The words ‘cheap’ and ‘vodka’, when put together, likely send a shudder down your spine.
We’ve all been burnt (quite literally) by budget-friendly vodka that smells like pure ethanol and makes your throat feel raw.
But, thanks to innovative work in the industry, there is now a huge array of cheap vodkas available that are actually, well… nice! Don’t believe us?
We don’t blame you. However, we’re certain that any one of the cheap vodkas listed below will convince you.
Whether you’re a fan of a super smooth and crisp tipple, or you’re looking for a new and affordable liquor to fuel your bloody marys, there is something for you.
We’ve also included a handy FAQ section to ensure that all of your vodka-related questions are answered.
The 13 Best Cheap Vodkas
OUR TOP PICK
We just had to kick this list off with the wonderful Icelandic vodka, Reyka. If you like a traditional, smooth, crisp, and clean taste, you will not be disappointed with this option.
In fact, it is made from one of the purest facial spring water in the world. This vodka pairs well with pretty much anything, from ice to a bloody mary.
It has been distilled from wheat and barely in particularly small batches, which ensures consistently exceptional quality.
Each distillation takes around 6 hours and produces just 255 cases.
The distillery itself is also rather impressive, as it is powered by the geothermal energy produced from underground volcanoes.
If you weren’t already a fan of Icelandic vodka, after sipping Reyka, you will be a total convert!
EDITORS CHOICE
If you like your vodka to have a subtle but refreshing flavor, the Ketal One Cucumber and Mint variety will seriously impress you.
The botanical essences used in this wonderful vodka have each been derived naturally using innovative methods and distillation processes.
In turn, this vodka is one of the cleanest and freshest on this list.
It also boasts no carbs, artificial flavors, sweeteners, or added sugars, making it a sensible option for those of you who want to enjoy a light drink on the weekend.
If you’re still a little unsure of this bottle, you may be interested to know that it was given The Best New Spirits Product award by Market Watch Magazine in 2019.
It is also a favorite amongst cocktail lovers around the country!
BEST VALUE
Whether you’re completely new to the world of vodka, or you’re a self bonafide vodka connoisseur, you will likely have heard of the brand Absolut.
Absolut is well-known for producing super smooth and high-quality vodka for an affordable price.
And, the Absolut Citron is no exception! If you’re a fan of flavored vodkas, we cannot recommend this one enough.
It is light and crisp but boasts a zingy flavor that will add interest to any mixer or cocktail!
RUNNER UP
Having a gluten intolerance can be a nightmare - even when it comes to enjoying your favorite tipple on the weekend.
If you’ve struggled to find an affordable, gluten-free vodka that tastes crisp and smooth, look no further than Deep Eddy.
This vodka is made in small batches using only the highest quality corn.
The manufacturer distils the vodka 10 times over in their state of the art column still. In turn, this creates a clean, smooth vodka with no bite.
RUNNER UP
If you are particularly skeptical when it comes to the quality of affordable vodka, this New Amsterdam variety will restore your faith completely.
New Amsterdam Vodka was created due to the founders’ uncompromising passion for high-quality vodka and accessible prices.
In fact, after the founding of New Amsterdam Vodka in 2011, the company became the fastest spirits brand in history to sell one million cases.
And, when you understand their processes, this isn’t at all surprising. New Amsterdam Vodka is five times distilled and 3 times filtered.
In turn, this delivers a clean and crisp flavor that is smooth enough to drink straight, yet distinctive enough to bring life to any cocktail.
New Amsterdam’s commitment to excellence is unrivaled.
RUNNER UP
f you associate drinking vodka with light, warm summer evenings, then you need to give the Crop Earth Harvest Organic vodka a try.
It is made with only the highest quality, organic Midwestern corn, and cucumbers, which provide an incredibly clean and refreshing flavor.
Sipping this vodka is like taking a stroll through a vegetable garden. It is incredibly refreshing with a light vegetal and floral aroma.
Thanks to the purity of this vodka, it is perfect to drink with ice or as a part of a refreshing cocktail.
However, there are a few special ways that you can use this specific vodka. It is divine when combined with a club soda and a slice of fresh cucumber.
Or, if you prefer a more substantial drink, we recommend making it the key ingredient in your favorite bloody mary recipe.
RUNNER UP
Like Absolut, Smirnoff is another huge name in the vodka industry.
Regardless of where you are in the country, Smirnoff vodka will always be an option at your local liquor store. And, in our opinion, it’s an excellent option!
Smirnoff vodka has a distinctively dry finish that ensures smoothness and clarity. Every bottle is Kosher Certified, gluten-free, and made using non-GMO corn.
In turn, this is a great bottle of vodka for anyone who enjoys this particular spirit!
Whether you’re planning to make some fancy cocktails for guests at a party, or you simply want to enjoy a refreshing tipple on the rocks, this is one of the best affordable vodkas available.
RUNNER UP
If you’re hoping to enjoy a vodka that is brimming with pride for its local area, you need to check out the Weedy Creek Distillers vodka.
This signature potato vodka is made in Colorado and is of excellent quality.
This vodka is made using just 3 high-quality ingredients: potatoes, mountain spring water, and yeast.
After the potatoes have been washed and mashed at the distillery, they are then stripped and distilled once. This produces 80-proof, super-smooth vodka.
RUNNER UP
If you prefer your vodkas to be all-American, you should take a look at the Dixie Southern Vodka.
Launched in 2014, this manufacturer had a simple mission: to create a premium craft vodka that represented the best of the classic, Southern American flavor and craftsmanship.
Dixie searches high and low to uncover the best flavors that the South has to offer.
When they find them, they hand-infuse them into their award-winning lineup of top-quality vodkas.
Unsurprisingly, Dixie is now one of the fastest-growing spirit brands in the US.
If you’re skeptical, you don’t have to take our word for it - this vodka has won a huge amount of awards!
This naturally gluten-free, Certified South Carolina vodka is as smooth and refreshing as they come.
RUNNER UP
UV Vodka is well-known for producing some of the most affordable vodka available. And, the UV Blue Raspberry is one of the most popular produced by this brand.
If you’re a fan of sweet drinks, this vodka will become your new favorite tipple.
UV Blue Raspberry has been flavored with vine-ripened raspberries, adding a sudden but natural sweetness to any mixer or cocktail.
We love combining this vodka with lemonade or lemon-lime soda water.
RUNNER UP
If you thought that innovative and distinctive vodkas were always the most expensive options, you will be taken aback by the Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka.
It dates back to the 16th century when distillers in Poland incorporated aromatic bison grass into their vodka.
And, the result is something very special! Now, it is renowned for its unique flavor that boasts notes of vanilla, coconut, almond, and lavender.
In fact, some of the best cocktail makers include this vodka in many of their creations!
RUNNER UP
This top-shelf vodka proves that high-quality vodkas don’t always have to be accompanied by an eye-watering price.
Tower Vodka is made from corn and has been distilled 6 times to provide a clean and crisp mouthfeel, paired with a beautifully smooth finish.
Tower Vodka is both affordable and delicious.
It may cost a little more than the cheapest options on this list, however, it competes with some of the most expensive vodkas on the market.
If you like to enjoy your vodka with ice, this is a great option.
RUNNER UP
Finally, we couldn’t finish this list without including Absolut Peppar. As we mentioned earlier, Absolut is a giant in the vodka industry.
They produce consistently high-quality vodka that won’t break the bank. If you’re a fan of a bloody mary, this vodka is an excellent option.
It has a fiery flavor that works perfectly in a bloody mary - regardless of your specific recipe.
It is also a great option if you fancy adding a peppery zing to any of your favorite cocktails!
Frequently Asked Questions
With so many options to choose from, it’s likely that you have some vodka-related questions at this point.
If so, check out our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. You’ll be a (cheap) vodka connoisseur in no time.
What Is Bottom Shelf Vodka?
Whether you’re new to the world of vodka or you’re a vodka enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the term ‘bottom shelf’.
But, what does this really mean? Well, bottom-shelf vodka tends to have a much lower price than regular vodka.
Consequently, bottom-shelf vodka tends to be a lot lower in quality. It is known for having an intense flavor that burns the throat as you swallow it.
Is Smirnoff Or Absolut Better?
Both Smirnoff and Absolut are big names in the vodka industry. They are both known for being affordable and of good quality, but which one is better?
Well, both of them are triple distilled and have the same alcohol content of 40%. However, it has been found during blind taste tests that consumers tend to prefer Absolut.
This is because Absolut has a slightly smoother finish than Smirnoff.
What Makes Top-Shelf Vodka Better?
In contrast to bottom-shelf vodka, top-shelf vodka is available at a much higher price.
This type of vodka has been crafted to remove the burning sensation associated with cheaper vodka. Top shelf vodka should go down very smoothly and will have a mild aroma.
Conclusion
Vodka is one of the most popular spirits (see also 'Why Are Some Alcohols Referred To As Spirits?'). But, finding an affordable vodka that isn’t painful to drink can be a tricky task.
We hope that this article has helped you to find your new favorite vodka (that won’t break the bank!).
I want to share with you all of my favorites, as well as share advice on picking certain alcohols and flavors.
I hope you enjoy my articles as much as I enjoyed researching them!
- Why Are Some Alcohols Referred To As Spirits? - February 11, 2023
- The Healthy Benefits Of Drinking Cannonau Wine - January 31, 2023
- All Major Differences Between Prosecco And Moscato (And Which You Should Choose) - January 7, 2023
