10 Bottom Shelf Vodkas That Are Actually Worth The Buy, According To Experts

Tito's is a bartender's best friend

Jennie Wilson recommends Tito's as the top choice for affordable vodka that doesn't compromise on quality. "Tito's is well-known for being a highly drinkable vodka that you can still find in a plastic jug," Wilson shared with Chowhound. "If you're opting for a budget-friendly spirit, vodka is the way to go since it generally has the least flavor complexity among liquors. Therefore, we have lower expectations for vodka in terms of aroma and flavor depth." Torrance Coombs concurs, stating, "It's the spirit you choose when you specifically want the alcohol to remain neutral."

Tito Beveridge began crafting his vodka in Austin, Texas, in the early 1990s, and Tito's Handmade Vodka has since earned a reputation as one of the finest vodkas in America. According to their story, it was a challenging journey to get his modest creations onto store shelves, but Tito's became the first legal distillery in Texas and eventually a favorite among bartenders. With a surname like Beveridge, it seems he was destined to thrive in the spirits industry.

Svedka gets the party started

Svedka is a budget-friendly American vodka that exudes a lively party atmosphere, at least in terms of its branding. The brand's website proclaims, "SVEDKA goes big. Goes crazy. Goes off. Goes everywhere." However, seasoned bartender Torrance Coombs suggests that vodka isn't intended to be the main attraction when he serves Svedka. "In my personal bar... I only stock bottom-shelf vodka," he shared. "Even when I splurge on premium spirits in other categories." This indicates that vodka is a category where you can significantly reduce your liquor expenses.

Coombs acknowledges that there are some outstanding high-end vodkas available, but he points out that they often taste similar to lower-priced options. "I've participated in vodka tastings in specialized vodka rooms, and when sampled side by side, the differences are noticeable. But once you mix it into a cocktail, I find it makes little difference if you're adding anything remotely flavorful alongside it. Other flavors will dominate, and that's really the role of vodka for me." Therefore, when crafting cocktails, there's no reason to use a more expensive vodka. Coombs opts for Svedka from the bottom shelf.

Is it Stoli or Stolichnaya?

At 11th Mile, Meg Messer, the star bartender of Jennie Wilson, joins our chat as she prepares for the evening dinner service. She candidly shares that, despite what cocktail purists might think, she has a soft spot for a well-made lemon drop martini. When crafting one at home, she opts for Stoli, which is quadruple distilled for an exceptionally clean flavor that lets the other ingredients shine through.

This discussion began with two American vodka brands, but it's impossible to mention vodka without considering its Russian roots. Stolichnaya, a vodka made from wheat and rye, was established in the Soviet Union in 1938. In 1997, the brand underwent a contentious split, resulting in two distinct entities: Stolichnaya, produced in Russia primarily for the domestic market, and "Stoli," crafted in Latvia by Stoli Group. In 2022, Stoli Group publicly opposed the invasion of Ukraine and even introduced a special edition #LiberateUkraine bottle.

Today, Stoli proudly identifies itself as the "vodka of forward-moving cities," describing these places as vibrant cultural melting pots where diverse mindsets, ethnicities, and communities coexist. So, while it may simply taste great, your vodka can also reflect broader global issues.

Luksusowa is loyal to the humble potato

Focusing on Eastern Europe for a moment, Luksusowa is next on the lists of Jennie Wilson and Meg Messer. While not all vodkas are crafted from potatoes, this particular one is. An award-winning vodka from Poland, Luksusowa made its debut in 1928 and continues to be produced in Poland using locally sourced potatoes. The brand positions itself as a premium vodka, with its name derived from the Polish word for "luxurious." Despite its premium branding, you can typically find a bottle of Luksusowa priced between $15 and $20. "I would keep that in my home," Wilson remarked. "I would serve that."

"In the world of bartending or mixology, vodka often doesn't get much attention," Wilson explained, noting that vodka's usual lack of a distinct character is why many mixologists overlook it. Nevertheless, numerous classic cocktails feature vodka as their foundation, and some bartenders are keen to reinvent and revive these traditional drinks.

Cocktails like Cosmos, white and black Russians, Moscow mules, Bloody Marys, and espresso martinis all rely on vodka. "We created a drink with Luksusowa that was a refreshed version of a Cosmo," Wilson shared. "You'll notice many bartenders revisiting those classic cocktails, especially those that may have fallen out of favor or gained a negative reputation, and we're giving them a new life." And they’re doing it with Luksusowa.

Sobieski keeps the Polish pride going

Torrance Coombs has another selection from Poland: Sobieski. This vodka is crafted in Poland using 100% Polish rye and spring water, distilled in traditional 40-meter columns. It is named after King Jan III Sobieski of Poland, known as The Lion of Poland. This 17th-century monarch is celebrated for his victories against the Ottomans, among other achievements. In fact, there’s even a constellation and a room in Vatican City that bear his name. The bottles of Sobieski are adorned with designs that narrate his story. Impressive, right? However, Sobieski is ultimately an affordable vodka that blends seamlessly into any cocktail, as Coombs suggests. If you enjoy negronis, consider trying a "negroski," which replaces gin with Sobieski.

Sobieski offers both 37.5 proof and 40 proof clear vodka, available in sizes ranging from 50ml to 1750ml—perfect for those preparing for the apocalypse or just hosting a large gathering. They also produce a variety of flavored vodkas, including their award-winning grapefruit option.

New Amsterdam is an old favorite

Completing Torrance Coombs' top three selections, New Amsterdam is another grain-based vodka produced in California. As stated on their website, New Amsterdam vodka undergoes five distillations and three filtrations, resulting in an award-winning, soft, and smooth spirit. The brand's 100 proof vodka offers hints of citrus.

For those unfamiliar with liquor terminology, "proof" indicates the ethanol content of a beverage, defined in the U.S. as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). Therefore, 100 proof signifies that this vodka contains 50% alcohol. This places it on the higher end of the commercial vodka spectrum, which generally ranges from 75 to 100 proof, with most varieties around 80 proof (40% ABV).

New Amsterdam serves as the official vodka of the UFC and is currently promoting a collaboration with the popular YouTube interview series Hot Ones, featuring a pepper-infused vodka with notes of habanero, Fresno, and serrano peppers. If you're looking to spice up your next vodka soda or Moscow Mule, consider giving New Amsterdam a try. Additionally, you might want to store this budget-friendly vodka in the freezer beforehand. While it won't freeze due to its high alcohol content, it will chill nicely and become extra smooth.

Absolut is absolutely fine

Absolut is a globally recognized Swedish brand that originated in Åhus, Sweden, in 1972. The brand prides itself on using Swedish winter wheat and pure well water in its vodka production. Its label highlights its commitment to sustainability, featuring carbon-neutral distillation achieved through tree planting to offset its carbon footprint, as well as over 50% recycled glass in its bottles. If you're a Millennial, you might remember Absolut's memorable 2008 video campaigns created by the comedy duo Tim and Eric, featuring Zach Galifianakis. It's refreshing to see a brand that embraces both humor and environmental responsibility.

Jennie Wilson describes Absolut as "perfectly drinkable," especially for "beach drinks" or when enjoying affordable cocktails made by bartenders who may not be overly meticulous. "When my friends are hanging out on my patio and I want to keep things light and fun, I’ll whip up a vodka and soda with a splash of cranberry," said the restaurant owner. "It’s tasty and refreshing."

Torrance Coombs also speaks highly of this vodka brand. "Absolut once had a series of flavored vodkas inspired by different cities," he shared. "One of them was Absolut New Orleans, which had a mango and black pepper flavor. I initially started collecting them for the bottles, but I ended up loving the taste. I kept it in the freezer and enjoyed it for months."

Smirnoff puts the icing on the cake

Smirnoff is a brand you should definitely be familiar with, as it’s widely available. It boasts the title of "the number one best-selling premium vodka in the world." Currently sold in over 130 countries, the brand was founded by P.A. Smirnov in 1864 and was rebranded as Smirnoff following the Russian Revolution. Smirnoff is particularly well-known for its vodka coolers, like Smirnoff Ice, a refreshing citrus-flavored carbonated beverage that gained popularity in 2010 due to the internet phenomenon known as "icing." This prank involves hiding a Smirnoff Ice, and the person who discovers it must kneel and drink the entire bottle in one go. While this trend may have boosted Smirnoff's sales, it might not be the best news for those dealing with hangovers.

This is where Jennie Wilson and Meg Messer, who are not fans of flavored vodka, part ways with the brand. They describe flavored options as "a headache in a glass." Conversely, Torrance Coombs has expressed his fondness for a particular flavored vodka, enjoying it slowly. Perhaps he has more self-control than others, or it simply comes down to individual preference.

Most major vodka brands provide flavored varieties to sample. Regardless of flavor, Wilson and Messer agree that Smirnoff doesn’t make it onto their personal shopping lists. However, Wirecutter, a product review site by The New York Times, included it among their top vodkas for 2024, describing it as "crisp, clean, and versatile." Ultimately, you’ll need to try it for yourself and form your own opinion.

Ketel One keeps it classic

What do you do when you want to enjoy vodka without mixing it with juice or soda, but you also want to keep your spending in check? Jennie Wilson and Meg Messer believe that having Ketel One on hand is a smart choice. At 11th Mile, known for its inventive craft cocktails, they’re more than happy to whip up a vodka martini if requested. In that scenario, Messer shares that Ketel One is their preferred vodka.

A martini is simply made by combining vodka (or gin, if that’s your preference) with a splash of vermouth, and that’s really all there is to it. While there are numerous ways to elevate a martini—whether you like it wet or dry, shaken or stirred, garnished with a lemon twist or made dirty with an olive—martinis are generally as close to pure alcohol as a cocktail can get. Therefore, when crafting a classic martini, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality spirit, as there’s nothing to mask its flavor. Messer’s choice of Ketel One speaks volumes about its clean and smooth profile.

Produced in the Netherlands, Ketel One was established in 1983 by the Nolet family, who have been distilling in Schiedam, Holland since 1691. Each bottle proudly features their family seal. The distillery derives its name from the traditional copper pot still, "Distilleerketel No. 1," which continues to be used in the vodka-making process.

Some rumors are true about Kirkland Signature vodka

There's buzz going around that Costco's Kirkland Signature vodka is surprisingly good. Torrance Coombs claims it's comparable to any other budget vodka and might even rival some premium brands. "If you served someone a vodka soda made with Kirkland, and they had specifically asked for Grey Goose or Tito's, I think they'd struggle to tell the difference," he noted, specifically mentioning Kirkland's French vodka.

Interestingly, there have been speculations about which company manufactures Kirkland's vodka, with some people convinced it’s Grey Goose. The company has refuted this claim—there's even a section on their website addressing the rumor—but it highlights the quality of Kirkland's vodka.

Curious to see if Coombs' clever switch holds up? Grab your membership card! You might also want to check out other affordable liquors available at Costco before you head out.

Unique local options can be good alternatives to bottom shelf vodka

When you're in the mood for an affordable vodka and want to support small businesses, consider adding a local brand to your bar's collection. You could take a fun road trip to a nearby micro-distillery (there might even be one right in your city) or order online from these smaller producers. If you can spend the same amount as you would on bottom-shelf vodka while supporting a local business, why not? You'll likely discover something exceptional, and at the very least, it will make your bar cart stand out!

11th Mile takes pride in celebrating local ingredients whenever possible. This philosophy is reflected in the bar, where Jennie Wilson ensures that Blue Lobster vodka from Nova Scotia Spirit Co. and Vieille Bagosse vodka from Distillerie Fils Du Roy are always available. Both brands are local operations with internationally recognized products.

Fils du Roy was founded in 2012 by the mother-son duo Sébastien and Diane Roy in New Brunswick. Their micro-distillery has received international acclaim and has even been featured in a glowing article in Forbes. Wilson appreciates Vieille Bagosse not only for its local roots but also for its distinctiveness; this vodka is aged in whiskey barrels for an extra layer of flavor. On the other hand, Blue Lobster is the "affordable and cheerful" local choice that's ideal for mixed drinks.