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Vodka shots (Photo 108153692 © Igorr | Dreamstime.com)
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What Is The Best Affordable Vodka? Top 7 Brands Most Recommended By Experts

November 3, 2023
by Jilly Hite

Whether you prefer a classic martini or a refreshing vodka soda, there is no denying the pleasure of indulging in a high-quality but low-cost vodka. Not only will you be able to enjoy your favorite cocktails without spending a fortune, but you can also impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of budget-friendly vodkas. So go ahead and raise a glass to good taste and smart shopping because affordable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. With our list of the best affordable vodka, you can have it all – great taste, a happy wallet, and a delightful drinking experience.

In the age of Instagramming everything, cocktails are more popular than ever with their vibrant colors and fruity garnishes. A new survey shows that one in five drinkers now prefer a mixed cocktail to beer or wine. Whether it’s a margarita, mai tai, or old-fashioned, more drinkers are opting for something sweet over something hoppy. Plus, one in four respondents cited mixing cocktails as a skill they would like to master themselves. Given the best affordable vodka, that wish isn’t too far-fetched.

A Guide to Finding the Best Affordable Vodka

Not all vodkas are created equal. There is a big difference in quality between cheap vodka and expensive vodka. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good vodka. There are many affordable vodkas on the market that offer excellent quality.

Here are a few tips on how to distinguish quality in a vodka:

  • Look at the ingredients: The best vodkas are made with high-quality ingredients, such as 100% blue agave or grain. Avoid vodkas that contain artificial ingredients or added sugar.
  • Check the distillation process: Vodkas are distilled multiple times to remove impurities. The more times a vodka is distilled, the cleaner and smoother it will be. Look for vodkas that have been distilled at least three times.
  • Read reviews: Before you buy a vodka, read reviews from other consumers. This can give you a good idea of the flavor profile and quality of the vodka.

Of course, drinking responsibly is always the number one concern when it comes to alcohol consumption. As long as you’re safe, however, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a cocktail every now and again. If you decide to mix up your own drink at home, we can help as we at StudyFinds have researched across multiple expert sources to bring you the best affordable vodkas on the market. Don’t agree with our ranking? We would love to hear from you in the comments down below!

white labeled bottle
Tito’s (Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash)

The List: Most Affordable Vodkas, According to Experts

1. Pinnacle

The first vodka on our list that won’t break the bank is Pinnacle Vodka. It’s a favorite amongst at-home mixologists for a reason. “Pinnacle vodka proves a spirit doesn’t need to be expensive to win prizes. The five-times distilled liquor’s smooth flavor has earned Pinnacle multiple awards. Pinnacle makes a wide array of vodkas, both plain and flavored. The spirits come in 27 varieties, providing liquor for every taste” says My Bartender.

“Pinnacle Vodka has a smooth, lasting taste that goes down effortlessly. It is made with premium French wheat, distilled five times, and filtered three times. It also has a pleasantly low rate of proof, measuring only 80 proof, so it does not have the heavy burn that some vodkas can have. It is affordable and delicious, making it an excellent choice for liquor lovers looking for something that will not break the bank,” writes Isl Snac.

“Pinnacle Vodka is a brilliantly clear vodka to the eye, with clean aromas of honeydew rind and ripe tomato. The flavor is very dry, with a light viscosity on the tongue. Then, you taste notes of white pepper, lemon peel, and juniper with a floral finish. There are many famous old names in vodka. Pinnacle ain’t one of them. They’ve only been around since 2002. Does that matter? Not when it tastes this good. Oh, and it’s a great price, too,” states WikiLiq.

2. New Amsterdam

New Amsterdam is the next vodka on our list for a price point and quality that can’t be beaten. “While its pocket-friendly price may make it appear like a bottom-of-the-barrel drink, New Amsterdam isn’t a substandard vodka. Crafted from American Midwest grain, the spirit undergoes a thorough five-step filtration process, and it’s filtered thrice, resulting in a clean and crisp vodka. While it’s primarily used as a base in cocktails, you can also enjoy New Amsterdam neat. It’s available in various flavors, such as peach, vodka, and pineapple,” notes Nestor Liquor.

“This exceptionally well-priced vodka starts with citrus pith aromas then leads to an edgy, peppery flavor profile. The palate is full-bodied with subtle sweetness on the finish. A versatile all-rounder, New Amsterdam is a great mixing vodka that’s particularly well-suited for highball cocktails,” comments Vine Pair.

“Before New York became New York, the city was called New Amsterdam. New Amsterdam vodka shares the area’s name and its sense of effortless cool. The brand distills its spirits five times to achieve maximum smoothness. The triple-filtered vodka doesn’t sacrifice quality in its pursuit of economy. New Amsterdam has won multiple awards. The vodka, running between 15 and 20 dollars per bottle, comes in 12 flavors and a classic variety,” describes My Bartender.

3. Prairie

The number three spot on our list is dedicated to Prairie Vodka. It is probably one of the lesser-known picks on our list, but it earned its place nevertheless. “There’s no exact distillation formula for this small-batch vodka, like a champagne house blending to create that specific house style. Prairie Organic Vodka is distilled in small batches and tested to maintain the flavor you expect with every bottle you buy. That’s a quality control job I’d love to have,” jokes Wide Open Country.

“Instead of focusing on traditional marketing topics, like number of distillations and filtrations, Prairie touts the organic origins of its base corn and the numerous ways in which it gives back to Minnesota farmers. What’s inside the bottle tastes as good as the positive vibes. Prairie has a rich character, full of grainy, sweet candy notes. It is proof, if ever it were needed that good vodka can taste of something,” explains Vine Pair.

“Made with corn from the Midwest, Prairie Vodka is a bright, smooth organic spirit. ‘They obviously don’t use pesticides or chemicals, but they even have a huge buffer zone to make sure other farmers’ chemicals don’t intrude on their farm. The love and care really comes out in the vodka, giving a slightly citrus note with some subtle fruits,'” adds Men’s Journal.

4. Deep Eddy

Deep Eddy takes the number four spot on our ranking today. With so many flavors and a price point that can’t be beaten, Deep Eddy is sure to be a trusted name in vodka for you moving forward. “Deep Eddy makes Texas’s finest vodka. The company distills its small batch spirit ten times before bottling it. The gluten-free liquor comes in a variety of flavors. In addition to the original vodka, Deep Eddy comes in six fruit flavors, a sweet tea variety, and vodka and canned soda cocktails,” writes My Bartender.

“Deep Eddy brings a craft-distillery feel to cheap vodka, with its stylized label that proudly proclaims it’s from Austin, Texas. (It’s actually distilled in Dripping Springs, about 20 miles west of Austin, but close enough.) It’s made from 100 percent corn and blended with water from a Texas aquifer for a true taste of the Lone Star State,” says The Spruce Eats.

“Deep Eddy Vodka came out as a contender in the dangerously delicious Sweet Tea vodka category, going up against the big names. Then, their ruby red grapefruit-infused vodka gained speed in refreshing cocktails. Produced in Austin, Texas, this small-batch vodka is distilled ten times from corn in a column still and is blended with water from a Texas aquifer. Pure with a touch of sweetness and richness from the corn, there’s more than just Tito’s in Texas,” adds Wide Open Country.

5. Tito’s

Yes, Tito’s made the list. Of course, it did. The go-to, budget-conscious, gluten-free vodka of the people. “Tito’s Handmade Vodka is a household name for vodka thanks to its pocket-friendly price and exceptional quality. Crafted in Austin, Texas, at the state’s oldest legal distillery, Tito’s isn’t your ordinary low-budget vodka. Unlike many other vodka brands, it’s made from corn rather than rye or potatoes, giving it a unique and clean taste. And best of all? Tito’s is completely gluten-free, making it great for vodka enthusiasts on a gluten-free diet. Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile vodka that’s great neat, with a dash of water or in a variety of cocktails,” notes Nestor Liquor.

“While it might come as a shock, considering this is probably the vodka of all vodkas right now, you can get a 750ml bottle of Tito’s for just under $25 in most states and territories. Occasionally, depending on where you are, it might be a buck or two more than $25, but in other spots, it’s even occasionally under $20,” comments Spy. Prices may vary depending on where you live.

“Tito’s Handmade Vodka is one of the most famous vodka brands in the US. It is produced by the Texas-based company Fifth Generation, Inc. The company was founded by Tito Beveridge in 1997, and the brand quickly gained popularity for its high-quality, smooth-tasting vodka. It is also filtered through activated carbon to remove any impurities and create a fine finish. The brand is recognized as one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the US,” states Insider Monkey.

6. Luksusowa

Next up is a trusted Polish vodka, Luksusowa. “Most liquor stores have a shelf dedicated to just potato vodka. The gluten-free crowd loves potato vodka since most are gluten-free, but many just love the taste of potato vodka for the richer mouthfeel. Luksusowa is a Polish potato vodka distilled three times and an authentically produced Polish vodka since 1928,” describes Wide Open Country.

“Luksusowa is a Polish spirit brand that has been producing potato vodka since 1928. With a smooth and pure taste, it’s no wonder this vodka dominates 10% of Poland’s output,” reports Liquor Laboratory.

“Luksusowa is one of just a few widely available vodkas made from potatoes and the best-selling among those. Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of vodkas are made from grains, not potatoes, and what vodka is made from can lend some of the most easily detectable characters to the finished product. Luksusowa, a Polish vodka maker, has been turning spuds into spirits for nearly a century. Try this smooth sipper in a classic bloody Mary,” adds Men’s Journal.

7. Seagram’s

Our next pick may shock you. Seagram’s a trusted name not usually in vodka, till now, of course. “Seagram’s Vodka is made from 100% grain-based ethanol and is triple-distilled to ensure smoothness and quality,” remarks Isl Snac.

“Seagram’s has been around since 1857, so they know what they’re doing. For the low price point, Seagram’s is a more than decent vodka for any mixed drinks you’ll be concocting at home. It’s made with high-quality American grains and is surprisingly smooth. Put your money into some fancy juices and paper umbrellas instead of a higher-priced vodka when it’s fancy drink time,” maintains Wide Open Country.

“This brand is one of the excellent spirits with quality yet budget-friendly. Whether for drinking neat or mixing it into your favorite cocktail or mixed drink, Seagram’s Vodka brand is sure to impress with its smooth finish and array of flavors. We also use this vodka as a base for some seltzer beverages or wine coolers, like Sparkling Peach and Limoncello. Give it a try, and see for yourself why it’s a popular choice among those seeking a good vodka without spending a fortune,” concludes Liquor Laboratory.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.

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About the Author

Jilly Hite

New York raised and Florida-based Jilly Hite studied screenwriting and theatre at The Lee Strasberg Institute before becoming a full time content creator and podcaster. She loves old movies, musical theatre, and her pup Ted.

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Comments

  1. Pinnacle is a super product and very affordable. Another equally as good is Platinum, almost always the same price and as agreeable. Tito’s is way overpriced probably because of their advertising. Many of the very cheap ones taste like fuel oil.

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