FLAVORED VODKA
Bold Expressions on a Neutral Canvas
Flavored vodka builds on the clean foundation of neutral vodka, infusing it with fruits, spices, herbs, botanicals, or even savory elements. Whether naturally infused or flavor-enhanced through essences, these spirits offer vibrant aromas, playful profiles, and a wide spectrum of mixability. From citrus-bright to dessert-rich, flavored vodkas deliver immediate character without the need for complex ingredients—making them a favorite for easy cocktails and creative bartending alike.
Key Characteristics
Flavored vodkas retain the smooth texture of neutral vodka but feature a dominant added flavor. Quality versions show balance, with real ingredient character and a clean finish—avoiding excessive sweetness or artificial notes.
Style
Flavored, unaged spirit infused or blended with natural or artificial flavors
Body
Light to medium
Texture
Smooth, crisp, sometimes slightly sweet or oily depending on flavor type
Primary Bases
Grain (wheat, rye, corn), potato, sugar beet, grapes
Common Flavor Categories
Citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit), berry (raspberry, blueberry), tropical (pineapple, mango, coconut), dessert (vanilla, whipped cream, chocolate), herbal (cucumber, mint, jalapeño), savory (pepper, bacon)
Origin & History
Flavored vodka has roots in Eastern Europe, where traditional infusions—known as nastoykas or nalewkas—used herbs and fruit for medicinal or festive purposes. In modern markets, flavored vodkas surged in popularity in the late 20th century as brands began introducing fruit-forward styles for easier mixing. By the 2000s, the category exploded with both classic and whimsical flavors, leading to renewed interest in naturally infused or premium expressions.
How It’s Made
Flavored vodka begins as a neutral or near-neutral spirit. Flavor is added through one of three methods: maceration (soaking ingredients in vodka), distillation with botanicals, or blending with natural or artificial flavorings. Some are sweetened slightly, others remain dry. Quality varies widely, with top-tier expressions using real fruits or herbs, and lower-end versions relying on synthetic flavor compounds.
Notable Styles
The category is broad, but flavors generally fall into a few recognizable types.
Citrus Vodkas
Zesty, fresh, versatile (e.g., lemon, lime, grapefruit)
Berry Vodkas
Juicy, sweet-tart, often vibrant in color
Vanilla & Dessert Vodkas
Creamy, rich, used in indulgent or coffee-style drinks
Spiced or Savory Vodkas
Peppery, vegetal, or smoky; excellent in Bloody Marys
Botanical Vodkas
Herbaceous, floral, lighter alternative to gin
Cocktail Pairings
Flavored vodkas offer a shortcut to complexity in mixed drinks. They shine in simple serves or layered cocktails, often replacing both base spirit and fruit component.
Classics Reimagined
Lemon Drop, Raspberry Martini, Spiked Arnold Palmer, Flavored Mule
Easy Mixes
Cranberry-Orange Vodka Soda, Vanilla Espresso Martini, Cucumber Tonic, Peach Lemonade Highball
Food Pairings
Flavored vodkas are best matched to their profile—bright with fresh fare, sweet with desserts, spicy with bold dishes. Their natural affinity for fruit and herbs makes them a fun addition to creative pairings.
With Light Fare
Ceviche, sushi, summer salads, goat cheese with herbs
With Heat or Spice
Tacos al pastor, Thai chili noodles, jalapeño poppers, pepper-crusted tuna
With Sweets
Lemon bars, berry shortcake, vanilla panna cotta, white chocolate truffles
How to Serve It
Glassware
Rocks glass, cocktail glass, highball depending on style
Temperature
Chilled (38–45°F / 3–7°C) enhances texture and keeps flavors vibrant
Storage
Store in a cool, dark place. For best freshness, especially for natural infusions, refrigerate after opening.
Fun Fact
In Poland and Russia, infused vodkas were once homemade staples, often crafted with local herbs, forest fruits, and even horseradish—long before the modern wave of flavored vodkas hit the shelves.
Try This If You Like
Fruit liqueurs
Aperol or Lillet Blanc
For citrusy expressions
Hard seltzers
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of vodka, from infused innovation to timeless, classic styles.
Hangar One
A California distillery known for creative, small-batch vodkas like their Citron Buddha’s Hand, offering vibrant citrus complexity and artisanal quality.
Stoli
A globally recognized name in vodka, producing clean, dependable spirits with a heritage rooted in traditional Eastern European distillation.
Recommended Pours
Hangar One, Citron Buddha's Hand Vodka — A bright and aromatic vodka infused with exotic Buddha’s Hand citron, offering zesty citrus, floral notes, and a smooth finish.
Stoli Vodka — A classic Russian-style vodka with a clean, crisp profile, subtle grain character, and a smooth, balanced finish.