Photo: dia4, Getty Images.
Before we dive into the world of vodka, you should know that listing the “best” vodkas is pretty subjective – unless you literally want a list of the most expensive vodkas on the market (and we’re pretty sure you don’t). If that’s the case, you can find vodkas selling for hundreds, thousands, and even millions of dollars on the market. But who would want to spend that much? Lucky for you, there are many vodkas on the market that are really good but won’t break the bank. These are some of the best vodkas for your buck:
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
No vodka list is complete without Tito’s. The Austin, Texas favorite is also the state’s oldest legal distillery. It’s made in small batches in old-fashioned pot stills and is taste-tested before bottling to guarantee the same great vodka every time. “I make a filet mignon for a pot roast price,” says founder Tito Beveridge on the company’s website. Tito’s is the go-to vodka for cocktail enthusiasts and people looking for a change of pace from the giant vodka conglomerates.
Karlsson’s Gold
Like Tito’s, Karlsson’s Gold is made in small batches. But unlike Tito’s, this vodka comes from the spirit-loving country of Sweden (well-known for a handful of other famous vodkas). Karlsson’s, a potato-based vodka, comes from the famed Cape Bjäre region of the Scandinavian country. This vodka gets its flavor not from one potato but several unique potatoes. This gives it a well-rounded, crisp flavor that you’ll be going back to again and again.
Also: Spring Cocktails | 8 Delicious Drinks For The New Season
Prairie Organic Vodka
In recent years, consumers are becoming much more concerned about where exactly their food and drinks come from. Visit any grocery store and you’re sure to find an organic section in the produce department. Luckily for these people, distillers have joined the trend. One of the best is Prairie Organic Vodka. Their vodka is crafted “from seed to glass” with ingredients that are grown at family-owned farms in the land of 10,000 lakes in Minnesota. The distillers honor the dedication of the farmers by creating this pure, delicious vodka that is perfect for your favorite cocktail like martinis and vodka tonics.
Aylesbury Duck Vodka
You pretty much can’t go wrong when you purchase a product from 86 and Co. and Aylesbury Duck Vodka is no exception. If you ask bartenders what their favorite vodka is, a majority will mention Aylesbury Duck Vodka. This is the bartender’s vodka. If you buy it you can feel cool that you’re purchasing a spirit worthy of some the most famous mixologists in the world. Plus, it’s pretty good. If you sip this surprisingly complex vodka, you’ll be greeted with hints of beets, carrots, ginger, and a subtle pepper flavor.
Russian Standard
This list already includes vodkas from the U.S. and Sweden, but it wouldn’t be complete (and it’d be downright disrespectful) if we didn’t include at least one vodka from Russia. Enter Russian Standard, a vodka that has been in production since 1894 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The water used to make this unique vodka comes from a glacial lake near the city called Lake Ladoga. The vodka is made with Russian winter wheat and produced in a state-of-the-art facility, guaranteeing the same delicious vodka time after time.
