Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Vodka’s popularity continues to soar, making it one of the most sought-after spirits worldwide. But with so many options available, finding affordable yet quality vodkas can be a challenge. So, let us share our 15 best cheap vodka brands that will delight your taste buds and wallet.
Key Points:
- Fifteen cheap vodkas offer quality and variety for casual drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs.
- Low-shelf vodkas are cost-effective, but not all have harsher tastes when compared to higher-quality vodkas.
- Popular brands such as Smirnoff, Absolut vodka, and Seagram provide a soft finish at an affordable price point.
Top 15 Cheap Vodka Brands You Should Try
15. Pinnacle Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 35-40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $8-$20/750ml
Pinnacle has made a name for itself in the vodka world, winning numerous awards for its sweet, smooth, and crisp taste.
Originating from France, it is crafted using the best potato and is distilled five times, resulting in a high-quality yet affordable vodka.
Best served on the rocks or in cocktails, Pinnacle has a wide array of plain and flavored vodka expressions, including habanero, pineapple, salted caramel, and cucumber. It’s our go-to choice for cocktails, especially Martini.
With most bottles priced under $20, we recommend Pinnacle vodka as an excellent option if you seek excellent vodka without breaking the bank.
Whether you prefer the classic vodka taste or a flavored option like the best citrus, Pinnacle has something for everyone.
So next time you’re stocking up your bar, remember to include Pinnacle vodka in your collection.
14. Deep Eddy Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 35-40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $14.71/750ml
Deep Eddy vodka, a small-batch spirit hailing from Texas, is another affordable vodka that pays attention to quality.
Made from 100% corn, this vodka is gluten-free, resulting in a creamy mouthfeel perfect for drinking, sipping, or mixing in your favorite cocktails.
We specifically like the Deep Eddy Texas Madras, which mixes Deep Eddy orange-flavored vodka, club soda, mint leaves, and cranberry juice.
Also, we like the flavor options, including the original, along with fruit flavors from sweet to citrus:
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Ruby red grapefruit
- Sweet tea
- Peach
- Cranberry
In short, Deep Eddy vodka caters to a wide range of palates. These flavored vodkas are great choices for those seeking a smooth, flavorful vodka without the hefty price tag.
13. New Amsterdam Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $15-$20/750ml
New Amsterdam vodka is a well-loved brand with numerous accolades for its smoothness, as it’s distilled five times.
We like New Amsterdam for its 12 refreshing flavors in addition to the classic variety.
With a price range of $15-20 per New Amsterdam bottle, it’s an affordable option if you want excellent vodka without the high price tag. Whether for sipping or mixing, New Amsterdam vodka is sure to impress.
We like the soft finish of New Amsterdam and the array of flavors, making it a good addition to any home bar or cocktail party.
Our favorite flavors: New Amsterdam Pineapple and New Amsterdam Grapefruit,
12. Svedka Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 35-40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $8.99-$10/750ml
Svedka is a renowned American vodka brand known for its smooth and clean palate. Crafted with spring water and Swedish winter wheat, this great vodka is distilled five times.
This spirit is one of our go-to vodka when making cocktails. Svedka vodka brand offers nine distinct flavors, available in hard seltzer [1] cans, catering to a wide range of preferences and tastes.
Our top-most favorites among the spirits from the brand are the Mango Pineapple and Blue Raspberry-flavored vodkas.
With a competitive price point, Svedka is an attractive option for those looking to create delicious cocktails without spending a fortune.
Its reputation for quality and affordability has earned Svedka a loyal following among vodka enthusiasts.
11. Sobieski Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $14/750ml
Sobieski vodka is a distinguished Polish alcohol made from 100% Dankowski Rye.
Owned by Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits, Sobieski vodka is named in honor of Jan III Sobieski, the king of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1674 to 1696.
We like how this refreshing vodka is distilled four times and filtered through charcoal, so it boasts a smooth, clean taste, perfect for sipping or mixing.
With seven flavored vodkas, including Original, Citrus, Orange, Raspberry, Vanilla, Coconut, and Chocolate, Sobieski vodka has something for everyone.
With a price of around $14 per bottle, it gives an excellent balance of quality and affordability – with good tasting notes mixing cinnamon and pepper spices.
10. Hangar 1 Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $29.99/750ml
Hangar 1 vodka is a unique offering in the vodka world. Produced in California, this spirit is made using in-season ingredients, creating innovative flavored vodka variations, such as
- Buddha’s Hand Citron
- Mandarin Blossom
- Makrut Lime
So, we prefer its deliciousness and smoothness, with a cool backstory that sets it apart from other vodka brand varieties.
Hangar 1 gives a premium vodka experience without the premium price tag. We suggest trying this liquor; you might discover your brand-new favorite vodka brand.
9. Smirnoff Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40-50% ABV
Average Price: approx. $20.89/750ml
Smirnoff is a household name when it comes to cheap vodkas available. It’s popular and hailed as one of the world’s best-selling vodka [2] due to its consistent quality: triple distilled and ten times filtered.
We get to enjoy Smirnoff’s sweet, smooth, and full-bodied finish, especially when mixed with ginger beer. Whether mixing it into a cocktail or enjoying it on the rocks, Smirnoff’s smooth finish and affordable price point make it a favorite among vodka enthusiasts.
Aside from the classic flavor, Smirnoff has flavored vodka expressions, including:
- Smirnoff Sours Berry Lemon
- Smirnoff Vanilla
- Smirnoff Orange
- Smirnoff Iced Cake
- Smirnoff Strawberry
- Smirnoff Grape
- Smirnoff Citrus
We like the smooth and creamy texture of Smirnoff with a syrup-like consistency similar to honey or maple syrup. Its thin and flowing liquid makes Smirnoff an ideal choice for adding to beverages.
8. Reyka Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $28/1L
Reyka vodka is a premium spirit with a unique crafting process that sets it apart from other vodka brands.
Crafted in Iceland with glacial water filtered through lava rocks and distilled using sustainable energy from geothermal heat, this spirit gives a smooth and enjoyable flavor with a delicate citrus (orange) undertone.
With a price tag of around $28 per 1L bottle, we suggest this brand if you want an affordable option while seeking delicious, smooth, and quality vodka.
This is a unique spirit, and it’s tasty, so you must give this a try.
7. UV Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 30% ABV
Average Price: approx. $8 – $30/750ml
UV vodka stands out among the cheap vodkas thanks to its use of all-natural ingredients and its award-winning status.
Produced in America, these inexpensive vodkas are distilled four times and filtered with activated carbon; the resulting vodka is a smooth and clean character perfect for sipping or mixing.
UV offers classic and flavored vodka options – available in both classic and fruit flavors. But if we get to choose the best cheap vodkas from UV, we recommend the following:
- UV Vanilla
- UV Apple
- UV Orange
- UV GO Lemon Lime
With most bottles at a price of around $8-$30, this brand is an excellent choice for those looking for a great vodka that won’t break the bank.
6. Wódka Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $15.99 /1L
Wódka is a Polish vodka brand that prides itself on using locally-grown rye in its production process.
Distilled five times and charcoal-filtered twice, we like this vodka’s crisp and refreshing taste, perfect for sipping or mixing into your favorite cocktails.
Having won nine awards, including a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, Wódka vodka is a testament to the quality found in the best cheap vodkas around.
Bottled at around $15.99 per 1L, this spirit is a great option for those seeking premium vodka without spending a fortune.
5. Luksusowa Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $15.34/750ml
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.
Most bottles of Luksusowa vodka are priced around $16, making it an affordable choice yet a quality potato vodka.
“Vodka goes well with a wintery perspective. Nothing else provokes such presentiments of falling snow except, for some, the communist seizure of the state.” – Michèle Bernstein, French Novelist and Critic
Be it served neat or mixed, this spirit is a drink sure to impress. This liquid is almost creamy on the mouth, and it’s luscious.
We like the rich and dense finish with lingering butter and potato notes. It’s a good food companion, especially for those with potato flavors.
4. Skyy Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 35-40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $19.99/1L
Skyy vodka is a San Francisco-originated alcohol brand offering a bright, sunny flavor at an affordable price.
Made with California-sourced ingredients, this spirit exudes smoothness with a clean flavor profile, perfect for sipping or mixing into your favorite cocktails, like Martini, etc.
This drink is priced at around $20, making it one of the best cheap vodkas available. It’s a budget-friendly brand, so there’s no reason not to try it.
We recommend the following flavors:
- Skyy Infusions Vanilla Bean
- Skyy Infusions Coconut
- Skyy Infusions Cherry
3. Tower Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $16/750ml
Tower vodka is a Texas-made spirit crafted from corn and undergoes six times in distillation.
It’s one of the spirits with a unique flavor profile and good quality, which we like. Besides, it’s gluten-free, ideal if you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable option comparable to Smirnoff.
Although only one flavor is available, Tower vodka keeps it simple while delivering a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.
This spirit is savory and smooth, and you can serve it on the rock, in cocktails, or alongside your favorite food. Available at a price of around $16 per bottle, it has quality and affordability wrapped into one delicious package.
2. Finlandia Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $22/1L
Finlandia vodka is a unique brand that derives its distinct flavor from golden Suomi barley and glacier spring water.
We prefer its smooth and clean palate – perfect for sipping neat or in mixed drinks or cocktails.
In addition to its classic variety, Finlandia vodka has four flavored options, catering to a wide range of preferences.
We particularly like the Finlandia Grapefruit vodka for its sweet and refreshing grapefruit flavors. It’s also light-bodied (due to barley and other ingredients). And the lime flavor is also good.
With most bottles costing around $22, we find this vodka brand an excellent choice for those seeking an excellent vodka without spending too much.
1. Seagram’s Vodka Brand
Alcohol Content: 35-40% ABV
Average Price: approx. $14/1L
Seagram’s vodka is a well-known American vodka brand with various flavors at an affordable price.
With most bottles priced under $15, 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 [3] 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.
Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Vodka: Do They Taste the Same?
Cheap vodka is typically made from grain or potatoes and is distilled multiple times to remove impurities.
“Embark on a quest for the best budget vodka, where quality and affordability harmonize in each sip, proving that a satisfying vodka experience doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.” – Liquor Laboratory
On the other hand, expensive vodka is usually made from a higher quality grain or potato and is distilled more times, resulting in smoother vodka.
What is Low Shelf Vodka?
Low-shelf vodka is the least expensive, most basic variety of vodka available.
Typically found on the lower shelves in a bar or liquor store, low-shelf vodka is made with inferior ingredients and may not be aged as long as other varieties.
Besides, some brands may have used added sugar or flavorings to achieve certain flavors.
This results in a more affordable price but can lead to a harsher profile than higher-quality vodkas.
Low-shelf vodka is a great option if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. But like other brands, you can use them in cocktails and mixed drinks.
FAQs Related to Best Cheap Vodka Brands
What are some of the best cheap vodka brands available?
Some popular options for affordable vodka brands include Smirnoff, Svedka, Pinnacle,
Sobieski, New Amsterdam, and Burnett’s.
How do cheap vodka brands compare to more expensive ones in terms of quality?
While expensive vodka brands may boast premium ingredients and elaborate production methods, many cheap vodka brands offer good quality and smooth taste at a lower price point. The distinction between cheap and expensive vodka can often be subjective and based on personal preference.
Can cheap vodka be used in cocktails, or is it better suited for mixing?
Cheap vodka can be used in a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks, just like more expensive brands. Its neutral flavor profile makes it versatile for mixing with juices, sodas, and other ingredients.
Are there any differences in the production process between cheap and expensive vodka brands?
Both cheap and expensive vodka brands typically go through similar production processes, including distillation and filtration. However, expensive brands may use higher quality ingredients and employ more refined distillation techniques.
What are some factors to consider when choosing a cheap vodka brand?
When selecting a cheap vodka brand, consider factors such as taste, smoothness, price, and personal preferences. It’s also helpful to read reviews and recommendations from other consumers to gauge overall satisfaction.
Can cheap vodka brands be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, or are they primarily for mixing?
While some people may prefer to drink cheap vodka brands mixed in cocktails, others may enjoy them neat or on the rocks. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and how you prefer to enjoy your vodka.
Are there any risks associated with drinking cheap vodka?
As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key when consuming cheap vodka. While cheaper brands may not offer the same level of refinement as expensive ones, they are generally safe to drink when consumed responsibly.
Conclusion
The world of the best cheap vodkas is vast and diverse, offering something for every taste and budget. Aside from the classics, you can find different flavored vodka variations.
From Pinnacle vodka and Smirnoff vodka to Reyka’s unique Icelandic production process and Seagram’s unique versatility, there’s no shortage of spirits to explore.
So, whether you’re a casual drinker or a cocktail connoisseur, these spirit brands are sure to provide you with a satisfying vodka experience without breaking the bank.
References:
1) https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/seltzer
2) https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradjaphe/2020/08/23/the-worlds-most-popular-vodka-brands/
3) https://www.insider.com/is-seltzer-bad-for-you-facts-2016-10
4) https://www.britannica.com/topic/vodka
