21 Vodka Brands You Needed to Try Like, Yesterday, Just Sayin'
No judgement, but your vodka soda could be better.
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Put a finger down if your first experience with vodka was a plastic handle of your locally branded generic dancing juice you hid in your college mini fridge. Put another finger down if your mixers included Crystal Light, OJ, or any vending machine soda. Put another down if this experience has destroyed your ability to drink vodka without gagging just a little.
If you feel seen, know that the world's vodka game has improved a lot since your college days with more brands experimenting with how they’re making it, infusing and distilling it with unique flavors. Give these 16 vodkas a shot (or two).
So if you're ready to upgrade your bar cart, right this way.
Made from 100 percent rye from Illinois farmers who mill it on site and filter it three damn times. FYI, rye vodka tastes slightly spice forward, making it bomb for a bloody Mary or citrus mixer.
A brand from The Diddy himself: It's slightly pricey, but that's because it's made in the origin of fancy things everywhere: France. And! It's made from grapes, which is kind of amazing. Expect some slightly fruity notes.
This gluten-free vodka is apparently made with mineral water from a 15,000-year-old aquifer in the New Zealand's Southern Alps and pure spring water from the North Island. So, yeah, it's pretty freaking refreshing.
Made from winter wheat (aka the ideal type of wheat used to make PASTA), this brand is allegedly made in true Swedish fashion. That means it's distilled five times and blended with spring watahhh.
Down for a personal recommendation? Cool. This cucumber flavored vodka is basically boozy spa water. Mix it with actual water (literally WATER!! It's my go-to), a Bloody Mary, lemon lime soda, or straight up on the rocks.
This bartender’s favorite is easy to find, easy to drink, and won't make you go broke.
Made with malted barley, this unique Irish vodka has a smooth, creamy taste.
This affordable classic is great in cocktails, from Moscow Mules to Bloody Mary's.
Kettle One’s Botanicals are slightly lower in alcohol and distilled and infused with natural flavors, making them perfect for mixing up a vodka soda...or three—you do you.
Admit it, you like the sound of rosé-flavored vodka—if it's done right. Ask, and you shall receive.
This award-winning vodka is distilled from raw honey, giving it a subtle hint of sweetness.
This Polish brand hit the U.S. less than 10 years ago. There's a blade of buffalo grass in the bottle, which gives the spirit a delightfully herbaceous flavor.
Founded by actor Walter Goggins (from Justified) and his cinematographer buddy Matt Alper, Mulholland is one of the first spirits made in Los Angeles since Prohibition.
You'll feel so, so good about drinking this smooth, potato-based vodka: For every bottle sold, the company funds 20 meals through partnerships with hunger relief programs.
Yes, dahling, this Soviet classic is absolutely fabulous.
This California vodka is made by distilling Bartlett pears. The end result doesn’t taste like pears, although it does have floral notes. Also, how cool is this dollar-bill inspired bottle?
Made by infusing and distilling three types of oranges, this is a top pick if citrus-flavored vodkas are your jam.
This premium brand is made from rye and potatoes, giving it a little something extra.
Produced in Newfoundland, this vodka comes in a stunning bottle and counts actor Dan Aykroyd as a co-founder. Would it be weird to use this as home decor later? Because I will.
This British brand has a savory finish thanks to water that’s been smoked with English Oak.
Hailey Eber was the longtime Food Editor at the New York Post. She’s now a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, where she enjoys tacos, mezcal, and not having to walk places in the snow.
Ashley Oerman is a contributing writer at Cosmopolitan, covering fitness, health, food, cocktails, and home. You can follow her on Instagram @AshleyOerman. She is pro-carbs.
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