There’s nothing quite as disappointing as pouring a vodka, taking a sip, and finding out that there’s nothing but an unpleasant burn. Despite being one of the most popular drinks on the planet, standards vary hugely. If you want an easy-drinking vodka that doesn’t contort your face, then check out these smooth operators at various price levels for whatever your budget is.
£15-£30
Puschkin Vodka
This German gem is simply fantastic for the price, offering a flavour profile as classic as a Pushkin novel. Crafted with pure spring water and an ice filtration process, it's so smooth, even the bear on the bottle seems to be giving it a friendly wave rather than a ferocious roar. Puschkin is a completely steadfast vodka that won’t let you down for any cocktails.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £15.99 (usually more!)
Rekyka Vodka
We love Reyka at The Three Drinkers. It’s an Icelandic vodka crafted from wheat and barley with green production thanks to glacial water and geothermal heat, and the end result is to die for – as clean as a whistle, and as smooth as a polar bear’s slide. The whole mouthfeel is so gloriously rounded, with a slight creamy, vanilla note playing off peppery spice, but mostly is the icy cleanliness that stands out. Top notch.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.80 (usually more!)
Vusa Vodka
Say hello to Vusa Vodka, South Africa's premium sip with a touch of sweet swagger! Crafted in small batches with sugar cane straight from KwaZulu-Natal, it's smooth, clean, and wallet-friendly, providing a superior drinking experience to many brands twice the price. It’s ideal for sipping neat but mix up some magic with an Espresso Martini and make the most of that gentle sweetness. Oh, and what a glorious bottle, celebrating South Africa and standing out amongst the other vodka bottles – love it.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.98
Haku Japanese Craft Vodka
From The House of Suntory comes a must-try Japanese rice vodka (Haku means white in Japanese). Suitably though, the word can also be read as brilliant. Crafted from Japanese white rice, twice distilled and filtered through bamboo charcoal, what’s bottles is complex and aromatic, encompassing a subtle botanical character you’d usually find in a gin. Think of cardamom, bitter lemon and peppermint, all gently flavouring the crisp and clean feel.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.95
£30+
Dingle Vodka
In County Kerry, lies a master of all trades with the Dingle Distillery, producing Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka... the latter of which came first. Crafted with a quintuple distillation technique it's pure, smooth, with a touch of creamy sweetness to raise an eyebrow or two.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £31.74
Fire & Ice Gold Premium Vodka
Fresh from the alpine water of the Swiss Alps comes Fire & Ice, filtered with real gold and edible gold leaves for the luxury touch. The softness on the palate is what hits home here, with crisp minerality cutting through for a refreshing feel. Lovely as a gift or sipping over a splash of tonic and slice of lime – depending on how generous you’re feeling.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.95
Nykur Vodka
Nykur is an organic vodka from the Faroe Islands, but one that won the top Master award at the 2023 Vodka Masters. Crafted with water drawn from Kirvi mountain, filtered through 12 layers of basalt rock, it glides down the throat with unparalleled smoothness. Not only that, but the slightly higher alcohol is perfectly integrated, buffing out the texture for a premium, mature, and elegant liquid perfect for a classy Martini.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £35.60
X Muse
If you’re lucky enough to sip on X Muse, you’ll know why we rave about it. Crafted from old heritage barley varieties up in Scotland, the result is not only the gloriously sleek profile you want from vodka, but also a surprising but amazing flavour. Enjoy the in-your-face florality with the sweet, toasted barley backbone riding on a wave of intoxicating viscosity, with delicate touches of ginger and nutmeg. Try it with an olive because the salinity makes for an unforgettable mix. Worth every penny.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £55 (usually more!)
Well, how about some Martini recipes for these silky vodkas? Here are 10 of the Best Martini Variations to make at home!