Vodka is everywhere these days, and whilst that means tonnes of quality bottles, it also unfortunately means there are some stinkers. If you’re making a vodka cocktail like a Martini, then a good quality vodka has to be at the heart of it or else it’s doomed to fail.
But that doesn’t mean breaking the bank. These are our wallet-friendly vodkas that will never let you or your Martinis down, all coming in below or just above £20!
Finlandia Vodka
Introducing Finlandia Vodka, and no prizes for guessing where it’s made. This Finnish sensation is as smooth as glacial ice, in part because it’s crafted with care using glacial spring water. Because of this, drinkers sometimes enjoy it frozen but chilled is plenty good enough to enjoy the purity. With six-row barley and a century-old distillery in the mix, Finlandia brings both tradition and freshness to your glass and is a stunning all-rounder for Martinis.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £17.99
Emperor Original Vodka
Introducing the regal Emperor Original Vodka, hand-crafted by Master Distillers using a secret recipe, each bottle carries the legacy of over 300 years of vodka heritage. Crafted with precision, this vodka undergoes five meticulous distillations, resulting in silky smoothness and zero burn, before it comes to rest in that striking 1920s art nouveau/deco bottle. The original represents great value and consistency for all Martinis but check out their flavoured range too – the Chocolate would make for a delicious Chocolatini.
Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.99
Five Vodka
Five Vodka is a delightful Welsh creation from the renowned makers of Penderyn whisky. Distilled five times and charcoal-filtered, it boasts a smooth and subtly malty taste with a peppery twist and captures the wild essence of its surroundings using glacier-fed Brecon Beacons water. Five Vodka's unique and memorable character shines through when enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but its spicy, herbal, and nutty tones add tremendous depth to a Martini too – a really classy number for the price.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £19 (usually more!)
Stoli Red Label Vodka
Behold, Stoli– a Latvian marvel crafted from the finest wheat and rye. Its threefold filtration process, including quartz and charcoal, bestows a pure, crisp taste that adds a touch of elegance beyond the price point. There is a touch of menthol, orange and a creamy grain quality that makes this a benchmark budget option. It won’t let you or your cocktail down.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.45
Discarded Grape Skin Chardonnay Vodka
A unique zero-waste wonder this one, as it’s crafted from grape skins, stems, and seeds leftover from winemaking, distilled to perfection, and blended with Chardonnay alcohol leftover from alcohol-free wine. Unsurprisingly, this is fruit-forward with green apple and tropical notes, as well as hints of almond croissants, and a bright lift of lychee. It really stands out from the crowd so if you’re tired of neutral vodkas, you’ve gotta give this a go.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £22
Tattu Premium Original
After one sip of this, you’ll realise that it could easily be more expensive, but thankfully it isn’t! Distilled five times through old copper pots and infused with various botanicals, it delivers an elegant and burn-free experience that London's mixologists adore. Natural, expertly crafted and no harshness whatsoever, use for a dry Martini and enjoy.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £22.99
Ketel One Vodka
It doesn’t really get more tried and tested than Ketel One – they’ve been around since 1691! A mixology mainstay around the world for its versatility in cocktails, their neutral flagship liquid is deliciously creamy with subtle honied citrus and a smooth finish that makes drinking it dangerously easy. Completely and utterly reliable for all of your Martini needs.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.50
Well, now you’ve got your vodka you need some stunning Martini recipes, luckily, we can oblige! Here are 10 of the Best Martini Variations to make at home!