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Best Value Vodkas for Martinis

Best Value Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Nothing quite hits the spot like a frosty martini. Whether you like yours dry, wet or deliciously dirty, these great-value vodkas make a dreamy base. All come in at the sub-£30 mark, so there’s no need to save them just for special occasions. Monday night cocktails, here we come…

Sacred Organic Vodka

Best Value Vodka Sacred Organic Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Made from organic wheat and rye spirits blended to elegant perfection in an ‘assemblage’ style inspired by winemaking, this London-produced vodka is creamy, smooth and dangerously drinkable. A slight bite of hazelnut, joined by gentle warmth on the finish, makes it the perfect pick for a wet martini with a simple twist of lemon (and, preferably, made with Sacred’s own English Dry Vermouth). For the ultimate serve, chill it down in the freezer before pouring.

Size: 700ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
£31.24

Cîroc

Best Value Vodka Ciroc thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Distilled five times from a base of French grapes, Cîroc is as smooth as it gets. But unlike some vodkas, here smooth doesn’t mean lacking in character. An aromatic, fruity nose has a definite grape tone – something that becomes even more pronounced when the vodka is served up with orange bitters and a frozen grape garnish (as Cîroc’s suggests for a ‘classic twist’ martini). The refreshing, clean palate feels far more sophisticated than the typical £30 price point, too.

Size: 700ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
UK £28.99 // US $34.99

J.J Whitley Artisanal Russian Vodka

Best Value Vodka J.J. Whitley Artisanal Russian Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Now here’s a martini base with pedigree as JJ Whitley has been making spirits since 1762. With a Russian wheat vodka this tasty – and silly affordable at around £16 a pop – it’s no wonder they’re still winning awards for it to this day (this particular bottling bagged IWSC Gold in 2020). A fresh nose opens up to a full-bodied, creamy and spicy palate. Chill it right down, add a splash of vermouth and you’ve got crowd-pleasing, affordable martinis for your next dinner party.

Size: 700ml
ABV:
38%
Find here:
£16.05

Wry Vodka

Best Value Vodka Wry Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Long-running fans of Silent Pool’s gins, we’ve now fallen for their Wry Vodka too. It’s got real local character: 100% rye grain spirit is re-distilled with rye malt, then filtered with traditionally produced hornbeam charcoal – itself made by a woodsman just over the hill from Silent Pool’s Surrey distillery. The rye certainly gives this a tad more kick, and robust character, than you get in some other vodkas; expect a peppery spice and warmth that can stand up to the flavour of wet, dirty martinis.

Size: 700ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
£24.59

Black Cow Vodka

Best Value Vodka Black Cow Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Vodka, from milk? You heard us. This Dorset-made spirit takes whey – the by-product of milk and cheese production from local grass-fed cows – and turns it into a delectable, decadent vodka. Gorgeously creamy, and with a rich and silky mouthfeel, Black Cow really shines in the driest of martinis – just a wee twist of lemon is all you need to make it shine. Not in a martini mood? This feels made for a sublimely retro White Russian (go on, we’re not judging…).

Size: 700ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
£24.87

Vela Vodka

Best Value Vodka Vela Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Nestled beside Kent’s River Medway, family-owned distillery Copper Rivet turns out this small-batch wheat, rye and barley vodka with loving care and attention – it even declares its vintage on the label (in our case, 2016). That’s not all that makes it special, though; unusually for most distilleries in Britain, it’s distilled grain to glass. One sip into a – preferably bone-dry – martini and it’s already exceptional. Fruit and cereal show on the nose, with a bright palate that moves from fruitiness to richness, ending with a hint of pepper.

Size: 500ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
£28.50

Wildjac Fresh Citrus Vodka

Best Value Vodka Wildjac Fresh Citrus Vodka thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

We like that this vodka is kind to the planet: the 100% recycled glass bottles, FSC-certified wood stopper, and biodegradable closure are all tick marks. But this Worcestershire vodka entices with its palate too: Worcester Endeavour hops and lemon thyme, as well as zesty pink grapefruit, fragrant bergamot and herby eucalyptus, give it a bright, citrussy profile. It is a flavoured vodka, so some martini purists might balk – but serve this cool with a twist of lemon, and you’ll quicky convince ‘em otherwise.

Size: 700ml
ABV:
37.5%
Find here:
£35

Looking for more vodka goodness? Then check out Aidy’s 7 Vodkas to Embrace article. Or, if you’re after a change of spirit then why not have a read of Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings?!