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Pouring vodka shots

Without vodka we wouldn’t have the Dirty Shirley, 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 Ashley Eldefri, brand ambassador for The Community Spirit Vodka. “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.

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.

Eldefri suggests that grain-based vodkas like rye provide a more spiced character with strong, rich undertones. This type of vodka tends to be leaner and drier than other variants.

Rye vodka is specifically well matched in certain mixed drinks. Alissa Marinello, a bartender at Vivamee Hospitality properties, Renault Winery & Resort and LBI National in New Jersey, explains that a dirty vodka martini can highlight the unique traits of rye vodka. The subtle, dry nature of rye vodka pairs superbly with the sharp hint of olive juice in this cocktail.

On the other hand, fruit vodka does not originate from fruit itself. The fruit flavor is infused post-distillation. Eldefri points out that numerous contemporary brands offer flavored alternatives, with added fruits or herbs post-distillation. Popular fruit vodka flavors encompass melon, strawberry, blueberry, lemon, raspberry, lime, and orange.

Marinello suggests avoiding artificial ingredients and colors, and instead making your own flavored vodka. Her advice is to fill a jug with a non-flavored vodka and a fruit of your preference. The vodka is then left to infuse for a minimum of three days, and a maximum of seven. After the infusion, the fruit flavored vodka is strained into a jar or bottle, ready for cocktail making!

Many people love having corn with their dinner, and it is also a favored ingredient in vodka. According to Eldefri, vodkas made with corn are praised for their mild and slightly sweet taste, combined with a silky mouthfeel and hint of vanilla or buttery nuances.

Eldefri suggests that if you are craving a martini, you should consider using a corn-based vodka for this classic drink, allowing the liquor’s unique flavor to shine through.

Now, to clear any misconceptions, vodka made from potatoes does not taste like french fries or mashed potatoes. Eldefri explains that these types of vodkas are loved for their creamy, rich texture and the slight earthy and nutty flavor they possess.

Potato vodka is a wonderful companion to savory foods, such as particular cheeses and meats. This can be a valuable tip for future dining or dinner party hosting.

If you’re looking for a distinctive vodka experience, consider molasses-based vodka. Eldefri explains that this type of vodka, typically associated with rum production, delivers a marginally sweeter and more nuanced flavor, featuring molasses and caramel nuances. The caramel-like flavor of molasses vodka can beautifully complement a cream-based cocktail like a white Russian.

As Marinello points out, flavored vodka is enjoyable to experiment with as it allows for the creation of more complex cocktails with fewer ingredients. However, she recommends those with gluten sensitivity to avoid this type of vodka, as post-distillation artificial flavorings that may include this prevalent allergen can be added.

Regarding the variety of flavors, there is a vast spectrum, with many falling into the citrus (like lemonade, grapefruit) or fruit (such as 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