13 Tips To Select The Right Type Of Vodka For Your Martini
When you're in the mood for a boozy, classic cocktail that you can order at almost any bar, a vodka martini will almost always do the trick. Although you can get this sophisticated, grown-up sipper wherever you go, not all martinis are created equal — and a lot of the discrepancies in quality come down to the type of vodka you choose to serve as the base of your drink.
Despite the common misconception that all vodka tastes the same (which in most people's minds, means it has no taste at all), the reality is that different types of vodka do in fact, taste differently. Even if you love a particular brand of vodka on its own, there are a range of factors that help determine whether or not it's going to be the best choice for your next martini.
From the occasion, to the setting, to how much vermouth you want in your cocktail, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help ensure you end up with the vodka martini of your dreams.
Don't blow your budget
As with most liquors, you can find vodka at a variety of price points — and the gap between top-shelf and well is substantial enough that you should take a moment to consider your finances before selecting which vodka you'd like to serve as the base of your martini. Don't get us wrong, we think rail vodka should be reserved for things like vodka cranberries or vodka sodas (or desperate times), but you don't always need to pick the most expensive option to get a delicious martini.
Opting for a mid-tier bottle is usually a safe bet. Since you're undoubtedly going to taste the vodka in this beverage, the selection should be nice enough to drink on its own. At the same time, martinis are usually already on the expensive side since they contain so much liquor, so unless you're prepared for some serious sticker shock, you want it to be affordable enough that you don't start drinking to drown your financial woes.
Drink for the occasion
While we think drinking a martini is an occasion in and of itself, there's something to be said for matching the caliber of your vodka to the reason behind your imbibing. If you're just grabbing a casual drink after work, it might make more sense to opt for a safe, reliable, affordable option like Tito's or Ketel One. If you need to drink your cocktail in a hurry, then it might not be the best time to order something truly worth savoring.
If you're ordering a martini to celebrate getting a new job, a birthday, or an anniversary, then the celebration may call for selecting something a little more special such as Belvedere Single Estate Rye. Just remember that if you do decide to go with a higher-end option, a martini made with the good stuff isn't going to be cheap. There's nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time, and an extra special vodka martini practically screams "this is a special occasion!"
Up or on the rocks?
Since we assume that if you're reading this, you've already made the most important decision when it comes to ordering a martini (vodka or gin), then the next thing you need to consider before choosing your base is if you want your cocktail served up or on the rocks. Your choice will impact more than just whether or not your martini contains ice — it should also help inform which vodka you should select for your beverage.
If you like your martinis on the rocks, your cocktail is going to contain a little extra water as a result of the ice melting and diluting the drink. Even the smallest amount of extra water can change the way you perceive the flavor of booze, as it helps mellow it out and works to cut the signature sting. This means you can opt for a vodka that's a little more robust, such as Chopin Rye, since it's going to benefit from the added smoothness. But if you're bringing ice into the equation, you can probably get away with the well bottle.
On the other hand, if you want your martini served up, but still want something soft and easy(ish)-drinking, you need to select a vodka that features those qualities sans ice. We love Haku Vodka since the rice that serves as its base gives it an incredibly delicate, smooth flavor and mouthfeel.
Consider your garnish
One of the best things about martinis is that they're so customizable — and everyone has their own opinion about what constitutes the perfect martini garnish. Whether you're a die-hard twist fan or you wouldn't even consider drinking a martini that didn't contain three olives, your garnish preference matters when it comes to selecting your vodka.
If you like a vodka martini with a twist, then you're best off selecting a vodka that contains hints of citrus to complement the lemon oil's zesty zing. If you really want to lean into this idea, you can try something like Amass vodka, which is distilled with lemon and chamomile. For those of you that think the best part of a martini is the olives, there are also plenty of vodkas out there that complement the briny, salty flavor of the popular garnish. There's even a Greek vodka called Kástra Elión that's distilled from olives. This concept can be applied to any and every martini garnish under the sun.
Don't forget the vermouth
A key factor when it comes to choosing a vodka is taking into consideration its martini sidekick — vermouth. If you believe that you can skip this one because you like your martinis extra dry, think again. Considering how to choose a vodka for a vermouth-less martini is just as important as choosing one that's going to be paired with an equal pour of the stuff.
Vermouth adds flavor, complexity, and softness to a martini, so if you choose not to include it in your beverage, then you need to pick a vodka that you enjoy on its own. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as you truly enjoy drinking it.
On the other hand, you'll need to do a little more work playing boozy matchmaker if you want your martini wet or perfect, since you don't want the vodka to be overpowered or for the flavor notes to clash. Don't neglect your selection either when it comes to the fortified stuff either — be sure to reach for one of the best vermouth brands.
Be aware of the vodka's base ingredient
Vodka is versatile, and it can be made from a wide (and we mean very wide) variety of different base ingredients. Although most vodkas are produced from wheat, corn, rye, or potatoes, other ingredients like apples, honey, and even quinoa can also be distilled into a martini-friendly spirit. Although the flavor differences between various styles of vodka are subtle, they're there —and the base ingredient works to impart certain flavors into the final product.
For example, Barr Hill Vodka, which is made from pure honey, features distinct notes of wildflowers and a hint of sweetness. Vermont Gold Vodka is made from (you guessed it) maple sap and features notes of butterscotch, caramel, and maple syrup. Having this type of information under your belt is helpful because although both Barr Hill and Vermont Gold are delicious in many contexts, the sweet undertones don't make them good options to serve as the base of a super salty dirty martini. While we advise against getting too stuck in your ways, if you know you prefer vodka made from a certain ingredient, then feel free to stick to bottles in the same family.
Drink like a local
No matter where you are, opting for a local bottle of booze can tell you a lot about a place's culture. Whether you're traveling internationally, taking a weekend road trip, or even just exploring the bars and restaurants in your hometown, you can often find locally distilled vodka — and we highly recommend ordering it in your martini.
It can be tempting to stick to the big brands you know and love, but craft distilleries are becoming more and more common for good reason: They offer delicious options that are often much more unique than your standard bottle of booze. If you're unfamiliar with a place's homegrown spirit, you can always ask the bartender for help.
Not only will sticking to this tip mean you'll be supporting local businesses, but drinking like a local also means you'll get the chance to experience the flavors and styles that help define a place's drinking and culinary culture. Plus, if you find a local option you love, picking up a bottle or two to bring home makes a great souvenir.
Be mindful of variations
Talking about martini variations opens up a whole new can of worms, so we'll get straight to the point — if you order a fruity, flavored option like a lemon drop martini, you don't need to pay that much attention to the vodka. You aren't going to be able to taste it.
We don't mean this in a bad way. Adding ingredients like simple syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail is meant to make the booze more palatable. So, if you want an appletini, a raspberry martini, or another option that brings in other flavor-forward ingredients, don't waste your money on high-end vodka. Most likely, the bartender isn't even going to ask you about your vodka preference since they're also well aware that it's unnecessary in this context. If a bartender tries to sell you on something expensive for the base of your lemon drop, it's probably a red flag.
One final word of wisdom we'll offer you about martini variations is this: be careful. Just because you're tasting something sweet and fruity rather than in-your-face-boozy doesn't mean that the liquor isn't in there. Too many lemon drops can be just as misery-inducing as too many of their extra-dry, straight-up counterparts.
Consider food pairings
There are several reasons why pairing your vodka martini with food is a wise idea. First of all, martinis are strong, and you need to set yourself up for success by having something in your stomach to help soak up all that liquor. Secondly, ordering a martini with dinner or with appetizers that pair nicely with martinis spread is downright enjoyable, and we promise you'll feel like the classiest, most sophisticated version of yourself when you're that person enjoying a meal and martini at the bar.
Finally, keeping the flavors of your food in mind can help guide you toward the perfect vodka for your beverage. If you're in the mood for something with strong flavors (think seafood or sushi) you'll need to pay more attention to the vodka in your glass than if you just plan to munch on some fries. Lighter bites can be accentuated by pairing them with a light, neutral vodka, while heavy, fatty foods like steak call for something a little more full-bodied.
Drink for a cause
If you want the reason for drinking a martini to run a little deeper than just the fact that they're classy and delicious, don't worry. There are plenty of vodka brands out there that support incredible causes — and make for an incredible martini. Many brands make donating to charity, adhering to environmentally sustainable best practices, or promoting research a core element of their brand.
Simple Vodka is fighting to end hunger by donating 20 meals for every bottle sold, while Absolut Elyx provides a week of clean drinking water to people around the world for every bottle purchased. For the environmentally conscious, Good Vodka helps reduce carbon emissions and water consumption by using the byproducts of coffee production in Columbia to craft its spirit. Then there is Live Proud Vodka which donates to civil rights and LGBTQI organizations.
The point is, there are plenty of ways you can give back when drinking a martini, and knowing you're drinking for a cause will make your cocktail taste even better.
Take caution with flavored vodkas
First of all, we think flavored vodkas are better suited for a fruity cocktail, light spritz, or fun shot than they are for an actual martini — but to each to their own. If you really want a martini made with a flavored vodka (we recommend skipping the vermouth here, and don't even think about adding olive juice), then we advise you to opt for a reputable brand.
If you don't, then you're likely going to find yourself drinking a cold glass of artificial-tasting chemicals. That being said, these days there are plenty of flavored options out there that are sugar-free and contain natural flavors. You can even find flavors that go beyond your basic lemon or orange and feature unique botanicals, herbs, and spices. Savory flavors are also becoming more common, and you can find everything from green chili to horseradish-flavored vodkas for when you're feeling bold.
Ask the bartender
If it's appropriate (and by that we mean the bar isn't absolutely slammed), we highly encourage you to ask your bartender for advice when choosing a vodka for your martini. Just be sure to give them as much context as you can when you ask for their recommendation by letting them know how you like your martini served, as well as the types of flavors you typically gravitate towards.
Not only can a bartender help you make a more informed decision (they are experts, after all), but they can also help get you out of your comfort zone and introduce to you new bottles. Plus, many (if not most) bartenders love talking about booze, so asking for help is a great way to open to door for an interesting conversation. If you're worried they're going to recommend something that's out of your price range, don't be shy about letting them know your budget.