8 Seriously Smooth Vodkas You Need To Try

There’s nothing quite as disappointing as pouring a vodka, taking a sip, and finding out that there’s nothing but an unpleasant burn. Despite being one of the most popular drinks on the planet, standards vary hugely. If you want an easy-drinking vodka that doesn’t contort your face, then check out these smooth operators at various price levels for whatever your budget is.

£15-£30

Puschkin Vodka

This German gem is simply fantastic for the price, offering a flavour profile as classic as a Pushkin novel. Crafted with pure spring water and an ice filtration process, it's so smooth, even the bear on the bottle seems to be giving it a friendly wave rather than a ferocious roar. Puschkin is a  completely steadfast vodka that won’t let you down for any cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £15.99 (usually more!)

Rekyka Vodka

We love Reyka at The Three Drinkers. It’s an Icelandic vodka crafted from wheat and barley with green production thanks to glacial water and geothermal heat, and the end result is to die for – as clean as a whistle, and as smooth as a polar bear’s slide. The whole mouthfeel is so gloriously rounded, with a slight creamy, vanilla note playing off peppery spice, but mostly is the icy cleanliness that stands out. Top notch.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.80 (usually more!)

Vusa Vodka

Say hello to Vusa Vodka, South Africa's premium sip with a touch of sweet swagger! Crafted in small batches with sugar cane straight from KwaZulu-Natal, it's smooth, clean, and wallet-friendly, providing a superior drinking experience to many brands twice the price. It’s ideal for sipping neat but mix up some magic with an Espresso Martini and make the most of that gentle sweetness. Oh, and what a glorious bottle, celebrating South Africa and standing out amongst the other vodka bottles – love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.98

Haku Japanese Craft Vodka

From The House of Suntory comes a must-try Japanese rice vodka (Haku means white in Japanese). Suitably though, the word can also be read as brilliant. Crafted from Japanese white rice, twice distilled and filtered through bamboo charcoal, what’s bottles is complex and aromatic, encompassing a subtle botanical character you’d usually find in a gin. Think of cardamom, bitter lemon and peppermint, all gently flavouring the crisp and clean feel.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.95

£30+

Dingle Vodka

In County Kerry, lies a master of all trades with the Dingle Distillery, producing Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka... the latter of which came first. Crafted with a quintuple distillation technique it's pure, smooth, with a touch of creamy sweetness to raise an eyebrow or two.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £31.74

Fire & Ice Gold Premium Vodka

Fresh from the alpine water of the Swiss Alps comes Fire & Ice, filtered with real gold and edible gold leaves for the luxury touch. The softness on the palate is what hits home here, with crisp minerality cutting through for a refreshing feel. Lovely as a gift or sipping over a splash of tonic and slice of lime – depending on how generous you’re feeling.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.95

Nykur Vodka

Nykur is an organic vodka from the Faroe Islands, but one that won the top Master award at the 2023 Vodka Masters. Crafted with water drawn from Kirvi mountain, filtered through 12 layers of basalt rock, it glides down the throat with unparalleled smoothness. Not only that, but the slightly higher alcohol is perfectly integrated, buffing out the texture for a premium, mature, and elegant liquid perfect for a classy Martini.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £35.60

X Muse

If you’re lucky enough to sip on X Muse, you’ll know why we rave about it. Crafted from old heritage barley varieties up in Scotland, the result is not only the gloriously sleek profile you want from vodka, but also a surprising but amazing flavour. Enjoy the in-your-face florality with the sweet, toasted barley backbone riding on a wave of intoxicating viscosity, with delicate touches of ginger and nutmeg. Try it with an olive because the salinity makes for an unforgettable mix. Worth every penny.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £55 (usually more!)

Well, how about some Martini recipes for these silky vodkas? Here are 10 of the Best Martini Variations to make at home!

Mixing Martinis on a Budget: Wallet-Friendly Vodkas to Try

Vodka is everywhere these days, and whilst that means tonnes of quality bottles, it also unfortunately means there are some stinkers. If you’re making a vodka cocktail like a Martini, then a good quality vodka has to be at the heart of it or else it’s doomed to fail.

But that doesn’t mean breaking the bank. These are our wallet-friendly vodkas that will never let you or your Martinis down, all coming in below or just above £20!

Finlandia Vodka

Introducing Finlandia Vodka, and no prizes for guessing where it’s made. This Finnish sensation is as smooth as glacial ice, in part because it’s crafted with care using glacial spring water. Because of this, drinkers sometimes enjoy it frozen but chilled is plenty good enough to enjoy the purity. With six-row barley and a century-old distillery in the mix, Finlandia brings both tradition and freshness to your glass and is a stunning all-rounder for Martinis.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £17.99

Emperor Original Vodka

Introducing the regal Emperor Original Vodka, hand-crafted by Master Distillers using a secret recipe, each bottle carries the legacy of over 300 years of vodka heritage. Crafted with precision, this vodka undergoes five meticulous distillations, resulting in silky smoothness and zero burn, before it comes to rest in that striking 1920s art nouveau/deco bottle. The original represents great value and consistency for all Martinis but check out their flavoured range too – the Chocolate would make for a delicious Chocolatini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.99

Five Vodka

Five Vodka is a delightful Welsh creation from the renowned makers of Penderyn whisky. Distilled five times and charcoal-filtered, it boasts a smooth and subtly malty taste with a peppery twist and captures the wild essence of its surroundings using glacier-fed Brecon Beacons water. Five Vodka's unique and memorable character shines through when enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but its spicy, herbal, and nutty tones add tremendous depth to a Martini too – a really classy number for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £19 (usually more!)

Stoli Red Label Vodka

Behold, Stoli– a Latvian marvel crafted from the finest wheat and rye. Its threefold filtration process, including quartz and charcoal, bestows a pure, crisp taste that adds a touch of elegance beyond the price point. There is a touch of menthol, orange and a creamy grain quality that makes this a benchmark budget option. It won’t let you or your cocktail down.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.45

Discarded Grape Skin Chardonnay Vodka

A unique zero-waste wonder this one, as it’s crafted from grape skins, stems, and seeds leftover from winemaking, distilled to perfection, and blended with Chardonnay alcohol leftover from alcohol-free wine. Unsurprisingly, this is fruit-forward with green apple and tropical notes, as well as hints of almond croissants, and a bright lift of lychee. It really stands out from the crowd so if you’re tired of neutral vodkas, you’ve gotta give this a go.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £22

Tattu Premium Original

After one sip of this, you’ll realise that it could easily be more expensive, but thankfully it isn’t! Distilled five times through old copper pots and infused with various botanicals, it delivers an elegant and burn-free experience that London's mixologists adore. Natural, expertly crafted and no harshness whatsoever, use for a dry Martini and enjoy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £22.99

Ketel One Vodka

It doesn’t really get more tried and tested than Ketel One – they’ve been around since 1691! A mixology mainstay around the world for its versatility in cocktails, their neutral flagship liquid is deliciously creamy with subtle honied citrus and a smooth finish that makes drinking it dangerously easy. Completely and utterly reliable for all of your Martini needs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.50

Well, now you’ve got your vodka you need some stunning Martini recipes, luckily, we can oblige! Here are 10 of the Best Martini Variations to make at home!

Father's Day Gifts for Drinks Lovers

Sunday 18th June is Father’s Day, but don’t panic if that’s caught you off guard! We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite drinks and gifts that we think are perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

There’s something here for every budget and every drink, so there’s really no excuse to be turning up on the big day with socks as a present again (unless they’re protecting one of these delicious bottles from getting damaged that is!). Let’s get stuck in.

WHISKY

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

If we can be so bold, we absolutely love our collaboration creation and think that whether your Dad is new to whiskey or a seasoned sipper, they will too. We’ve teamed up with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers to produce Red Silkie, an Irish Whiskey that showcases the classic subtle and smoky style alongside classic fruitiness coming from our obsession with fine wine. Over in County Donegal, the blend is finished in red Pomerol barrels from Clos L’Eglise in Bordeaux creating a velvety, rich profile that is intense with red fruits, candied orange and gently smoked caramel. One last thing, £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog to support a variety of initiatives including free support for those struggling, so it’s for a good cause too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

Old Perth Original

A tribute to Perth in Scotland, this sweet Blended Malt Scotch is rich with raisins from ex-sherry cask ageing. The Christmas cake nose gives way to a buttery palate of a super comforting expression that provides a drinking experience far beyond its price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £36.75

Lochlea Our Barley

This Single Malt from Lochlea is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, but also re-charred barriques for a pleasantly rounded smooth and fruity character. It carries complexity beyond its years, masterful smoothness and a light vibrance plush with honied orange, grassy malt, peppery barley, and toasted oak. And let’s not forget a rather lovely bottle perfect for gifting too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £44.95

GIN

Audemus Pink Pepper Gin

Any of you who have tuned in to The Three Drinkers in Cognac will know how much we love Audemus. Pure innovation, Audemus’ most famous creation is this, their incredible Pink Pepper Gin. Spicy pink peppercorns lead the botanical line with cardamom and juniper, followed by baking notes of tonka and vanilla, and a more floral side with tonic. There’s a touch of warmth, florality, spice and fruitiness to this well-rounded gin that really has that special feeling in bucketloads. A must-try for any gin loving Dad.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £38

Atlas Shichimi Gin

Atlas has established a stellar reputation for exotic gins, and if you’re familiar with Japanese cooking, you might recognise shichimi as the popular spice blend used in Japan for centuries. This unusual but moreish umami profile is expanded with nori seaweed, gyokuro green tea, Sichuan peppercorn and ginger, with juniper and citrus injecting some familiar freshness. Wonderfully aromatic and warming, this is an exciting gin to try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48

RUM

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

This silky molasses-based Venezuelan blend uses exclusive rum reserves aged for up to 12 years before they come to rest in their charming vintage-style bottle. The mouthfeel will likely remind you of wine with a similar viscosity, with blossoming notes of toffee, orange chocolate and liquorice before an indulgent fudgy finish. Treat your Dad to the Gold Medal winner of the 2019 Rum Masters.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $41.99

Sansho Spiced Rum

Completely eye-catching, this stand-out spirit dresses premium English rum in Japanese flavours. The rum is packed full of vibrant and rich layers; the sansho berries provide tongue tingling peppery citrus notes, the base rum made with 100% sugar cane molasses gives a Christmas cake sweetness, the Okinawan sugar provides rich treacly layers and there is smoky soy and sesame which gives the usual tobacco and oak flavours you would expect to find in an aged rum. It is absolutely exquisite and sings with a good ginger beer and ice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £38

VODKA

Blacklion Vodka

How about Europe’s first sheep’s milk vodka for Father’s Day? After tasting a sip, you might wonder why it hasn’t been done before (the awards panels certainly are!). Unbelievably smooth, the sugars-rich whey left over from the cheesemaking process is triple-distilled and triple-filtered to produce this rare, visionary, small-batch, and eco-conscious British vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £6

Dimas Vodka

If you’ve never heard of Dima’s Vodka before then allow us the pleasure of introducing, you. Hailing from Ukraine, this multi-grain mix (wheat, rye, and barley) is brimming with spice and creamy character. To complete the experience, drink alongside pickles as is the tradition!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

TEQUILA/MEZCAL

Ilegal Joven Mezcal

Illegal’s mezcal portfolio is stunning and we could really recommend any of them, but we’ve picked out this young Joven Mezcal. Traditionally produced with roasted agave in an earthen pit, delicious notes of dried fruits and herbs come through as well as smoky, peppery agave and some caramel sweetness. The perfect present for a tequila-loving Dad who wants to dip into the underappreciated world of mezcal!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $36.99

Don Julio Tequila Blanco

When perusing quality agave concoctions, you’re never far from Don Julio. Their Blanco is bottled (and stylishly so) straight after distillation meaning it’s packed full of fresh agave flavour. There’s a subtle burst of bright citrus but overall, this is just a stunning Blanco that doesn’t shy away from agave and is one of the smoothest around.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $49.99

COGNAC

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

If your Dad is a cognac drinker then you’re in luck, because with The Three Drinkers in Cognac available to watch now on Amazon Prime, we are obsessed with the stuff. The ever-reliable Rémy Martin produced this delicious VSOP to celebrate Louis XV’S decision to let them plant new vines on their land back in 1738 (which was illegal at the time). Complex fruits swirl around with orange coming to the fore, as caramel and spice intertwine harmoniously – if that doesn’t sound delicious, I don’t know what does.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £55.74 // US $69.99

Courvoisier VSOP

The winner of the highly regarded Master award in the Super Premium category at the Luxury Masters, this VSOP from the iconic Courvoisier has aged for around 10 years (which is well beyond the legal minimum). The fruity citrus is deep and rich, but it’s the warm notes of coffee, brown sugar, buttery toast, cinnamon, and vanilla that stand out here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

Hermitage is notable for doing things a little differently from most cognac houses, in that each of their bottles including this 10-year-old are single-estate and unblended. Most cognacs use eaux-de-vie from different growing areas, but sticking to one estate creates a bold and expressive mix. The roasted nuts have come through with age, as has the peppery spice and oakiness. This is the perfect present for someone who likes to take their time and sip their cognac neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £59.95

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT

Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre

Grand Marnier is another legendary creation from the cognac region, and it is in fact half cognac itself. The other half is bitter orange, and the expert blending of the two (which you can witness in our new show… hint hint ;) ) is what makes this a bartender’s favourite. Their Louis Alexandre is a little less sweet and instead drier than the original as it is in fact not a 50:50 mix but goes heavier on the cognac instead... a nod to Louis himself who liked his serve a little stronger. Pure luxury.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £48.99 // US $69.99

Aphro Palm

If you want to try something completely new, look no further. Aphro is made using alcohol distilled from Palm Wine (from Palm tree trunks). This Palm Spirit is widespread across parts of West Africa, and Aphro wants to refine it for us all to enjoy. Triple distilled, it’s wonderfully smooth and infused with tropical fruits, herbs, and spices from all over the continent. ‘The Nubi’ is flavoured with pineapple, passion fruit and honey, and ‘The Moor’ is ginger xylopia Ethiopia (fruit tree) and honey. With such gorgeous bottling too, Aphro is perfect for the curious drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.99

BEST MIXERS

Franklin and Sons

Franklin and Sons are absolute pioneers of the soft drinks space, ever since their beginnings in Victorian London. They specialise in natural and innovative flavourings with tonics, mixers, and soft drinks to suit all kinds of serves. It’s totally worth checking out their full range here, but we really recommend their warm Original Ginger Ale, sunny Sicilian Lemon, and aromatic Natural Rose Lemonade. We use them all the time and boy can they elevate a drink to that next level.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £20 24x200ml

AMAZING GLASSWARE

Glencairn Dad’s Wee Whisky Bundle

If your Dad loves whisky, then Father’s Day may well be the perfect opportunity to fit him out with some premium glassware to enhance the drinking experience. We use the Glencairn glass not just for whisky but cognac too because it opens up the nuances in quality liquids and feels great – it’s the world’s favourite whisky glass for a reason.

Includes: Two Wee Glencairn Glasses, a Wee Glencairn Jug and a Glencairn pipette
Find here: £35 (usually more!)

If your Dad prefers Dark Rums, then we just happen to have released our 2023 Guide here with top notch recommendations!

The Best Cosmopolitan Variations

The Cosmo! Yet again, its origin story is as blurry as a whole night drinking them. Many different bartenders have claimed it as their own, most notably Toby Cecchini in 80s New York bar The Odeon.

More famously though, Sex & The City were the ones to put it on the map, with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda never going too long without one. As we mentioned in our Iconic Cocktails from TV & Film breakdown, there are even forums dedicated to analysing the different Cosmos in the films!

The silver screen fired the Cosmopolitan to cocktail stardom and although it’s still popular, it’s ordered less and less these days. What better time then, to remind you of how great it is and to introduce you to some twists with these brilliant Cosmopolitan Variations!?

The Original – for the vodka lovers

Whenever you embark on a mixology tangent, it’s best to nail down the original first, right? A classic Cosmo packs a sweet and tangy punch, but one that feels fresh and clean rather than cloying or slush-puppy-ish in any way.

Ingredients
45ml (1.5oz) quality vodka (you could use citrus flavour)
15ml (0.5oz) Triple Sec
30ml (1oz) cranberry juice
A dash of lime
Garnish: orange zest

Method
Shake up good vodka with triple sec, cranberry juice, a handful of ice, and a dash of lime juice for added zip. Get your shake on, and then pour the mix into a martini glass with orange zest for the quintessential Cosmo experience! 

Cosmobellini – for the wine lovers

Fairly self-explanatory, this is a hybrid of the original Cosmo and the Bellini. Transforming into a refreshing brunch cocktail, this is a mellower, softer experience with less intense tang, and more gentle aromatics and sweetness. A bit of fizz always makes a nice switch-up.

Ingredients
30ml (1oz) vodka
10ml (0.3oz) triple sec/Cointreau
15ml (0.5oz) cranberry juice
10ml (0.3oz) white peach puree
A dash of lime
30ml (1oz) Prosecco

Method
A lot of shaking here to mix everything, so just add all ingredients except the Prosecco, strain into a chilled flute and top up with your bubbles to serve. Voila! 

The French Cosmopolitan – for the cognac lovers

We love Grand Marnier at The Three Drinkers, and swapping out the orange liqueur for it makes so much sense. Whilst it is still half orange (all be it bitter orange), the other half is cognac which adds a smooth richness and a different kind of fruitiness.

Ingredients
45ml (1.5oz) vodka
20ml (2/3oz) Grand Marnier
25ml (5.6oz) cranberry juice
A dash of lime
A dash of grenadine 
Garnish: orange zest

Method
Shake everything with a generous helping of ice until it feels cold to the touch, then strain. The garnish is up to you as any citrus goes, but we think some orange makes the most sense!

Strawberry Cosmo – for the strawberry lovers

This is a really simple twist on the original, but if you just want to try something only a little different it’s perfect. Fresh, muddled strawberries take the place of cranberry juice for a less tangy, more sweet fruity freshness.  

Ingredients
45ml (1.5oz) vodka (citrus flavour works well)
15ml (0.5oz) Triple Sec
30ml (1oz) muddled strawberries
A dash of lime
Garnish: strawberry

Method
Muddle sweet strawberries and shake with vodka, triple sec, fresh lime, and a load of ice. Double strain into a chilled glass and add a sliced strawberry garnish to finish.

Citrus Cosmo – for the citrus lovers

The Citrus Cosmo is the fruitiest variation, with serious zip and tang. There are tonnes of good lemon or lime-flavoured vodkas out there (check out our Best Flavoured Vodka), and whichever you pick, just add the opposite for the juice e.g. using lime vodka? Use fresh lemon juice below. Served with tonnes of ice, this is a lively citrus-forward take on the original that’s delicious over summer.

 Ingredients
45ml (1.5oz) lemon/lime vodka (like Masons Citrus)
15ml (0.5oz) cranberry juice
20ml (2/3oz) fresh orange juice
20ml (2/3oz) fresh lemon/lime juice
Dash of syrup (optional)

Method
All the hard work is done squeezing the fruits here – once that’s done, simply shake it all with ice, strain and pour! If you want it a little sweeter, add a dash of syrup.

ELDERFLOWER Cosmo – for aromatic lovers

With no cranberry or orange liqueur, this aromatic blend may be deemed heresy by the traditionalists, but cocktails are about experimentation! It’s wonderfully fragrant and floral with completely different notes to a usual Cosmo. It’s fresh, slightly tropical, and super refreshing – give it a go!

Ingredients
45ml (1.5oz) vodka (try Shanty Seaweed)
20ml (2/3oz) elderflower liqueur
20ml (2/3oz) pineapple juice
Dash of lemon
Dash of rose water (optional)
Garnish: basil

Method
Shake, shake, shake with ice, strain, and serve over large ice cubes and sip in the sun.

Vodka will always be centre stage in a Cosmo so the easiest way to mix it up is to embrace one of the many amazing, flavoured vodkas available right now!

The New Vodka Made from Peas

Move over potato and wheat, there's a new vodka ingredient in town - peas! That's right, Manchester drinks business Ten Locks has unleashed Pod Pea Vodka that’s making green waves in the sea of spirits.

Unlike other vodkas, Pod Pea Vodka is made using sustainably sourced British peas, which not only imparts distinctive taste but also comes with environmental benefits. Peas are a sustainable crop, requiring less water and fertilizers than other crops typically used for spirits, whilst feeding nitrogen to the soil at the same time. And let's not forget the obvious health benefits of peas, being a good source of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins! The peas are distilled into a neutral grain spirit which is then blended with beautiful Lake District water to create a smooth and refreshing flavour.

But Ten Locks' innovation doesn't stop there. They have also partnered with a London-based eco-startup, to create packaging made from recycled glass and sustainable labelling, making Pod Pea Vodka a truly green product from start to finish.

Don’t let the pea ingredient fool you into thinking it has an off-putting vegetal taste either, far from it. There is a vibrance to the vegetal note that rounds off the more familiar crisp lemon, creamy grain, pepper, and delicate sweetness. For a refreshing summer vodka serve, this will be on point served simply on the rocks, but combining with the likes of mint and cucumber in a Mojito twist would give create a gorgeous natural blend too.

The Pod Pea team have been busy themselves creating cocktails to star their creation, such as the Petit Pois Fizz, Easy Peasy, Pickle Pea Martini, and a take on the classic Bloody Mary – who says red and green should never be seen.

“We launch Pod Pea Vodka confident we’ve prioritised taste, flavour, and an unwavering belief that excellent ingredients can be sourced right here in the UK,” Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, said. Sounds good to us.

So, if you're looking for a vodka with a difference or one with an innovative green outlook, give Pod Pea Vodka a try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.45

Heinz and Absolut Team Up for Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce

Heinz and Absolut Vodka, now that’s two brands you probably didn’t foresee combining. But here we are, with their new Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce; a classic Heinz tomato sauce infused with Absolut Vodka to create a rich and creamy pasta sauce.

It probably isn’t as odd as it sounds at first because vodka is often combined with pasta, adding a touch of heat and sharpness to complement the sweet, creaminess of most pasta sauces. In this case, cheese and basil are also included to finish off a tomato sauce that has gone down very well indeed with those who’ve tried it.

It all started back in 2020 when supermodel Gigi Hadid boasted of a spicy pasta recipe using vodka and after it went viral, Pernod Ricard (owner of Absolut) had the idea to team up with another iconic brand in Heinz. Time will tell if this becomes a kitchen staple for those easy-to-make pasta dishes, but if it does, we can’t help but wonder if some kind of Bloody Mary crossover will be next?

If you’re not a vodka drinker, then you understandably probably don’t want to spend money on a whole bottle just to use a little in a pasta sauce, so this is actually quite a neat way for people to see what vodka can bring to pasta! Want to try? It’ll be available in Waitrose stores from April 12th at £2.50 per jar, but you can pre-order from the Heinz site here if you’re super keen!

To read more of the latest drinks news, click here.

Sunny D Launch their Vodka Seltzer

Sunny Delight is one of those drinks that’s etched into cultural history. It was created way back in 1963 in the US but arrived on the shores of the UK in 1998 with a huge promotional campaign that meant only a year later, it was the third best-selling drink after Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

However, sales slumped as the sugary reputation put parents off, and there was even a report of a four-year-old girl turning orange in 1999! How true that was is highly questionable, but it was enough to turn parents away.

Were you allowed to sip merrily on the orange tang? Or banned from drinking it because of concerns over it? Either way, Sunny Delight may just be the most nostalgic drink there is.

Now though, the childhood drink takes its steps into adulthood, with the launch of its Vodka Seltzer… and this time, there’s no added sugar, just real fruit juice!. As you might expect, it’s not the booziest of drinks at just 4.5% ABV, but it’s already been praised for its matured and unique taste by American drinkers.

And for now, that appears to be the only place you can pick it up. Priced at $9.99 for 4x 350ml cans, it’s rolling out across Walmart stores.

Who knows? If Sunny D Vodka Seltzer picks up the same momentum as the juice did in the 1990s, then maybe it will arrive on British soil soon!

12 Stunning Welsh Spirits You Need to Try

The range and quality of Welsh spirits are astounding, with master producers in every field. For some reason, it’s not always the first country on people’s lips when it comes to drinks so if you want to explore the finest Welsh spirits then we’ve got some belters for you below.

Whisky, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Liqueur, Vermouth – let’s dive in. Lechyd Da!

Whisky

Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky – Autumn 2021 Release

Sat in the shadow of Snowdon is Abergwyngregyn and the Aber Falls distillery. They’re new to the game having formed in 2017 and because of the pandemic, their inaugural release had to wait until 2021 – but it was worth it because it just might be the best value you can get from a whisky in the UK. It’s matured in a combination of Oloroso, Pedro Ximémnez, bourbon and virgin oak casks so you’ll notice generous doses of rich fruit and warming spice. The cherry on the cake is that local farmers are sourced for their Welsh barely with one eye always kept on sustainability. Bravo.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.44

Penderyn Portwood

This is Penderyn’s best whisky that justifies the price tag with every sip. Unbelievably smooth and light, rich and creamy notes of roasted nuts and chocolate blend with a resemblance of plum wine and a gorgeous jammy undertone. The initial ageing in Bourbon casks and second maturation in Port pipes has worked wonders. Simply sit back and savour over ice.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £54.90 / US $84.99

Gin

Brecon Botanicals Gin

Hinted at by the illustration, this special gin (from Penderyn again) infuses botanicals from the four corners of the world. Strictly speaking, only the final stages are completed in Wales but it’s so good that we’re still including it. Joining the pure Brecon Beacons water is a beautiful bouquet of citrus and bergamot, oriental spice, and coriander. Award-winning for good reason and incredible value to boot.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.65

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin

Aber Falls might have a very remote setting, but we’re circling back there for their bold Marmalade Gin. It would have been easy to go overboard with the sweetness here but it’s balanced perfectly with punchy fresh range. It smells, looks and tastes absolutely divine and is developing a loyal fanbase already. It throws up so many interesting serves too, but ice, tonic and a slice of orange isn’t a half bad place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £23.90

Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin

Tucked away in the cellar of the 17th century Hensol Castle is their craft gin distillery, and this benchmark London dry is the cream of their crop. It’s wonderfully refreshing with a seesaw of zest and floral notes from 11 locally sourced botanicals like lavender, marigold, and jasmine. Stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30

GWYR Gower Gin

Gower is a Welsh name with the original meaning of, ‘pure’, which is fitting for this gin. Juniper, lemon, pink grapefruit and fennel are the botanicals at play for a naturally crisp gin that manages earthy savoury notes and citrus sweetness so well. Full of flavour by itself, but try it with some ice and pink grapefruit tonic and it sings.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.95

Rum

Anglesey Rum Co. Skerries Dark Rum

Super smooth and deep in flavour, this is a delicious 100% pure cane molasses dark rum. If that wasn’t enough molasses, it’s also added after distillation is finished and the result is a really deep flavour with notes of chocolate, salted caramel and demerara sugar. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s stunning with cola, but also give it a go in a Dark Daiquiri.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38

Devil's Bridge Spiced Rum

Now that’s a gorgeous eye-catching bottle, and not just because of the plethora of awards on the side. The legend goes that the Devil built the bridge in Wales in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross! We’re sure he would have taken a bottle of this instead, it’s that good. Initially matured in bourbon barrels in the Caribbean, the magic is sprinkled in Wales with bara brith (spiced Welsh fruit cake) added, as well as Glengettie black tea and Shirgar Carmarthenshire butter... so make no mistake, it may begin miles away but this is a Welsh rum alright. Buttery and rich, there’s so much depth to the spice with no synthetic quality at all. Distinct and delicious!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Bullion Rum

If you’re going to come out with a fully gilded bottle then it better be good, and there’s no sense of being underwhelmed here. Behind the glimmering gold is a selection of secret herbs and spices as well as salted caramel for a subtly sweet and warming tipple. It’s bold enough to enjoy on the rocks, but it’d be interesting to experiment with it in cocktails too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.95

Vodka

Benjamin Hall Vodka

For below £20, this is a must-buy. It’s to-the-point grain vodka with smoothness beyond the price point. It tastes really clean with none of the afterburn that scorches the reputation of cheaper vodkas and would be an ideal go-to for any vodka cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £17.95

Cream Liqueur

Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur

Let us introduce you to this mouth-watering Penderyn liqueur using malted barley spirit and fresh cream. It’s in the same vein as Bailey’s, but thicker and with a hefty kick. The quality of the spirit under the cream shines through for a liquid that feels lush rather than sickly sweet. This won’t last long, trust us.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £16.90

Vermouth

Still Wild Extra Dry Vermouth

Wild thyme, coastal herbs and a hint of seaweed are some of the cold distilled wild botanicals that flavour this Pembrokeshire vermouth. There’s a bold brightness to every sip and inviting but complex herbaceous and floral notes that run through. The slight salty finish is crying out for a crisp Martini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: £26

If you’re after a few more whiskies and aren’t afraid to cross over the border, check out our Top 10 English/Welsh Whiskies here.