt for the larger handle as it offers more value for the same price as the smaller version.

When it comes to buying Tito’s, bigger is generally better. On the other hand, Haku’s craft vodka fits a universal appeal. Produced by Suntory — the same company behind Toki Whiskey and Roku Gin — Haku is packaged in a striking 750ml translucent bottle that stands out on any shelf. According to Mel Meza, “Haku is a vital vodka for my bar.”

This Japanese vodka, crafted from white rice, undergoes a dual distillation process and is filtered through bamboo charcoal, giving it an exceptionally pure and subtly different taste compared to other vodkas made from grains or corn.

Keep this vodka handy in your bar cart for to make dirty martinis or pre-game shots. You’ll want to use Haku vodka for drinks with a prevalent vodka taste, since this spirit goes down super smooth by itself. At around $25 for 750ml, Haku isn’t the cheapest — but certainly isn’t the most expensive — bottle of vodka at the liquor store. Though you’ll be hard pressed to find a brand as clean and crisp as this one.

While many people leave Smirnoff behind after their 21st birthday, you shouldn’t totally disregard the favorite brand of your college years. Let’s face it: We’ve all had a bad night because of Smirnoff. Buying two handles in the liquor section of the Walgreens in Boston, Massachusetts, was certainly not my finest moment, nor were the long nights that followed. Still, sometimes you need to relive the glory days of your fleeting youth. And that’s where Smirnoff fits in.

Smirnoff comes in a plethora of different flavors and sizes. You can find a liter for about $15 — a price that is hard to beat. At home or the bar, Smirnoff is a decent vodka for any budget. Both Fernandez and Mel Meza use it for cheaper drinks at their respective bars on opposite sides of the country. “My preferred well vodka is Smirnoff,” says Mel Meza, “[it’s] valued not only for its affordability but also for its exceptional versatility in cocktails.” Smirnoff’s tingly taste goes well in just about any drink. Try it in a classic vodka soda or a Moscow mule, you could even put it in the strongest cocktail in the world. Better yet, a small $12 bottle of vanilla-flavored Smirnoff is the perfect base for the pornstar martini.

Hanson’s organic vodka hails from Sonoma County, a place more well-known for its wine than its liquor. The Northern Californian wine country’s best-kept secret, though, might be this colorful bottle of vodka.

Staying true to its roots, Hanson’s vodka is derived from grapes, much like the French brand CÎROC. “I highly recommend Hanson Vodka for home use,” states Mel Meza, “crafted in small batches, it offers a clean, smooth flavor that’s perfect for sipping neat.” Hanson’s variety of flavors also complement many mixers well. For a fresh beverage, mix cucumber vodka with lemonade. For a bolder taste, pair its habanero vodka with orange or mango juice alongside your favorite California burrito.

This gluten-free vodka is priced at about $25 for a 750ml bottle, making it a solid choice in the mid-range category. For those looking to add a versatile vodka to their home bar, Hanson is an excellent choice.

Grey Goose, a renowned premium French vodka, is celebrated in the U.S. and globally. Contrary to some beliefs, Grey Goose does not produce Costco’s Kirkland Vodka, though both share a French origin.

Replicating the quality of Grey Goose at a lower price is challenging, positioning it as an ideal premium option. “Grey Goose, noted for its purity, is exceptional for martinis or vodka-forward cocktails,” notes Jeff Fernandez. The vodka’s clean and smooth taste allows for an easy drinking experience with minimal after-burn. Mel Meza also praises Grey Goose, stating, “For a top-shelf experience, I prefer Grey Goose. I typically choose premium brands for shots and martinis, as they generally provide a smoother, more sophisticated experience.”

At an approximate cost of $40 per bottle, Grey Goose is not the most affordable vodka available. However, it’s a worthy addition to any home bar cart for celebrating special moments.

Belvedere stands as a top-tier vodka brand, celebrated not just in the beverage industry but also in popular culture, with numerous mentions in songs by prominent hip-hop artists like Jay-Z and Missy Elliot. It’s commonly seen in high-energy scenes in clubs or events, often accompanied by dazzling sparklers. It’s certainly a must-have for any vodka enthusiast’s home collection.

Established in 1910, Belvedere is Poland’s oldest vodka distillery. The company boasts a product line that essentially sets its own standards of excellence. Crafted from organic rye, the classic Belvedere vodka offers a smooth, velvety texture and a remarkably delicate flavor. “Belvedere is effortlessly smooth with a subtly creamy texture, perfect for neat sipping or crafting top-notch cocktails,” comments Jeff Fernandez. Enjoying it pure is recommended to fully appreciate its distinct quality without overpowering it with ordinary mixers.

A liter of Belvedere costs about $50, positioning it as the priciest option discussed here. Nevertheless, the investment reflects its luxurious quality. “Belvedere delivers a sophisticated, premium experience,” confirms Mel Meza, who features this elite vodka at her rooftop bar in Los Angeles. Securing a bottle can bring a slice of that upscale rooftop ambiance right into your home.

Ketel One vodka is crafted by the Dutch Nolet distillery, which has been operational since 1691 in the Netherlands. It was not until the early 1980s that this family-owned business expanded into the US market with the introduction of Ketel One vodka.

The brand is regarded by Mel Meza and Jeff Fernandez as a staple mid-tier vodka for any bar. “Ketel One is versatile and crisp, ideal for mixing drinks,” comments Fernandez. He particularly mentions using Ketel One at Hutong New York to make their signature cocktail, the Comfortably Numb, which features either Ketel One or vanilla vodka mixed with lychee, honey, Thai chili, and Sichuan pepper.

Ketel One vodka possesses a neutral pallet, making it a flexible choice for a variety of flavor profiles. Priced at about $30 per liter, it serves as an economically viable and accessible option for a mid-range bar setup. Moreover, its botanical line includes creative flavor pairings like grapefruit & rose or peach & orange blossom.

Read the original article on Foodie.