Vodka, oh vodka. It’s one of those spirits that instantly brings a flavor memory to mind, whether it’s from souvenir shot glasses or a neutral vodka-soda. Meaning “little water” in Russian, vodka certainly gets a bad rap, and the same is sadly true of vodka martinis. But to that end I say, no more!

Even the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which previously stated that, technically speaking, vodka should be “without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color,” (ouch!) has gone back on its rulings. The bureau’s new amended definition gives vodka martini drinkers a lot more excitement to look forward to — and it shows.

Plenty of vodka brands are making far more complex martinis to enjoy and mix, according to bartenders. If you often opt for the more classic gin martini, it’s time to stir things up (literally, please don’t shake!) with a vodka martini.

What’s the Best Vodka for Martinis?

What’s the trick to picking the best vodka for a martini? Know your grains! Contrary to popular belief, most vodkas are not made with potatoes, but from grains like wheat, barley, rye, and corn. Depending on the grain, you’ll get a wide variation in texture, sweetness, and, yes, a little burn.

After interviewing numerous bartenders, it emerged that a common favorite grain for vodka bases was wheat. George Krpeyan, the general manager at The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, mentioned his preference for vodka distilled from 100% wheat. This preference led him to frequently use Grey Goose, a wheat-based vodka, for his signature cocktails. Wheat vodka’s delicate sweetness and smoothness make it a perfect choice for mixing while rye-based and corn-based vodkas tend to deliver spicier or buttery tones.

Krpeyan isn’t the only one with a penchant for wheat-based vodkas. Simon Sebbah, the beverage director of Grand Tour Hospitality, also endorsed Grey Goose as his go-to vodka brand. Given that it’s a French product made from French winter wheat and mixed with demineralized spring water from Cognac, Grey Goose is appreciated for its crisp flavor, making it an excellent choice for spirit-forward cocktails like martinis.

Buy: Grey Goose Vodka, $27.59 for 750 mL at Drizly

Grey Goose isn’t the only vodka brand lauded for its crisp flavor profile. Other bartenders favored wheat-based vodkas such as Stoli Elite, Chopin, and Ketel One. These brands are renowned for their crisp, clean finish spiked with feathery whispers of citrus.

How to Make the Best Vodka Martini at Home

As a cocktail as simple as the martini, the quality of all your components is crucial. Your selection includes dry vermouth, your preferred vodka, and potentially some orange bitters or olive juice, all of which should be thoroughly chilled. If you have the time, freezing your glasses and stirring your martini will result in an ultra-silky, almost creamy cocktail.

Typical martini recipes will recommend a 2:1 or 3:1 vodka to vermouth ratio; mix for about 30 seconds in your mixing glass with a large ice cube, and then strain into your martini glass. Add a garnish such as a lemon twist, olives, or cocktail onions, and your cocktail is ready.

Although making martinis might seem daunting, there’s a method that simplifies the process whilst preserving a heavenly texture: make a large batch and store it in the freezer. “The freezer martini method enhances that texture,” asserts Pete Vasconcellos, beverage director for Albert’s Bar in New York. “Grab a one-liter glass bottle with a secure lid, determine your ideal martini ratio of vodka to vermouth and scale it up to 750 milliliters (to nearly fill the bottle). Multiply the total volume by 20% (150 milliliters) and add that amount of distilled water. Keep your martini batch in the glass bottle in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pour it into a chilled martini glass. There’s no need to stir!”