Brian Nagele
Vodka is a staple liquor that belongs in any well-equipped bar or liquor cabinet. As we all know, there are dozens of brands to choose from – all of which offer what looks like the same thing: the famous (and sometimes infamous) clear liquor.
But when you’re looking to spice things up and try something new, you might try reaching for a simple yet elegant flavor like vanilla.
Vanilla is classic across the board, from ice cream to pudding and everything in between. But if you haven’t tried vanilla vodka yet, you’re missing out.
I’ve put together a list of the best vanilla vodkas. Each one has a unique story and flavor of its own, so it’s up to you to decide which one you’ll try next.
Absolut Vanilia
The Absolut Company is one of the most recognizable names in vodka.
It’s part of the second-largest wine and spirits Group in the world, Pernod Ricard, and shares space with names like Malibu, Kahlua, and Ahus Akvavit.
And since Absolut controls 100 percent of its production chain, you can rest assured knowing the company puts careful consideration into each bottle it makes.
Of course, that includes Absolut Vanilia.
Absolut Vanilia is the brand’s iconic vanilla-flavored vodka. It’s ideal for anyone craving the perfect cocktail with a touch of a sweet tooth at the same time.
Absolut believes in the true versatility of a flavor like vanilla and enhances it with notes of toffee and caramel. Technically this doesn’t count as dessert, but I’d be lying if I said I practiced what I preach…
Grey Goose La Vanille
Who doesn’t think of Grey Goose when they think of high end vodka? I know I certainly do.
The premium French brand has done an excellent job over the years of making those flying geese nothing short of famous.
The imported vodka houses many flavors, including classics like orange and lemon alongside trendy blends like strawberry and lemongrass. What used to sit among these flavors was Grey Goose La Vanille: the brand’s vanilla vodka.
Much to my dismay, La Vanille has been discontinued, but there are still some bottles on shelves out there! If you’re lucky enough to find one, I’d grab it while you can.
I love the naturally essenced vanilla bean flavor sprinkled with hints of white chocolate, almond, and caramel.
Smirnoff Vanilla
Smirnoff is another very well-known name in the vodka game.
The brand has classic roots, as it was created in Moscow in the mid-1800s. It’s safe to say it has quite a bit of history and experience.
The family-owned company saw success, war, capital trouble, and even death before creating and marketing the latest cocktail of the 40s: the Moscow Mule.
Today, Smirnoff is a household name; everyone knows what Smirnoff is, and now everyone should know about the label’s vanilla flavor.
Smirnoff vanilla uses natural vanilla flavors to create a sweet, dessert-like experience. It’s perfect when added to almost any classic, including the Moscow Mule and club soda.
Give it a chance and enjoy the same quality with a new twist.
Ciroc French Vanilla
Ciroc is best known as a party drink. It represents a lifestyle if nothing else.
While it’s famous for its premium, luxury flair, it’s also known as the vodka of Sean Combs – a.k.a., P. Diddy.
Ciroc has grown into a long line of products, from flavored vodkas to canned mixed drinks, but the iconic bottle remains the same. That goes for Ciroc French Vanilla, too.
I love the subtle and classic spin that Ciroc put on vanilla vodka. By making its vodka French vanilla, they created a smooth vanilla blend like none other.
The vodka uses flavors sourced from Madagascar, making it creamy, rich, and super silky.
Stolichnaya Vanil
If you didn’t recognize the name at first, don’t feel bad; I didn’t either.
That’s probably because Stolichnaya Vodka is more commonly referred to as its shortened name, Stoli.
Stoli Vodka is a top-selling vodka brand that was originally trademarked in 1938 in Russia.
Today, the brand is produced in Latvia and it’s worked hard to make up for its semi-checkered past. But one thing the brand doesn’t have to apologize for is its vanilla vodka, Vanil.
Stoli Vanil has a base of winter wheat and glacial water, but it adds a twist to the classic Stoli flavor by adding Madagascan and Indonesian vanilla beans. It’s very simple, yet delicious.
Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka
You’ve heard of Van Gogh the artist, but have you heard of Van Gogh the vodka?
The brand has been in business since 2000, which doesn’t sound that long, but it’s over 20 years of success.
Not to mention, Van Gogh works with a master distiller who has won the brand numerous awards.
Van Gogh Vanilla is just one of the many superb options you’ll find here. It offers a rich, sweet taste from real vanilla beans.
The warm, silky flavor pairs perfectly with Van Gogh’s artist-like, multi-step distillation process. You can’t Van Gogh wrong with this one! I had to.
Veil Vanilla Vodka
Veil Vodka may not be instantly recognizable by name, but once I tried it, I was reaching for it more and more simply for its taste.
Veil Vodka is a US-made, premium vodka that uses a multi-step distillation process and charcoal filtering to make it stand out among the rest. And let’s be clear: it certainly does.
Especially its vanilla flavor.
In my opinion, Veil Vanilla has one of the most poignant vanilla flavors you can find on the market today.
It combines a base of silky smooth vodka with hints of sweetness that go well with classic and dessert mixtures alike.
Burnett’s Vanilla Vodka
Burnett’s is quadruple distilled, triple charcoal filters, and American-made, which is likely how this trendy brand made its way onto practically all the shelves in the country.
Burnett’s is known not only for its great taste and affordable vodkas but for its wide selection of nearly 30 different flavors. With all the fruity goodness to choose from, it’s easy to forget how fabulous the vanilla option tastes.
Burnett’s Vanilla is creamy, rich, smooth, and sweet. It uses natural flavoring, which is always a plus in my book.
I tried the company’s number one recommendation and paired this flavor with lemon-lime soda for an effortless cocktail, and it is fantastic.
