Pouring vodka shots
Without vodka we wouldn’t have the
the trendy espresso Martini
or the legendary massive comopolitan cocktail
Ina Garten shared on her Instagram in April 2020. The clear spirit with the neutral flavor is a popular booze for cocktails because it plays well with many mixers,
but not all vodkas are the same, which is why you’ll see many different vodka brands at your local bar.
There isn’t just one singular type of vodka, but different ones based on location and ingredients and which one you prefer depends on what you like and
how you’re using the spirit.
“It’s all about creating a match made in *your* cocktail heaven,” says
brand ambassador for
“Price is only sometimes an indicator of quality: Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better regarding vodka. It’s always worth trying different brands and price ranges to find one you enjoy.”
To help you narrow down your choices and make your next trip to the liquor store a bit easier,
we chatted with drink experts to break down 9 of the most popular types of vodka based on their ingredients,
country of origin, flavor profile and more.
Related: 5 Different Types of Tequila, Explained
Making vodka has plenty of nuance, but for the purposes of this discussion, we’ll try to distill (pun intended) it down for you. Vodka starts with your base ingredient (often a grain, though it could be potatoes or molasses), water and yeast. That mixture is fermented for a couple of weeks, then strained. The liquid from the fermentation process is distilled, filtered, diluted with water and bottled.
Related: 9 Popular Costco Liquors, Ranked From the Bottom(s) Up
Eldefri states that vodkas made from grains such as rye exhibit a spicier character with robust, earthy undertones. He goes on to say that in contrast to other types of vodka, this sort is typically more lean and dry.
In terms of cocktail orders, rye vodka is particularly well-suited to certain drinks. Alissa Marinello, a bartender at the Vivamee Hospitality properties of Renault Winery & Resort and LBI National in New Jersey, suggests that a dirty vodka martini is a prime example. In this instance, the subtle and dry rye vodka complements the tangy hint of olive juice exceptionally well.
Contrary to what some may expect, the vodka itself is not derived from fruit. The fruity flavor is introduced after the distillation process. Eldefri notes that many contemporary brands offer flavored varieties with the add-ons of fruits or herbs infused post-distillation. Common fruit vodka flavors incorporate melon, strawberry, blueberry, lemon, raspberry, lime, and orange.
Marinello advises against using artificial ingredients and coloring and suggests creating a homemade flavored vodka. She says, “Rather, empty any standard vodka into a jar with your preferred fruit.” She also suggests allowing the vodka to soak for at least three days, and up to seven. After infusing the vodka with fruit, strain it into a jar or bottle and start concocting cocktails!
While corn is a widely enjoyed dinner item for many, this sweet vegetable is also a well-liked component in vodka. Eldefri describes, “Corn-based vodkas are acclaimed for their calm and slightly sweet taste, which pairs well with a silky mouthfeel and hints of vanilla or buttery nuances.”
If you’re in the mood for a martini, Eldefri suggests using a corn-based vodka for a timeless cocktail like the martini, allowing the drink to truly shine.
As you may wonder, no, potato vodka doesn’t taste like fries or mashed potatoes. Eldefri states, “Potato-based vodkas are valued for their creamy, heavy texture, contributing a subtly earthy and nutty flavor.”
Potato vodka is a perfect match for savory foods, which includes certain types of cheeses and meats. So consider this pairing the next time you’re dining out or throwing a dinner party.
If looking for a smooth vodka experience, you could consider trying a spirit made from molasses. Molasses-based vodkas, often seen in rum production, deliver a slightly sweeter and more layered taste. It features hints of molasses and caramel, and these caramel notes make this vodka variety pleasant in a creamy cocktail, like a white Russian.
According to expert opinion, flavored vodka can be fun to experiment with since you can come up with more complex cocktails using fewer ingredients. However, it’s advisable to avoid this vodka type if you suffer from gluten allergy as it often has artificial flavorings added after distillation, which can include this common allergen.
As for the variety of flavors, there’s a wide range, but several fit into the citrusy (such as lemonade, grapefruit) or fruity (like strawberry, blueberry) categories.
In addition to the base ingredients, vodkas can vary based on where they’re made because different areas are known for specific styles of the spirit. “Russian vodkas, traditionally crafted from wheat or rye and subjected to multiple distillations, are celebrated for their pure and smooth qualities,” says Eldefri. Some of the most popular Russian vodka brands include Beluga Noble, Husky, Marmot Siberian and Smirnoff.
Eldefri says that American vodkas span from smooth neutrality to a focus on unique flavors driven by various base ingredients. American vodka is generally made with rye, wheat, potato or corn to create a unique flavor profile with a velvety texture and earthy, warm taste. This will vary based on the bottle, but the best way to think about it is the best of both worlds made from different types of ingredients.
According to Marinello, Poland and Russia both claim ownership of introducing the first spirit. That said, Polish vodkas, made from potatoes or grains, offer a slightly more robust flavor with hints of earthiness or sweetness.
Up next: Celebrity Chef Pati Jinich’s Simple Formula for Making the Perfect Cocktail
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