Mixed in a cocktail, splashed in your favourite pasta or now even straight out of a keg, vodka really can do it all.
Sure, vodka is a clear spirit. But trying to distil its origins? Well, that’s a little murky. Vodka’s beginnings depend on who you speak to. Russians claim it as their own. So do Poles. Records show that the first time vodka appeared in writing was in a Polish deed circa 1405, but it wasn’t the vodka we know today. It was spelt “wódka” (bring back “wódka”, we say!). Back then, wódka was used mostly for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Many people say this historical evidence solidifies Poland’s connection to the invention of vodka. It wasn’t until more than a century later that the word “vodka” appeared in Russian records – interestingly, about Polish vodka. Still, Russians maintain that “vodka” is a Russian word, not Polish. Long story short, both countries essentially claim that vodka was invented under their watch, and honestly, as long as both keep producing bottles of the good stuff, we’re happy.
As for its taste? Some people think vodka is flavourless, when, in fact, its flavour is so subtle that it doesn’t have a distinct profile. That said, many vodka brands today produce spirits with hints of sweetness, creaminess or fruitiness. Flavour isn’t always the first thing you associate with vodka – it’s also known for its varying textures, or mouthfeel, if we’re getting technical. Think of it like picking the difference between tap and bottled water: subtle, but noticeable if you know your vodkas.
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Three vodkas we’re loving right now
Ever wished you could get vodka in a keg? Enter Neft. Crafted in Austria and named after the Russian word for “oil”, this premium vodka is served in a shatterproof aluminium barrel that looks just like an oil drum. It’s a conversation starter, for sure, but also seriously functional: the insulated barrel keeps your vodka cold for up to six hours. Genius. Inside, you’ll find vodka made from four ancient, non-GMO rye grains, distilled three times in copper pot stills, then filtered through a proprietary carbon-layer process. It’s then blended with oxygen-rich Alpine spring water to create a vodka so pure and smooth you’ll want to take this to every party this season.
2. Archie Rose True Cut Vodka
Crafted in Sydney as part of the brand’s Fundamental Spirits line-up, this cold-distilled vodka is made using locally sourced Australian wheat and water. A neutral spirit, making it an accessible base for cocktails, it’s infused with regional botanicals like reclaimed orange peel, local apple, native river mint and lemon myrtle – then triple-filtered. True Cut is a classic, recipe-ready vodka that can be stirred or shaken into your favourite cocktail, sipped neat (ice-cold), or topped with ginger beer, lemon and mint for something different. It’s a prime example of Aussie producers making magic, if ever we saw one.
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Made in Switzerland using pure Alpine spring water and premium European grains, this vodka is cold-distilled and platinum-filtered for serious smoothness. The result? A clean, subtly sweet vodka with notes of vanilla, nougat and a hint of citrus. Its soft, refined finish makes it perfect served neat over ice, or mixed into classic cocktails like Martinis, Mules, or whatever takes your fancy.
