Fitness / December 11, 2023

The Best Vodka for a Martini, Whether Dirty or With a Twist

The martini—one of cocktail culture’s true classics, first gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1920s and 1930s, becoming a Jazz Age symbol of sophistication. Originally a gin drink before the vodka martini came into prominence, the cocktail’s glamorous image has only been bolstered over the past century by cultural influences like Prohibition and Hollywood, securing its spot as an icon of elegance and (few drinks are stiffer) alcohol tolerance.

Gaining popularity in the midcentury, vodka swiftly assumed its position as the new star of the martini—the neutral spirit being effectively marketed as smoother and less intensely flavored than gin. Once spy extraordinaire James Bond hit the screen with his famed preference for a vodka martini (“shaken, not stirred”), the deal was pretty much sealed. The neutrality of vodka also paved the way for creative riffs on the classic version. Over the next few decades, its first flavorful variations like the lemon drop, cosmopolitan, dirty martini, espresso martini, appletini, and so on would create a cocktail revolution unto itself.

Today, many bartenders and cocktail lovers give a respectful nod to gin martinis as being the original, but both gin and vodka make for a delicious martini—when done right, that is (see how to make a good one below). Vodka martinis tend to be milder and more neutral, allowing the vermouth and any garnishes to take center stage, while gin martinis have a more complex flavor profile with botanical and herbal notes contributed by the gin. At the end of the day, vodka or gin, it’s all a matter of personal preference.

The first step in crafting the ideal vodka martini at home is making sure you have the right ingredients in your arsenal—namely, an excellent bottle of vodka. Choosing the right vodka comes down to several factors, including your own taste preferences and what kind of martini you’re planning on creating. For the 2023 Men’s Journal Spirits Awards, we’ve tapped 13 outstanding vodka brands that are all perfectly equipped for making an excellent martini. Our best overall pick is Absolut Elyx, a vintage copper-distilled vodka offering optimal purity, balance, body, and versatility at the right price. Elyx was the most unanimously lauded vodka by our hospitality and spirits consultants (one of whom called it “criminally underrated”), but every vodka in this lineup will make a martini worthy of the name.

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Why You Should Trust Us

As a spirits journalist, I’ve personally tried each one of the vodkas on this list, among numerous others, and also sought out recommendations from trusted sources in the hospitality and spirits industry. I considered factors such as tasting notes and mouthfeel, the mash bill, how the flavors of the vodka taste both neat and in martini format, and how a distillery’s own personal brand history or mission impacts the way it conducts business.

What We Look For When Choosing the Best Vodka for Martinis

Not all vodkas are made equal, and the best bottles on the market have some traits in common: smoothness, a clean and crisp profile, and purity. These attributes make a solid backdrop for the overall flavor, balance, and mouthfeel of the cocktail. On my hunt to select the best bottles of vodka for making a martini, I considered those traits as well as distillation methods.

Best Overall Vodka for the Perfect Martini: Absolut Elyx Vodka Absolut Elyx Vodka

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Absolut Vodka, a Swedish brand known for its top notch quality and iconic bottle design, has maintained an admirable popularity on the global spirits market since its introduction in 1979. Their vodka is distilled using locally sourced winter wheat and pristine water from the Åhus region. In particular, Absolut Elyx Vodka distinguishes itself through its unique copper distillation process—using a vintage copper column still from 1921. The slower distillation process provides greater control over the flavors, and the copper material also helps maintain a high level of purity.

“Absolut was one of the first premium vodkas to hit the states, and to this day it’s my favorite for a vodka martini,” says Josef Griz, bar manager at the Park Lane New York. “While most people define vodka as flavorless and odorless, Absolut is very much grain forward on the nose. You can actually smell the winter wheat and the aroma of freshly baked bread.”

In additional to my own personal recommendation for Absolut Elyx as a great choice for an optimal martini, it also received the backing of several hospitality professionals—including Trevor Langer, head bartender at Jac’s on Bond in New York City, who says he has been a massive fan of the expression since it hit the market. “The velvety texture cascades down your tongue and makes an incredible martini no matter your preferred measurement,” he says. “Not only do I believe this vodka is criminally underrated, but it’s also widely available and doesn’t break the bank—and the branding is gorgeous. No question that for a classic vodka martini, Elyx is the way to go.”

Amir Babayoff, bar director at Ophelia Rooftop Lounge, says he found Elyx “pleasantly surprising” considering he isn’t a fan of vodka in general. “On the palate, it feels full body, smooth and silky, with nutty, bready, buttery notes. It finishes with a mellow spice note yet is clean and balanced. I still find it versatile and you can use it anywhere from a martini to a tiki drink.”

Best Luxury Vodka for a Martini: Chopin Family Reserve Vodka Chopin Family Reserve Vodka

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Chopin Vodka, a renowned Polish vodka brand, takes its name from the iconic Polish composer Frédéric Chopin, emphasizing a commitment to excellence and artistry in vodka production. The luxury brand uses locally sourced potatoes for a distinct flavor profile and a smooth, velvety finish through small batch distillation.

Many industry professionals love Chopin’s Bartender’s Choice, another great option for a martini, but the brand’s Family Reserve Vodka stands as potentially one of their best, crafted from young potatoes from their 2016 growing season. Chopin’s Family Reserve also undergoes a unique aging process, resting in 50-year-old oak barrels to enhance its depth and complexity. The result is a vodka that maintains a delicately sweet earthy flavor, with a velvety texture and spice notes—perfect for a nuanced and flavorful martini.

Best Vodka for a Dirty Martini: Grey Goose Vodka Grey Goose Vodka

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Synonymous with luxury, Grey Goose is a premium French vodka created in the Cognac region, and distilled from local wheat and pure spring water. The vodka undergoes a meticulous five-step distillation process, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture.

“For martinis, I love Grey Goose—the winter wheat used in distillation yields a spirit with a light pepper note and a breath of anise seed,” says Claire Mallett, beverage director at Catch One in Los Angeles. “The minerality of Grey Goose lends itself perfectly to a dirty martini, which I make using a high-quality brine, like Dirty Sue, which was created by a bartender and formulated specifically for use in cocktails.”

Best Vodka for a Martini With a Touch of Sweetness: Barr Hill Vodka Barr Hill Vodka

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Barr Hill, whose distillery can be found amongst the picturesque landscapes of Vermont, has garnered acclaim for its unique method of infusing raw, local honey directly into its spirits—creating a popular gin and vodka that both capture the region’s terroir. Barr Hill is not only dedicated to the art of distillation but also to the preservation of pollinators, playing a role in protecting the state’s bee population through initiatives like supporting local beekeepers and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Barr Hill Vodka is distilled entirely from raw honey—with every bottle using the equivalent of (not a typo) 3 lbs of it for its uniquely subtle honey undertone. This presents an exceptional choice for martini enthusiasts who appreciate faintly sweeter notes in their cocktails. The vodka boasts a smooth and velvety texture, offering a nice contrast to the traditional dryness of classic martinis. Infused with the distinct flavors of raw honey, Barr Hill vodka introduces notes of wildflower nectars and a floral nose.

Best Affordable Vodka for a Martini: Reyka Vodka Reyka Vodka

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Reyka Vodka, hailing from Iceland, boasts a location and distillation practice that intertwines with the country’s pristine natural environment. Crafted at the first-ever distillery in Iceland, situated in the small village of Borgarnes, the water for Reyka is sourced from an arctic spring that runs through a 4,000-year-old lava field, providing a crisp and clean foundation. Another aspect of what sets Reyka apart is its distillation process using a Carter-Head still, made of copper and steel, which allows for precise control over the distillation and ensures the elimination of impurities.

If you’re looking for bang-for-your-buck vodka, Reyka stands out as an excellent choice for crafting the perfect martini. Beyond its attractive price point, Reyka delivers a pure taste with subtle earthy and citrus notes. The crisp finish makes Reyka a top-tier option for those seeking a high-quality vodka without breaking the bank.