12 Vodka Brands That Deserve a Spot on Your Bar Cart

Harridan is a female-founded, New York–based distillery serving up an 88-proof vodka made from organic corn. The self-proclaimed "Spirit of Defiance" is surprisingly robust with an incredibly smooth mouthfeel and slightly sweet finish, making it ideal for a classic gimlet or cosmopolitan. The team at Harridan works with artisans in Mexico to craft each unique bottle from recycled glass.

Naturally gluten-free Tito's Handmade Vodka is enjoyed by vodka lovers and gluten-free drinkers alike. Made in Austin, Texas, the spirit has Southern roots with an old-fashioned flair (no, really, it's distilled in old-fashioned pot stills). Thanks to its ultrasmooth nature, it pairs just as well with plain soda water (or even iced filtered water) as it does with premium mixers, like Blake Lively's Betty Buzz concoctions.

Loved by celebrities and everyday cocktail lovers, Cîroc is renowned for its incredibly smooth finish, which is the aftermath of being distilled five times. Whereas most vodka is distilled from grains, Cîroc is distilled from French grapes. Of course, that's not to say it tastes like wine. With that in mind, though, Cîroc is available in a variety of flavors. If you're feeling adventurous—and especially if you're craving the comforts of summer—then consider mixing a shot of Cîroc Coconut with a Starbucks Iced Peach Green Tea. Trust us, it's good.

Vodka may have originated in Europe, but nowadays more and more distilleries are cropping up in the U.S. Tower Vodka is another example of an American-made vodka you can't go wrong with. Distilled six times, the brand is applauded by fans for its smooth finish—and its stylish bottle.

Grey Goose is another French vodka brand worth making room for on your bar cart or within your bar cabinet. Back in 1998—shortly after it was first released onto the market—Grey Goose was dubbed the best-tasting vodka in the world by the Beverage Testing Institute. While many new brands have debuted since then, Grey Goose remains a top pick for top-shelf vodka drinkers. And for good reason! It makes for a mean cosmo but is even enjoyable straight.

Japan may be famous for whiskey, but its burgeoning rice vodka is making waves in the spirits industry. Known for its dark spirits, The House of Suntory has dabbled in the realm of white spirits with a vodka filtered through bamboo charcoal. The results are an impeccably smooth drink with light floral and sweet notes.

Ketel One is a top-shelf vodka brand backed by more than 300 years of distilling expertise. All the knowledge poured into the brand is what makes its vodka so unique. Both crisp and smooth, Ketel One is a tasty option for those who prefer straight sips, as well as mixed drinks.

If you love country music—or even The Voice—then you will be intrigued by Smithworks vodka. Created in partnership with the one and only Blake Shelton, Smithworks vodka is an American-made spirit that makes for high-quality mixed drinks at an affordable price. Also, fun fact: According to its website, the thrice-distilled spirit is "made with water from Lake Fort Smith, and with corn from Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma."

Belvedere calls on 600 years of Polish vodka-making tradition to create its flagship spirit. The blend is crafted from Polish rye distilled four times to ensure each sip is as smooth and pure as the last. Enjoy this Polish vodka on the rocks or in a simple cocktail like a martini.

Believe it or not, Prairie Organic Vodka is more than just a pretty bottle. Despite being distilled from corn in Minnesota, the American-made vodka offers hints of melon and pear, both of which make it an absolute delight to consume. Best of all, the brand's distilling process is 100 percent powered by renewable energy, so it's a sustainable spirit too.

Masataka Taketsuru founded Nikka Whisky in 1940 after spending years studying the art of whiskey-making in Scotland and bringing it back to Japan. Years later, the acclaimed brand began distilling its vodka, which blends corn and barley into a delightful drink. Refined with white birch charcoal, Nikka Coffey Vodka hints of zesty yet sweet notes with an overall smooth and milky mouthfeel.

By now, you know vodka can be distilled from grapes, corn, and grains of most kinds, but did you think potatoes would make that list too? Thanks to Chopin Vodka, they do. The gluten-free Chopin Potato Vodka is known for its creamier finish, which makes the spirit particularly enjoyable straight or on the rocks.

If you like the flavor of vodka but are considering embarking on a sober-curious journey, there's no time like the present. Here in 2022—a year in which wellness is even more at the forefront—nonalcoholic cocktail brands are popping up all over the place, and CleanCo's apple vodka alternative is one worth taking note of. It has a warm alcohol-like finish, without the possibility of a hangover (which most people hope to avoid at all costs). In that way, it's the best of both worlds.