Vodka is the one spirit that's legally required to taste like almost nothing. US regulation defines it as a neutral spirit, without a distinctive character of its own, bottled at 80 proof or higher. That doesn't make the differences imaginary, but it does mean they're smaller than the marketing suggests, and they come down to what it's distilled from and how it feels rather than how it tastes. We carry more than 80 vodkas, from $17 handles to bottles well past $200. We ship to most states, with an adult 21 or older required to sign at delivery.
What Vodka Is Made From
The base ingredient is the one difference you can reliably taste, and it mostly shows up as texture rather than flavor.
Wheat. The most common base, and the one people think of as the standard. Clean and slightly sweet, with a soft finish. Absolut and Grey Goose are both wheat.
Rye. Fuller and a little spicy, with more body than wheat. Belvedere is made from Polish rye and it's the easiest way to taste what rye does to a vodka.
Corn. Softer and sweeter, and naturally gluten free without any extra processing. Tito's is corn, which is a large part of why it drinks the way it does.
Potato. The fullest texture of any base, closer to creamy than clean. Chopin is the reference point. Not the best mixer, but worth trying if you drink vodka cold and neat.
Grape. Unusual, and it shows. Cîroc is distilled from French grapes, which gives it a faint fruit character that carries through in cocktails.
Shop Vodka by Brand
The brands people ask for most are here: Tito's, Absolut, Cîroc, Belvedere and Pinnacle, alongside Grey Goose, Ketel One, Smirnoff and New Amsterdam. If you're buying for a party rather than a shelf, the 1.75L handles are where the value is, and brands like Crown Russe and Platinum do that job for a fraction of the price of the premium names.
One thing worth ignoring: distillation counts. Seven times distilled is not automatically better than three. It's a production choice, not a quality rating, and it's on the label because it sounds impressive. Buy on base ingredient, texture and price instead.
Flavored Vodka
Flavored vodka does a specific job, which is getting a drinkable cocktail together without building a syrup or muddling fruit. Cîroc carries the widest range here, and there's more on what's worth buying in our guide to the best flavored vodkas. If you'd rather skip the mixing entirely, the ready to drink section covers premixed vodka cocktails.
Picking a Vodka
For cocktails. A mid-shelf bottle is genuinely enough. In a Moscow Mule or a Bloody Mary, the mixer is doing the work and the difference between a $25 and a $60 vodka disappears.
For martinis and neat pours. This is where texture matters and where spending more actually returns something. Rye and potato bases have the most presence.
For a party. Go by volume. A 1.75L handle costs far less per ounce than two 750s, and nobody is assessing the finish on the third round.
For a gift. Gift sets take the guesswork out, and a bottle with real presence beats a better bottle that looks like everything else.
Vodka FAQ
What is vodka made from?
Most commonly wheat, rye, corn or potato, though grapes and other bases are used too. The ingredient affects texture and mouthfeel more than flavor, since vodka is distilled to be neutral.
How many calories are in a shot of vodka?
A 1.5 oz shot of 80 proof vodka has roughly 96 to 97 calories, almost all of it from the alcohol itself. Higher proof means more calories. Flavored vodkas often add sugar.
Is vodka gluten free?
Distillation removes gluten proteins, so even wheat and rye based vodkas are generally considered gluten free. If you're highly sensitive, a corn or potato based vodka avoids the question entirely.
What's the difference between vodka and gin?
Gin is essentially vodka that's been flavored with juniper and other botanicals. Our guide on vodka versus gin goes through where each one works better.
Does expensive vodka actually taste better?
In a cocktail, rarely. Neat or in a martini, sometimes, and the difference is usually texture rather than flavor. Base ingredient tells you more about what you're getting than price does.
Can vodka be shipped to my state?
We ship to most U.S. states, typically within a few business days. Someone 21 or older has to sign at delivery. Availability is confirmed at checkout, since a handful of states restrict direct spirits shipments.